V’ghn, 450 among first performers announced for Caribbean Music Awards
Key Points(5)
- The Caribbean Music Awards has announced the first wave of performers for its fourth annual ceremony, set for Saturday, September 19, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
- V’ghn, Freetown Collective, Jah Mason, 450, 1T1 and Theomaa are among the artists slated to perform, representing a mix of soca, reggae, dancehall, bouyon and contemporary Caribbean sounds.
- “The lineup reflects the depth of a region where distinct musical traditions continue to evolve, intersect and find new audiences around the world, with each artist bringing a distinct voice and perspective to the NAPA stage,” organizers said.
- Several of the performers are also nominees at this year's awards.
- V’ghn earned seven nominations, while Freetown Collective received three.
The Caribbean Music Awards has announced the first wave of performers for its fourth annual ceremony, set for Saturday, September 19, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
V’ghn, Freetown Collective, Jah Mason, 450, 1T1 and Theomaa are among the artists slated to perform, representing a mix of soca, reggae, dancehall, bouyon and contemporary Caribbean sounds.
“The lineup reflects the depth of a region where distinct musical traditions continue to evolve, intersect and find new audiences around the world, with each artist bringing a distinct voice and perspective to the NAPA stage,” organizers said.
Several of the performers are also nominees at this year's awards. V’ghn earned seven nominations, while Freetown Collective received three. 1T1 is recognized in the bouyon categories, 450 is nominated for Dancehall Album of the Year and Theomaa is up for Bouyon Song of the Year.
Additional performers, presenters and special appearances are expected to be announced ahead of the ceremony.
This year's awards will also spotlight Dominica as the birthplace of bouyon, a genre that organizers say has gained an increasingly prominent place in Caribbean and international music.
“From carnival celebrations across the Caribbean to Fête de la Musique and beyond, Bouyon has become a defining sound of celebration, bringing new audiences to the genre while keeping its Dominican roots firmly in view,” organizers said.
The Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority, will participate as a category sponsor as part of efforts to promote the country's music and culture.
“As the genre continues to evolve, Dominica remains at the forefront of efforts to preserve, celebrate and elevate the cultural traditions that gave Bouyon its foundation,” organizers said.
The ceremony marks a new chapter for the Caribbean Music Awards, with Trinidad and Tobago becoming the first Caribbean destination to host the event as organizers seek to highlight different islands and their cultural traditions in future editions.
Billboard has also joined this year's event as the Official Global Media Partner and will livestream the Caribbean Music Awards red carpet special while promoting the event across its digital and social platforms.
Organizers said the partnership will give international audiences “a front-row look” at the artists, honorees and cultural figures attending the ceremony while bringing the energy of Trinidad to Billboard's global music audience.
TRACE will return as a media partner, extending coverage of the awards across the Caribbean, France and African territories through its international music and culture platforms.
The awards will form part of the inaugural Caribbean Elite Weekend Experience, scheduled for September 18-20 across Trinidad and Tobago.
The weekend will begin with a welcome reception on Friday, September 18, followed by the Caribbean Music Awards on Saturday. The festivities will conclude Sunday with the Stars & Steel Concert & Awards.
This year's ceremony will be hosted by Trinidadian singer Nailah Blackman and comedian Majah Hype.
Shyne, Calypso Rose, Alan Cavé and Patra will also be honored for their contributions to Caribbean music and culture.
The event is presented by Tourism Trinidad Limited, with support from the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited, the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, and Global Trinidad and Tobago.
