AI-assisted album submitted in Reggae Grammy category
Producer Donsome uses artificial intelligence to enhance vocals on new album
Published:Friday | October 3, 2025 | 12:08 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
When the list of albums accepted for consideration in the Best Reggae Album category of the Grammy Awards is revealed today, an AI-assisted album could very well make the list. The album is titled Dem Can’t Stop My Joy (Rastafari Forever) by Adrian Donsome Hanson and Forever Roots Band. The 12-track album was released on August 29 under Donsome Records LLC.
Hanson, a well known producer, is not intending to rock the reggae boat with this project, instead he is using AI to his advantage in a world in which artificial intelligence cannot be ignored. The vocals are “refined” by AI with Hanson credited as vocalist. His reason for doing this sounds pragmatic.
“Over the years I’ve been writing and producing many songs and albums, and one of the biggest challenges has been that most reggae artistes charge a producer to voice on their riddim. Once they collect the fee and record, that’s usually the end of their involvement – promotion, marketing, or even sharing the track on social media becomes the producer’s burden. You’re basically on your own until the song “buss” or takes off,” Hanson shared with The Gleaner.
He explained that with this album, which has already passed 45,000 streams on Spotify, he wanted more independence.
“I do about 90 per cent of the work myself – building the riddim, writing the lyrics, shaping the melodies, and even recording demo vocals. I also worked with Shan Blair to provide the female vocals ad libs. Then I use AI for maybe 10 per cent of the process – mostly to experiment with sound textures or to adjust how a vocal feels. So it’s not a fully AI-driven album; it’s human-led from start to finish, with AI only supporting my vision. I control the process, and that human direction is what gives the album its soul,” added Hanson.
That 10 per cent, however, was significant enough for him to have to declare it when filling out the forms to submit Stop My Joy ( Rastafari Forever) in the Best Reggae Album category of the Grammy Awards.
“What’s interesting is that this is actually the first time I’m publicly saying AI was involved. The only place I’ve declared it before was during my Grammy submission, where I had to explain exactly how AI played a role in the project,” Hanson continued.
The use of AI often triggers conversations grounded in ethical/moral concerns. When asked how he reconciled those concerns Hanson said he had none.
“I never asked AI to “make” the project for me. I just use AI to enhance certain parts, whether it’s adjusting a sound or shaping a vocal to match the vibe I want. So at the end of the day, the soul and authorship of the music is fully mine,” Hanson emphasised.
He added that the human element “is everything in this project” which he described as “freeing” because he didn’t have to wait on artistes or features to complete his vision. His message is simple: “If you’re going to use AI, you have to lead it and maintain your creativity. Don’t let AI lead you.”
Grammy watcher Sean ‘Contractor’ Edwards, who is “from the era of authenticity where reggae has the passion and the cry,” noted however, that AI technology is here to stay “and will only grow exponentially in music”.
“I see AI as a tool of technology that can be used in music like auto tune, which alters the pitch of vocals. For Grammy eligibility, however, a human must ultimately be the creative force behind the work. Also, while a song containing AI elements can win, the award itself recognises only the human creators involved, not the AI material,” Edwards stated.
First round of voting for the 2026 Grammys takes place from October 3 - 15. Recording Academy members will vote to determine the nominees across the various categories. The nominees will be announced November 7.