Third annual Caribbean Music Awards coming up, voting open

The Caribbean Music Awards will celebrate its third annual event on August 28, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York. Organized by the Caribbean Elite Group, publishers of Caribbean Elite Magazine, this event will highlight artists and innovators who are influential in the evolution of Caribbean music.

Organizers shared via press release that this year features over 150 nominees across more than 40 categories, making the 2025 ceremony one of the most extensive yet. Voting for the awards began on  April 9, and will remain open until May 31, allowing fans and industry professionals ample time to support their preferred artists. Voting can be conducted via the official website, CaribMusicAwards.com.

Leading the nominations this year are artists Masicka and Shenseea, each receiving seven nominations. Patrice Roberts and Kes follow closely with six nominations, recognized for their significant contributions to Soca and Caribbean Fusion music. Notable artists such as Vybz Kartel, Nailah Blackman, Chronic Law, and Kranium have each garnered five nominations, while Bunji Garlin, Romain Virgo, and Lila Iké each have four nominations, reflecting their ongoing impact and presence in the industry.

In an effort to adapt to the changing landscape of Caribbean music, seven new categories have been introduced this year, including Reggae – Collaboration of the Year, Reggae Song of the Year, Female International DJ of the Year, Caribbean Fusion Song of the Year, Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year, Zess-Steam Artist of the Year, and Gospel Song of the Year. These additions, say organizers, underscore the diversity and creative energy present within Caribbean music at this time.

The press release further said that Caribbean Music Awards aims to recognize excellence across various genres, including Soca, Dancehall, Reggae, Kompa, Chutney, and Gospel, creating a platform to celebrate influential figures within the Caribbean music scene.

For a complete list of nominees, regular updates, and to participate in voting, visit CaribMusicAwards.com.

Additionally, followers can stay connected through social media by following @CaribMusicAwards and @CaribbeanEliteMagazine on Instagram and Facebook, as well as CaribMusicAwards on TikTok.

Nominees by Category for the Caribbean Music Awards 2025

Zess-Steam Artist of the Year:

– Lady Lava
– Father Philis
– Nelly Cottoy
– Sackie
– Trinidad Killa
– Yung Bredda

Reggae – Album of the Year:

– Bugle – “Apex”
– Etana – “Nectar of Goods”
– Mortimer – “From Within”
– Romain Virgo – “The Gentle Man”
– UB40 – “UB45”
– Various Artists – “Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired by the Film”

Dancehall – Album of the Year:

– Dexta Daps – “Trilogy”
– Govana – “Legacy”
– Shenseea – “Never Gets Late Here”
– Spice – “Mirror 25”
– Vybz Kartel – “First Week Out”

Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year:

– Amanda Reifer
– Dexta Daps
– D’yani
– Kranium
– Monéa
– Tosh Alexander

Caribbean Fusion Artist of the Year:

– 5 Two
– Kalash
– Kanis
– Michael Robinson
– Naika
– Stefflon Don

Music Event of the Year:

– Buju Banton – “Long Walk to Freedom”
– Dominica World Creole Festival
– Patrice Roberts – “I am Woman”
– Konpa Kingdom
– Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival
– Soca Brainwash
– Stink and Dutty
– Vybz Kartel – “Freedom Street”

Dancehall Song of the Year:

– “Squash” – Big Breeze
– “Comet” – Vybz Kartel
– “Fiesta” – Armani
– “Happy Birthday” – Busy Signal
– “Higher Life” – Kranium & Chronic Law
– “Hit & Run” – Shenseea, Masicka & Di Genius
– “What’s Up (Big Buddy)” – Jada Kingdom
– “Whites” – Masicka

Soca Song of the Year:

– “Anxiety” – Patrice Roberts
– “Best Self” – Nailah Blackman & Lyrikal
– “Blessing” – Blaka Dan
– “Carnival Contract” – Bunji Garlin
– “Carnival Jumbie” – Problem Child
– “DNA” – Mical Teja
– “In the Center” – Gbm Nutron & Farmer Nappy
– “Someone Else” – Trilla G, Litleboy, & Quan

Reggae Song of the Year:

– “Been There Before” – Romain Virgo feat. Masicka
– “Thank You Lord” – Bugle & Buju Banton & Damian “Jr Gong” Marley
– “Fry Plantain” – Lila Iké & Joey Badass
– “Haunted” – Pressure
– “Legend Legend” – Protoje
– “Never See Us Fall” – Marlon Asher & Sizzla
– “Pile Up” – Alaine
– “Praise Jah To The Moonlight” – YG Marley

Other Categories:

Categories include Male Dancehall Artist of the Year, Female Soca Artist of the Year, Best New Artist in various genres, Video of the Year, and Impact Awards for various recipients, among others. For the complete nominee list, visit the official site.