Caribbean Music Awards 2025: A Night of Caribbean Excellence

The 3rd annual Caribbean Music Awards brought New York to life on 28 August 2025, delivering a dazzling showcase of Caribbean talent. The event blended live performances, special honors, and landmark wins, celebrating both the trailblazers of the past and the rising stars shaping the region’s future.

Celebrating the Year’s Top Artists

This year’s winners reflected the strength and diversity of Caribbean music. Shenseea and Valiant claimed the Dancehall Artist of the Year awards, while Reggae Artist of the Year honors went to Lila Iké and Romain Virgo. In soca, Patrice Roberts and Skinny Fabulous took home the top titles.

Beyond individual categories, the power of collaboration also stood out. Thank You Lord by Bugle, Buju Banton & Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley earned Reggae Collaboration of the Year, proving the genre’s enduring resonance when artists come together.

Honoring Legends at the Caribbean Music Awards 2025

The awards also highlighted trailblazers who have shaped the sound and spirit of the region. Busta Rhymes received the Elite Icon Award, while Bounty Killer was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Calypso great Austin “Super Blue” Lyons was honoured for his enduring contributions to the art form, and Haitian group Carimi earned the Legacy Award.

Special recognitions went to Kerwin Du Bois (Producer Honors), the Sizzla Youth Foundation (Humanitarian Award), and Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers (Gospel Excellence). Together, these awards reflected the diverse influence of Caribbean music on both culture and community.

New Sounds and Standout Wins at the Caribbean Music Awards 2025

Other major categories celebrated the range and creativity of the region:

• Dancehall Artist of the Year (Male): Valiant
• Dancehall Artist of the Year (Female): Shenseea
• Reggae Artist of the Year (Male): Romain Virgo
• Reggae Artist of the Year (Female): Lila Iké
• Soca Artist of the Year (Male): Skinny Fabulous
• Soca Artist of the Year (Female): Patrice Roberts
• Reggae Collaboration of the Year: Thank You Lord – Bugle ft. Buju Banton & Damian Marley

These wins showcased not just dominance in traditional genres like reggae and soca but also the growing global recognition of bouyon and its innovators.

Expanding the Caribbean Soundscape

Emerging genres also claimed the spotlight. The Bouyon Boys secured Bouyon Artist of the Year, while Lady Lava captured both Bouyon Collaborator of the Year and recognition as a force in the growing zess-steam movement. These awards reflected the evolution of the Caribbean soundscape and its expanding global reach.

Caribbean Music Awards 2025: Legacy, Pride, and Global Impact

From dancehall and reggae to soca, calypso, and bouyon, the 2025 ceremony celebrated the artistry and resilience of Caribbean music. By honoring pioneers, uplifting innovators, and spotlighting fresh talent, the Caribbean Music Awards reaffirmed the region’s role as a powerful cultural force worldwide.

The night was not only a celebration of achievements but also a reminder: Caribbean music is more than entertainment, it is heritage, resistance, and global pride.