There were no Caribbean-born singers and no reggae category but two Caribbean-roots singers did manage to win at the 2018 Billboard Awards this past weekend.
Bruno Mars, whose roots extend to the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico through his father, won five awards for Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Male Artist, Top R&B Album, Top R&B Song and Top R&B Tour.
And rapper Cardi B, whose roots extend to Trinidad through her mother, beat out Trinidad-born rapper Nicki Minaj to claim the coveted title of Top Rap Female Artist.
Bajan star Rihanna, who was nominated for both Top R&B Song and Top R&B Female Artist, failed to win.
Meanwhile, even though a reggae category was MIA from the awards, Ed Sheeran managed to win Top Radio Song for his reggae infused single, ‘Shape Of You.’
