The third annual Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) illuminated Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre on August 28, 2025, culminating in a landmark broadcast on BET on September 12, marking a historic moment for Caribbean culture on mainstream television. This premier event, organized by Caribbean Elite Group, served as a vibrant celebration of the diverse artistry and profound global impact of Caribbean music.
A Milestone Broadcast on BET
A significant development for the 2025 ceremony was the partnership with BET Media Group, which broadcast the awards show on Friday, September 12, at 8 PM ET/PT. This collaboration signifies a monumental step in amplifying Caribbean voices and culture across a wider audience, underscoring BET’s commitment to celebrating Black culture. Raymond Goulbourne, EVP of Broadcast Media Sales at BET, stated, “Caribbean culture represents an essential dimension of the Black experience, and at BET Media Group, we remain steadfast in our role as the leading media institution dedicated to amplifying Black culture.” This historic broadcast provided an unprecedented platform for the richness, artistry, and vibrancy of the Caribbean music scene.
Leading up to the main event, BET also live-streamed the red carpet arrivals on BET.com, BET’s YouTube and Facebook channels, and the official “Caribbean Music Awards” social media platforms on August 28, offering fans an exclusive glimpse into the glamour and excitement before the show began.
Celebrating the “Voices of the Caribbean”
Under the theme “Voices of the Caribbean,” the 2025 awards celebrated a wide spectrum of genres including Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, R&B, Gospel, and Calypso. The night was filled with electrifying performances from notable artists such as Skinny Fabulous, Lila Iké, Lady Lava, Kranium, Chronic Law, Romain Virgo, Full Blown, Maureen, and Konshens, along with surprise guest appearances. The ceremony was expertly hosted by Majah Hype, the “King of Caribbean Comedy,” who kept the energy high throughout the evening.
A Night of Esteemed Honors and Major Wins
The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards recognized both enduring legends and contemporary stars who are shaping the future of Caribbean music. Among the distinguished honorees were Busta Rhymes, who received the Elite Icon Award, reflecting on his deep connection to his Jamaican heritage; Bounty Killer, celebrated with the Lifetime Achievement Award; and Carimi, honored with the Legacy Honors. Additional special recognitions included the Sizzla Youth Foundation for Humanitarian Honors, Shirley Ann Cyril-Mayers for Gospel Honors, Austin “Super Blue” Lyons for Calypso Honors, and Kerwin Du Bois for Producer Honors.
In the competitive categories, Shenseea emerged as a dominant force, securing five awards and making history as the most awarded solo artist in CMA history. Her wins included Dancehall Album of the Year for “Never Gets Late Here” and Female Dancehall Artist of the Year. Masicka also had a significant night, sharing wins and taking home Reggae Song of the Year for his collaboration with Romain Virgo, “Been There Before.” Other notable winners included Romain Virgo for Male Reggae Artist of the Year and Reggae Song of the Year, Lila Iké for Female Reggae Artist of the Year, Patrice Roberts for Female Soca Artist of the Year, and Kes for Male Soca Artist of the Year. Dexta Daps earned the inaugural Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year award.
Masicka and Shenseea led the nominations with seven nods each, followed by Patrice Roberts and Kes with six. This year also saw an impressive 73% increase in voting compared to previous years, highlighting the growing engagement and significance of the awards.
Expanding Categories and Global Reach
The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards introduced seven new categories, reflecting the genre’s continuous evolution and expanding global influence. These additions included Reggae – Collaboration of the Year, Reggae Song of the Year, Female – International DJ of the Year, Caribbean Fusion Song of the Year, Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year, the high-energy Zess-Steam Artist of the Year, and Gospel Song of the Year. This expansion demonstrates a commitment to recognizing the diverse and dynamic talent within the broader Caribbean music landscape.
Emerging Talent and Artist Presence
The event also provided a platform for emerging artists to gain recognition. Among those nominated and present were artists like Rajah Wild and Armanii, who were contenders in categories such as Dancehall – Best New Artist and Dancehall – Impact Award. While the initial context mentioned interviews with artists like Amarnii, Serani, and Rajah Wild touching on various personal themes, detailed interview content on those specific topics was not available in the research for this article. However, their participation underscores the awards’ role in spotlighting the next generation of Caribbean music talent.
A Resounding Celebration of Culture
The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards successfully solidified its position as a pivotal event for celebrating and elevating Caribbean music and culture on a global stage. With its historic broadcast on BET, a stellar lineup of performers and honorees, and its dedication to recognizing a diverse range of talent and genres, the ceremony underscored the immense and growing influence of Caribbean music worldwide. The event served not only as an awards show but as a powerful movement, fostering unity and pride within the Caribbean diaspora and beyond.