Antiguan Soca artist Zamoni Martin has garnered a significant nomination at the prestigious Dominica Music Awards 2025, celebrating his collaboration on the vibrant Bouyon Soca track “Mash Up Kingdom.” This cross-Caribbean musical endeavor, featuring Dominican artists Mr. Benji and Pahjo, underscores the deepening artistic ties across the region and marks a major milestone for the rising Antiguan talent.
The 2025 Dominica Music Awards ceremony is slated to take place on January 3, 2026, at the elegant InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, with public voting now officially underway. Martin’s nomination shines a spotlight not only on his individual artistry but also on the powerful fusion of musical styles that defines contemporary Caribbean music.
Zamoni Martin: An Emerging Force in Caribbean Music
Zamoni Martin, a young artist known for his energetic performances and distinctive vocal style, has been making waves in the Soca music scene. Hailing from Antigua and Barbuda, he has previously impressed audiences with his EP “I AM” and the hit single “We Bad.” His unique sound, which often infuses traditional Antiguan melodies with modern international influences, has earned him a dedicated following across the Caribbean and even in Europe. Martin’s versatility is further highlighted by his nomination in the “Soca Artist of the Year” category at the same awards, demonstrating his broad impact on the genre.
“I’m beyond happy, grateful, and truly blessed to be nominated for the Soca Artist of the Year category at the Dominica Music Awards!” Martin shared. “This one means a lot to me as an artist, and I’m asking all my supporters, friends, and family to please vote and share the…” His enthusiasm underscores the personal significance of this recognition.
“Mash Up Kingdom”: A Fusion of Bouyon and Soca
The nominated track, “Mash Up Kingdom,” is a prime example of the evolving Bouyon Soca genre. This exciting fusion blends the infectious rhythms of Dominica’s indigenous Bouyon music with the high-energy pulse of Soca music, a genre with deep roots in Trinidad and Tobago and across the English-speaking Caribbean. Bouyon itself emerged in Dominica in the late 1980s, a creative synthesis of traditional island rhythms like Jing Ping and Cadence-lypso with modern instrumentation. This resulting Bouyon Soca sound has been popularized by various artists and producers, gaining traction across islands like Antigua, St. Lucia, and beyond.
The collaboration on “Mash Up Kingdom” brings together Zamoni Martin from Antigua with Dominica’s own Mr. Benji (Wayne Benjamin) and Pahjo (Patrick Joseph). Their joint effort not only showcases their individual talents but also serves as a testament to the creative synergy growing between Caribbean nations, fostering a rich exchange of musical ideas and cultural expression.
The Dominica Music Awards: A Platform for Regional Excellence
The Dominica Music Awards (DMA), organized by Creole Heartbeat, stand as a significant event dedicated to honoring the exceptional talent, innovation, and cultural contributions within Dominica’s dynamic music industry. Established to amplify Dominican talent regionally and internationally, the awards feature 23 diverse categories, celebrating artists, producers, songwriters, and other industry professionals.
Public voting for the 2025 edition has commenced and will run until December 10, 2025. Fans worldwide are encouraged to cast their ballots via the official voting portal to support their favorite artists. The culmination of this voting process will be the grand awards ceremony on January 3, 2026, hosted at the picturesque InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa. This venue, known for its luxurious setting amidst the natural beauty of Cabrits National Park, provides a fitting backdrop for celebrating the best of Caribbean music.
The Dominica Music Awards aim to foster the growth of the creative economy, expand opportunities for artists, and showcase Dominica’s rich cultural identity to the global stage. By recognizing achievements across various genres, including Bouyon, Soca, Cadence-Lypso, and more, the DMA plays a crucial role in documenting and promoting the evolving soundscape of the Caribbean.
Celebrating Inter-Island Musical Connections
Zamoni Martin’s nomination for “Mash Up Kingdom” is more than just an individual achievement; it represents the increasing interconnectedness of the Caribbean music scene. Artists are frequently collaborating across borders, creating a richer, more diverse musical output that resonates with audiences throughout the diaspora and beyond. This collaboration between an Antiguan Soca artist and Dominican Bouyon artists highlights the genre’s appeal and the willingness of musicians to explore new sonic territories.
As the countdown to the Dominica Music Awards 2025 begins, the nomination of “Mash Up Kingdom” serves as an exciting piece of news, promising a night of celebration for artists, industry professionals, and fans alike. It underscores the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of Caribbean music and its growing influence on the international stage. The collective efforts of artists like Zamoni Martin, Mr. Benji, and Pahjo are vital in shaping the future of regional music, ensuring its continued growth and global recognition.