Sheribaby: Jamaican Patois Audiobook Makes Grammy History
Sharon Gordon's groundbreaking work could become the first Jamaican dialect audiobook ever recognized by the Recording Academy
- Staff Writer
In a moment that could reshape how the world views Jamaican language and culture, Sheribaby - an audiobook written and narrated entirely in Jamaican patois by Sharon Gordon has entered Grammy consideration for the 2026 awards. If the significance of this moment isn't immediately clear, consider this: to Gordon's knowledge, Sheribaby may be the first audiobook written entirely in Jamaican dialect ever submitted for Grammy recognition.
That's not just a personal achievement, it's a cultural earthquake.
A Language Finally Gets Its Due
Sheribaby is officially under consideration in Category 70: Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling. Grammy members are voting through October 15, 2025, with nominees to be announced on November 7. Final voting will take place between December 2025 and January 2026, but the real victory may already be won, Jamaican patois, a language spoken by millions yet often dismissed or devalued, is finally being recognized on one of the world's biggest stages.
The timing feels almost prophetic. Just as Sheribaby makes its Grammy push, Google recently added Jamaican dialect to Google Translate, signaling a broader shift in how the language is perceived globally. For too long, patois has been relegated to the margins, considered "broken English" or informal speech rather than the rich, complex language it truly is. Sheribaby and Gordon's work challenge that narrative head-on.
More Than an Audiobook—A Cultural Statement
Released on March 10, 2025, Sheribaby isn't just told in Jamaican patois, it's written in it, complete with a glossary to help non-native speakers navigate the language's rhythms and nuances. This isn't translation or accommodation; it's assertion. Gordon has created a work that unapologetically centers Jamaican language and culture, demanding that listeners meet the story on its own terms.
The audiobook has sparked conversations worldwide, resonating with Caribbean diaspora communities who've long fought to have their language treated with respect, and introducing others to the melodic, expressive power of patois. It's a modern-day classic in the making, one that proves Jamaican dialect isn't just suitable for casual conversation or comedy—it's a vehicle for serious storytelling, emotional depth, and artistic excellence.
Standing on the Shoulders of Miss Lou
Gordon's work draws direct inspiration from the legendary Louise "Miss Lou" Bennett-Coverley, the pioneering Jamaican folklorist, poet, and cultural icon who spent her life championing patois as a legitimate and beautiful language. Miss Lou fought those battles decades ago, using her platform to elevate Jamaican speech and challenge colonial attitudes about language hierarchy.
In many ways, Sheribaby is the fulfillment of Miss Lou's vision—a world where Jamaican patois isn't just tolerated but celebrated, where it can stand proudly on international stages and be judged by the same standards as any other language or artistic expression.
What's at Stake
As Grammy voters consider Sheribaby this month, they're doing more than evaluating an audiobook. They're making a statement about what languages, what voices, and what stories deserve recognition. A nomination—or better yet, a win—would send a powerful message to the millions of patois speakers worldwide: your language matters, your stories matter, and your culture deserves a place at the table.
For Jamaica and the global Caribbean community, Sheribaby's Grammy consideration represents validation that's been centuries in the making. Whether or not it takes home the award, Sharon Gordon has already achieved something remarkable: she's made sure the world is listening.
And this time, they're listening in patois.
