The artistry, rhythm, and pride of Caribbean culture took center stage on Saturday, August 28, 2025, as the third annual Caribbean Music Awards lit up the majestic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York. The show was a spirited celebration of the region’s music, culture, and legacy, complete with electrifying performances that had the audience dancing in their seats and soaking in the unmistakable energy of an elevated Caribbean fête.
Hosted by the King of Caribbean Comedy, Majah Hype, the night launched with a powerhouse collaboration as Elephant Man and Ding Dong stormed the stage, delivering a medley of hits including Nuh Linga, Pon Di River Pon Di Bank, Stir Fry, and Badman Forward Badman Pull Up. Their energy set the tone for an evening where artistry and community pride were on full display.
DJ Young Chow kept the crowd moving between award presentations with a mix of old-school and new-school Caribbean hits, blurring the lines between a formal red-carpet ceremony and a true island party. Performances from Romain Virgo, Lila Iké, Kranium, and Full Blown further ignited the crowd, showing off the genre-spanning depth of Caribbean talent.
Major category winners
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Dancehall Artist of the Year (Female) – Shenseea
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Dancehall Artist of the Year (Male) – Valiant
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Reggae Artist of the Year (Female) – Lila Iké
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Reggae Artist of the Year (Male) – Romain Virgo
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Soca Artist of the Year (Female) – Patrice Roberts
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Soca Artist of the Year (Male) – Skinny Fabulous
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Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year – Kranium
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Soca Song of the Year – DNA by Mical Teja
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Best Reggae Collaboration of the Year – Thank You Lord by Bugle, Buju Banton & Damian Marley
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Zess-Steam Artist of the Year (new category) – Lady Lava
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Bouyon Artist of the Year – The Bouyon Boys
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Bouyon Collaborator of the Year – Lady Lava
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Dancehall Impact Award – Armanii
Iconic honors & special recognitions
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Elite Icon Award – Busta Rhymes
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Lifetime Achievement Award – Bounty Killer
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Legacy Award – Haitian band Carimi
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Calypso Honors – Austin “Super Blue” Lyons
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Producer Award – Kerwin Du Bois
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Humanitarian Award – Sizzla Youth Foundation
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Gospel Excellence – Shirley Ann Cyril-Mayers
This year’s Caribbean Music Awards not only showcased unforgettable performances but also reaffirmed the genre’s influence far beyond the region. From dancehall and reggae to soca, calypso, and bouyon, the 2025 ceremony celebrated both trailblazers and rising stars—underscoring the global resonance of Caribbean music.
