Thursday, August 28th, 2025. Kings Theatre, Brooklyn, New York.— The 3rd Annual Caribbean Music Awards, 2025, was held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Kings Theatre in New York, hosted by the one and only Mahjah Hype.
The celebration kicked off with a “Red Carpet” livestream hosted by Naomi Cowan, Spexdaboss, and DJ AG and featured appearances from Alison Hinds, Amanda Reifer, Anika Berry, Armanii, Austin ‘Superblue’ Lyons, Ayetian, Buju Banton, Busta Rhymes, D’Yani, Dexta Daps, DJ Khaled, DJ Puffy, Donnell Rawlings, Elephant Man, Grafh, IWaata, Jeon, Jessie Woo, Kerwin Du Bois, Konshens, London Hill, Mya, Nailah Blackman, Naomi Cowan, Naïka, Nicolas Nuvan, Patrice Roberts, Prince Swanny, Pumpa, Rajah Wild, Ras-I, Serani, Shaneil Muir, Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers, Sizzla Kalonji, Skinny Fabulous, Spice, Spliff Star, Swizz Beatz, Verse Simmonds and many more.
The show opened with music royalty Elephant Man performing his iconic single, “Pon de River, Pon de Bank”, while being followed by a procession of dancers, including the legendary choreographer, Tanisha Scott. The electrifying performance began in the Kings Theatre lobby as he made his way to the theater. Ding Dong joins the Elephant Man on stage, and they take turns delivering high-energy performances of their respective hits: “Badman Forward Badman Pull Up” (Ding Dong), “Dip Again” (Elephant Man & Ding Dong), “Nah Linga” (Elephant Man), “Ravers Gas” (Ding Dong), “Signal de Plane” (Elephant Man), and “Stir Fry (Happiness)” (Ding Dong).
Award highlights included:
- Serani presented the first award of the night to Buju Banton for ‘Reggae Collaboration of the Year’ for “Thank You Lord” by Bugle, Buju Banton, and Damian Marley.
- Mr. Ridge, also a CMA winner of the night for Bouyon Artist of the Year, and Dancehall artist Shaneil Muir presented Patrice Roberts with the ‘Female Soca Artist of the Year’ Award.
- Jessie Woo takes the stage to honor Carimi, a band widely regarded as one of the most influential Haitian musical groups of the modern era, with the ‘Legacy Award.’ Although the band members are not present to accept the award in person, a video acceptance speech recorded by each member is shown, thanking the CMAs for their honor.
- French-Haitian singer and songwriter Naïka and St. Kitts-born soca artist Pumpa present the ‘Zess-Steam Artist’ of the Year award to Lady Lava.
- Bajan soca star Alison Hinds proudly honors Rihanna’s incredible 20-year journey in music and beyond. From Barbados to the world, Rihanna has broken barriers, redefined culture, and inspired millions. A true Caribbean icon.
- Kewin Du Bois, Austin “Superblue” Lyons, and Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers were rightfully celebrated as exceptional honorees at the event, each embodying the brilliance of their respective musical realms: Producer (Honors), Calypso (Honors), and Gospel (Honors). Their extraordinary contributions have profoundly shaped the cultural landscape, and their recognition on stage served as a testament to their influence and dedication.
- Nailah Blackman, a two-time CMA winner, introduces the soulful segment ‘Voice of the Caribbean’, featuring Romain Virgo who performs “Soul Provider” and “Fade Away,” alongside Lila Iké performing “Where I’m Coming From.”
- Latin/ reggaeton hit-maker Jeon salutes Bad Bunny as the winner of the ‘Latin Caribbean Artist of the Year’ award and then presents Dancehall artist Armanii with the ‘Dancehall Impact Award.’
The legendary Artist and Icon, Busta Rhymes, was presented with the ‘Elite Icon Award’ by Buju Banton. Busta shared this message upon receiving his award, “I was born in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. I’m not one of those Brooklyn dudes that [state] I come from the hood and I’m from the projects—and my family was broke. That’s not true. I never said those stories because it was never my experience. My beautiful mother and my hardworking father are two very disciplined, old-fashioned Jamaican people. I’ve been doing this for 35 years professionally… The first thing I want to do is big up Spliff [Spliff Star] and Scratchator [DJ Scratchator], because I knew them before I moved to Long Island and got with Leaders of the New School. And when the Leaders of the new school kicked me out of the group, I came back to them. Spliff is a Trini, and Scratchator is a Belizean. I have known these brothers since I was seven years old, and we were raised by a community at a time when the community used to raise children. And the community was a West Indian community… I got a lot of heroes in this room that raised me through music. Buju Banton is one of them… one of my heroes… and I know we’re in similar age groups but grew up with him. I grew with Sizzla, I grew with Bounty, I grew with Ninja Man, I grew with Papa San and Lieutenant Stitchie… I remember buying a Sting Clash [VHS] from 1986, and it was Papa San versus Lieutenant Stitchie, and that’s the first time I saw speed rap. I was like, “these dudes are superheroes to me, I want to be like that”. So I learned how to speed rap… Long story short, I just want to thank everybody that still believes in the importance of raising a child as a community…especially in the Caribbean community… I want to thank y’all for not deviating from something that was needed, and it was super important because that’s how babies like me was born, and I’m super honored and I’m super blessed and super grateful to Jamaican culture for raising me and gifting me with the beautiful Jamaican parents that I have. I want to thank Brooklyn for making me experience this beautiful Caribbean community from every part of the world that y’all migrated from and decided to settle in Brooklyn. I take Jamaica everywhere I go. [The] reason why a lot of artists can’t see me in Hip Hop on a stage or on a microphone is because of that Caribbean cheat-code that I be using all the time. It’s my weapon when it’s time to respectfully compete or disrespectfully compete…”
Additional highlights and awards for the evening included:
- Soca artist Faith Callender announces the ‘People’s Choice Award’ and accepts the award on behalf of Vybz Kartel.
- International reggae artist and community leader Sizzla Kalonji is honored with the ‘Humanitarian Award,’ presented by Grammy-winning singer Mya, in recognition of his longstanding commitment to youth empowerment through the Sizzla Youth Foundation (SYF). Founded 17 years ago, the Sizzla Youth Foundation is a Jamaica-based nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, feeding, and creating safe spaces for young people both locally and globally. The Foundation promotes literacy and education across a range of disciplines, including reading, languages, history, mathematics, construction and design, recording arts, film, editing, sound, and technology. The SYF has become a hub for opportunity, supported by local and international partners and guided by the vision and leadership of its founder, Sizzla Kalonji. The honor recognized his tireless efforts to uplift the next generation and his enduring impact on community development through education and the arts.
- The energy reached a fever pitch as Full Blown took the stage with an exhilarating performance of their hit “Good Spirits,” accompanied by a vibrant procession of dancers that lit up the venue with movement and color.
- Soca icon Machel Montano made a powerful entrance, joining Full Blown to perform his song “The Truth,” which rides on the same riddim. The crowd erupted as the collaboration brought an infectious synergy to the stage. Machel then transitioned seamlessly into his solo track “Truth and Balance,” only to be joined moments later by a surprise appearance from Ayetian, who delivered his part of the song to roaring applause. The segment concluded with a joint performance of “The Greatest Bend” by Full Blown and Machel Montano, bringing the audience to its feet in a climactic celebration of rhythm, culture, and collaboration.
- DJ Puffy presents the ‘Soca Song of the Year’ award to “DNA” by Mical Teja, and accepts on his behalf.
- Dancehall legend Bounty Killer was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by global music icons Swizz Beatz and DJ Khaled, in recognition of his decades-long impact on music, culture, and community. In true Bounty Killer fashion, he accepted the award with humility and gratitude—then lit up the stage with an impromptu deejay freestyle over a classic riddim, sending the crowd into a frenzy and reminding everyone why he remains one of the genre’s most respected voices.
- Soca artist Lyrickal presents the ‘Reggae Artist of the Year’ Award to Romain Virgo, the winner.
- Dancehall star Shenseea was named ‘Female Dancehall Artist of the Year,’ with the award presented by Reggae singer Naomi Cowan. Shenseea walked away with five wins on the night and six CMA wins overall, officially making her the most awarded solo artist in Caribbean Music Awards history. Her breakout single, “Hit & Run,” was a standout of the ceremony, earning three awards alone. Accepting the honor with pride and gratitude, Shenseea celebrated a landmark year that firmly solidified her position at the top of the genre.
- The night continued with a fiery performance of “Tic” by Maureen, setting the stage for a powerful closing as Lady Lava brought the house down with her hit “Ring Finger,” ending the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards on a high note.
SEE THE COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS FOR THE 2025 “CARIBBEAN MUSIC AWARDS”
Bouyon Artist of the Year – Mr. Ridge
Caribbean Fusion Artist of the Year – Naïka
Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year – Dexta Daps
Dancehall Best New Artist – Malie Donn
Dancehall Album of the Year – Shenseea Never Gets Late Here
Dancehall Collaboration of the Year – “Hit & Run” – Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius
Dancehall Impact Award – Armanii
Dancehall Performer of the Year – Spice
Dancehall Song of the Year – “Hit & Run” – Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius
Female Dancehall Artist of the Year – Shenseea
Female International DJ of the Year – DJ Ana
Female Reggae Artist of The Year – Lila Iké
Female Soca Artist of the Year – Patrice Roberts
French Caribbean Artist of the Year – Joé Dwèt Filé
Konpa Artist/ Band of the Year – Rutshelle Guillaume
Latin Caribbean Artist of the Year – Bad Bunny
Male Dancehall Artist of the Year – Vybz Kartel
Male International DJ of the Year – DJ Private Ryan
Male Reggae Artist of the Year – Romain Virgo
Male Soca Artist of the Year – Kes
Music Cruise of the Year – UberSoca
Music Event of the Year – Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street
People’s Choice – Vybz Kartel
Reggae Album of the Year – Romain Virgo The Gentle Man
Reggae Best New Artist – Sevana
Reggae Collaboration of the Year – Bugle & Buju Banton & Damian “Jr Gong” Marley
Reggae Impact Award – YG Marley
Reggae Song of the Year – Romain Virgo feat Masicka “Been There Before”
Reggae-Dancehall Video of the Year – Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius “- Hit & Run”
Soca Best New Artist – Blaka Dan
Soca Collaboration of the Year – Trilla G x Lil Boy x Quan – Someone Else
Soca Impact Award – Yung Bredda
Soca Performer of the Year – Kes
Soca Video of the Year – Patrice Roberts “Anxiety”
Song of the Song Soca – Mical Teja “DNA”
Zess-Steam Artist of the Year – Lady Lava
