The vibrant pulse of the Caribbean resonated through Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre on August 28, 2025, as the 3rd Annual Caribbean Music Awards celebrated the rich tapestry of island sounds and culture under the theme “Voices of the Caribbean.” This landmark event, which recognized artists across reggae, soca, dancehall, and more, culminated in a star-studded evening that honored both emerging talents and established legends, with a significant portion of the night’s accolades going to powerhouse female artists. For the first time, this celebration of Caribbean excellence was broadcast across the U.S. on BET, amplifying the reach of this dynamic music genre.
A Night of Major Wins
The competitive categories saw a strong showing from female artists, with Shenseea taking home the coveted Female Dancehall Artist of the Year Award, further solidifying her global impact. Similarly, Lila Iké was honored as Female Reggae Artist of the Year, and Patrice Roberts claimed the Female Soca Artist of the Year title, underscoring the prowess of women in their respective genres.
On the male side, Romain Virgo continued his winning streak by securing the Male Reggae Artist of the Year award, fending off stiff competition. Valiant was recognized as Male Dancehall Artist of the Year, while Skinny Fabulous earned the title of Male Soca Artist of the Year, reflecting the diverse talent dominating the Caribbean music scene.
Collaboration also took center stage, with the powerful track “Thank You Lord” by Bugle featuring Buju Banton & Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley clinching the Reggae Collaboration of the Year award. The ceremony also introduced new categories, including the first-ever Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year, awarded to Dexta Daps.
Honoring Legends and Trailblazers
The Caribbean Music Awards also paid homage to the pioneers and icons who have shaped the industry. Dancehall legend Bounty Killer was celebrated with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his decades of influence. Hip-hop superstar Busta Rhymes, with his deep Caribbean roots, received the Elite Icon Award for his groundbreaking contributions and ability to bridge genres.
The Legacy Honors were bestowed upon the influential Haitian band Carimi. Kerwin Du Bois was recognized with Producer Honors for his significant impact on music creation. Further recognizing diverse contributions, the Sizzla Youth Foundation received the Humanitarian Award, Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers was honored with Gospel Honors, and calypso titan Austin “Super Blue” Lyons was saluted with Calypso Honors.
Electrifying Performances and Unforgettable Moments
The night was a spectacle of talent, featuring exhilarating performances that kept the energy high. Hosts Majah Hype kept the audience entertained with his signature comedic flair. The stage came alive with acts including Elephant Man, Ding Dong, Skinny Fabulous, Lila Iké, Romain Virgo, Lady Lava, Kranium, Chronic Law, Full Blown, and Konshens, among others.
A notable moment of unity occurred when dancehall icons Bounty Killer and Elephant Man shared a heartwarming reconciliation on stage. DJ Khaled’s track “You Remind Me,” featuring a lineup of Jamaican dancehall artists, was also highlighted. The red carpet livestream, hosted by Naomi Cowan, Spexdaboss, and DJ AG, offered a glimpse into the glamour preceding the main event, with DJ AG making his U.S. debut.
The Evolving Landscape of Caribbean Music
The 3rd Annual Caribbean Music Awards underscored the genre’s growing global influence and its dynamic evolution. With over 150 nominees across more than 40 categories, the expanded slate of awards, including new additions like Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year and Zess-Steam Artist of the Year, reflects the diverse and expanding reach of Caribbean music. The significant increase in public voting, up 73% from previous years, signals a heightened engagement and appreciation for Caribbean artists worldwide. The event’s mission to provide a dedicated platform for Caribbean artists, whose contributions are often overlooked by mainstream awards, continues to gain traction.
Historic Broadcast and Notable Incidents
The partnership with BET Media Group for a U.S. broadcast marked a historic milestone, bringing Caribbean music to a wider audience. The ceremony successfully showcased the vibrant culture and immense talent emanating from the Caribbean diaspora. Amidst the celebrations, reports emerged of notable attendees facing unexpected challenges; Prince Harry was reportedly denied entry to the event, a moment that sparked considerable discussion, adding an unexpected element to the evening’s news cycle.
The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards proved to be more than just an awards ceremony; it was a powerful testament to the enduring legacy, current vibrancy, and promising future of Caribbean music. By uniting artists, celebrating cultural heritage, and recognizing achievements on a global scale, the event solidified its position as a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of Caribbean artistry and its indelible impact on the world’s music scene.