The Third Annual Caribbean Music Awards Set for August 28, 2025, in Brooklyn

The vibrant heartbeat of the Caribbean is once again heading to New York City. The third annual Caribbean Music Awards will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the historic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, celebrating the diverse sounds and global influence of Caribbean music.

For the first time, the show will air to a broader audience when it is broadcast on BET and BET Her on Friday, September 12, 2025, ensuring fans across the U.S. can tune in. Red carpet coverage will be streamed live on BET’s digital platforms and the Caribbean Music Awards’ official social channels, capturing the glamour, style, and excitement as the region’s biggest stars arrive.

🎶 Official website: CaribMusicAwards.com

Honoring Caribbean Excellence

This year’s ceremony will feature over 200 nominees across more than 40 categories, representing genres that continue to define the Caribbean’s musical identity. From soca and dancehall to reggae, calypso, kompa, gospel, and fusion, the awards highlight both tradition and innovation.

Several legends and pioneers will also be honored for their contributions:

• Busta Rhymes – Elite Icon Award

• Bounty Killer – Lifetime Achievement Award

• Austin “Super Blue” Lyons – Calypso Honors

• Kerwin Du Bois – Producer Honors

• Carimi – Legacy Honors

• The Sizzla Youth Foundation – Humanitarian Honors

• Shirley Ann Cyril-Mayers – Gospel Honors

A Star-Studded Lineup of Performances

The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards will bring together some of the region’s most dynamic performers. Taking the stage will be Lila Iké, Chronic Law, Ding Dong, Kranium, Romain Virgo, Lady Lava, Skinny Fabulous, Full Blown, Maureen, and Konshens, each promising unforgettable live sets that showcase the energy and diversity of Caribbean music.

Genre Highlights

• Soca: With high-energy rhythms and infectious hooks, soca continues to dominate festival stages. Categories include Soca Artist of the Year and Soca Song of the Year.

• Dancehall: Jamaica’s influential sound is recognized with awards for Dancehall Artist of the Year and Dancehall Album of the Year.

• Reggae: Known for its roots and socially conscious lyrics, reggae will be celebrated with categories like Reggae Album of the Year.

• Kompa: Haiti’s vibrant dance music will take center stage in the Kompa Artist of the Year category.

• Calypso: A genre steeped in history and satire, calypso will shine with a tribute to Super Blue.

• Caribbean R&B, Fusion, Gospel, and Latin Caribbean: These growing categories reflect the region’s evolving sound and international influence.

Leading Nominees

Several artists have emerged as top contenders, earning multiple nominations across genres:

• Shenseea (7 nominations) – Recognized in both Dancehall and Reggae, including Female Dancehall Artist of the Year and Reggae Album of the Year for Never Gets Late Here.

• Masicka (7 nominations) – Nominated for Male Dancehall Artist of the Year and multiple song categories, including “Whites” (Dancehall) and “Been There Before” with Romain Virgo (Reggae).

• Patrice Roberts (6 nominations) – A soca powerhouse making waves in Caribbean Fusion as well.

• Kes (6 nominations) – Celebrated for his work in Soca and Fusion with Kes the Band.

• Nailah Blackman (5 nominations) – Highlighted for Soca Song of the Year with “Best Self.”

• Chronic Law (5 nominations) – With Kranium, his hit “Higher Life” is nominated for Dancehall Song of the Year.

• Kranium (5 nominations) – Featured in both Dancehall and Caribbean R&B.

• Vybz Kartel (5 nominations) – The Dancehall legend returns with nominations including Dancehall Album of the Year.

• Romain Virgo (4 nominations) – Bridging Reggae and collaborations with Masicka.

• Bunji Garlin (4 nominations) – A stalwart of Soca, nominated for Soca Song of the Year.

• Lila Iké (4 nominations) – Recognized for Reggae and genre-blending collaborations.

• Dexta Daps (3 nominations) – Nominated for his Trilogy album and as Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year.

A Global Celebration of Caribbean Music

The Caribbean Music Awards not only highlight the incredible talent of the region but also showcase the way these sounds have influenced global music trends. With an expanded broadcast on BET, the 2025 event marks a milestone in bringing Caribbean culture to an international stage.

From the pulsating energy of soca to the conscious message of reggae, and from the innovation of fusion to the soul of gospel, the awards will be a night of rhythm, recognition, and celebration.