Caribbean Music Awards 2026 Lineup Features Top Artists

The Caribbean Music Awards has revealed its first group of performers for the 2026 ceremony in Trinidad and Tobago.

V’ghn, Freetown Collective, Jah Mason, 450, 1T1 and Theomaa will take the stage on Saturday, September 19. The fourth annual awards will take place at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain.

The initial lineup brings together artists from several corners of the region. Their music spans soca, reggae, dancehall, bouyon and other contemporary Caribbean sounds.

Organizers plan to announce more performers, presenters and special guests before the ceremony.

Nominees Join the Performance Lineup

Several of the announced performers could also leave NAPA with awards. Grenadian artist V’ghn heads into the ceremony with seven nominations. Trinidad and Tobago’s Freetown Collective has secured three.

Dancehall artist 450 earned a nomination for Dancehall Album of the Year. Meanwhile, 1T1 features among the bouyon nominees, and Theomaa will compete for Bouyon Song of the Year.

The combination of performances and nominations will give several artists a major presence throughout the night.

Caribbean Music Awards Puts Bouyon in the Spotlight

This year’s ceremony will also celebrate Dominica’s role as the birthplace of bouyon. The genre has continued to expand beyond its Dominican roots. Its energetic sound now features prominently at carnivals, festivals and Caribbean events around the world.

Organizers want the awards to celebrate that growing reach while keeping Dominica’s contribution at the centre of the conversation. The Government of Dominica will support the recognition through the Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority. The country will participate as a category sponsor.

The partnership forms part of wider efforts to showcase Dominican culture and preserve the traditions that shaped bouyon.

Trinidad and Tobago Makes Caribbean Music Awards History

The 2026 ceremony marks a major shift for the Caribbean Music Awards. Trinidad and Tobago will become the first Caribbean destination to host the event. Organizers also plan to use future ceremonies to showcase other islands and their individual cultural traditions.

The move brings the awards directly into one of the region’s major music and Carnival destinations. Trinidadian singer Nailah Blackman and comedian Majah Hype will host this year’s ceremony.

The awards will also honour several influential Caribbean artists. Shyne, Calypso Rose, Alan Cavé and Patra will receive recognition for their contributions to Caribbean music and culture.

Billboard Joins as Global Media Partner

The Caribbean Music Awards will also receive increased international exposure this year.

Billboard has joined the event as its Official Global Media Partner. The music platform will livestream a red carpet special and promote the awards across its digital and social channels.

The partnership will introduce more international viewers to the artists and cultural figures attending the Trinidad ceremony.

TRACE will also return as a media partner. Its coverage will reach audiences across the Caribbean, France and several African territories.

Awards Anchor Caribbean Elite Weekend

The Caribbean Music Awards will form part of the first Caribbean Elite Weekend Experience. Events will run from September 18 to 20 across Trinidad and Tobago.

A welcome reception will open the weekend on Friday, September 18. The Caribbean Music Awards will follow on Saturday at NAPA.

The Stars & Steel Concert & Awards will close the weekend on Sunday, September 20.

Tourism Trinidad Limited will present the event. The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited, Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, and Global Trinidad and Tobago will also provide support.

With more names still to come, the first performer announcement sets the stage for a weekend built around Caribbean music, culture and regional talent.