Caribbean Music Awards 2025 Crowns Kings and Queens of Island Sound in Brooklyn
The vibrant pulse of Caribbean music reverberated through Brooklyn’s iconic Kings Theatre on August 28, 2025, as the 3rd Annual Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) celebrated a night of electrifying performances, history-making wins, and profound tributes. Presented by Caribbean Elite Group, the event showcased the immense talent and global influence of artists across genres like dancehall, reggae, soca, calypso, and bouyon, solidifying its status as Culture’s Biggest Night. The awards ceremony, which was broadcast on BET on September 12th, honored the best in Caribbean music, recognizing both established legends and rising stars who continue to shape the dynamic future of the industry.
A Night of Triumphant Wins and Stellar Performances
The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards saw a dazzling array of artists take home coveted trophies, with Jamaican sensations Shenseea and Romain Virgo emerging as significant winners. Shenseea dominated the night, securing five awards including Female Dancehall Artist of the Year and Dancehall Album of the Year for “Never Gets Late Here,” making her the most awarded solo artist in CMA history. Romain Virgo was honored as Male Reggae Artist of the Year and also took home Reggae Song of the Year for “Been There Before,” featuring Masicka.
Powerhouse female artists claimed major titles in their respective genres: Lila Iké was named Female Reggae Artist of the Year, Patrice Roberts secured Female Soca Artist of the Year, and Shenseea was crowned Female Dancehall Artist of the Year. On the male side, Valiant was recognized as Male Dancehall Artist of the Year, Romain Virgo as Male Reggae Artist of the Year, and Skinny Fabulous as Male Soca Artist of the Year. The newly introduced Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year honor went to Dexta Daps, and Kranium received the award for Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year.
The night was also marked by unforgettable performances that set the stage alight. Elephant Man and Ding Dong kicked off the show with a high-energy medley of their hits, including “Nuh Linga” and “Badman Forward Badman Pull Up”. Other notable performances came from artists like Maureen, who delivered a fiery rendition of “Tic,” and Lady Lava, who closed the show with her hit “Ring Finger”. The celebration of Caribbean music also extended to Latin Caribbean Artist of the Year, awarded to Bad Bunny, and French Caribbean Artist of the Year, which went to Joé Dwèt Filé.
Honoring Legends and Industry Pillars
Beyond the competitive categories, the Caribbean Music Awards paid homage to the indelible contributions of music pioneers and industry figures. The esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to dancehall icon Bounty Killer, recognizing his decades of influence. Global superstar Busta Rhymes received the Elite Icon Award, celebrating his significant impact as a Caribbean-rooted artist in the international music scene.
Other impactful honorees included the Haitian band Carimi, who received the Legacy Award for their influential work. Sizzla Kalonji was honored with the Humanitarian Award for his commitment to youth advocacy through the Sizzla Youth Foundation. Kerwin Du Bois was celebrated with Producer Honors, while Austin “Super Blue” Lyons received the Calypso Honors, and Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers was recognized with Gospel Honors. Bugle, Buju Banton, and Damian Marley’s collaborative track “Thank You Lord” clinched the Reggae Collaboration of the Year award, highlighting the power of cross-generational partnerships.
A Movement for Caribbean Culture
The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards reaffirmed the region’s significant influence on global music, serving as a crucial platform to promote and elevate Caribbean genres. Hosted by the charismatic Majah Hype, the event at Kings Theatre was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a vibrant celebration of Caribbean pride, culture, and artistic excellence. With over 150 nominees across more than 40 categories, the 2025 edition highlighted the genre’s evolution and international reach. The significant increase in voting compared to previous years further underscored the event’s growing importance and impact within the global music community.
The success of the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards, with its blend of competitive wins, heartfelt tributes, and electrifying performances, underscores the enduring power and dynamic future of Caribbean music news and its artists on the world stage.