Just a few miles away from where the annual West Indian Labor Day parade will be held in Brooklyn, the Kings Theatre in Flatbush held the first ever Caribbean Music Awards last night (August 31st). Wyclef Jean served as host for the show which included a number of nominees and performers from various genres of Caribbean music.
The show opened with a performance by Karnival Bounce Crew and featured performances from various artist such Ding Dong who performed his known songs including Genna Bounce, Fling, and Happiness,and Wyclef Jean himself who performed an acoustic version of his Mary J Blige hit 911. Ding Dong also won Dance Song of the Year for his 2022 song, Bounce.
Throughout the night seven special honors were presented. Machel Montano received the Lifetime Achievement Award, David Rudder received the Elite Calypso Music Award, late music artist Mikaben received the Kompa Music Award, Majah Hype was honored with the Elite Entertainer Award, Chrissy received the Social Media Personality Award, Buju Banton Foundation received an award and Beres Hammond received the Elite Icon Award. Hammond also received a special honor from the NYC Council celebrating his work in the Caribbean community.
Besides the special honors award recipients various artist won in competitive categories. Kes won the People’s Choice Fan Favorite Award, Spice won Dancehall Female Artist of the Year award, Next to Me by Popcaan and Toni-Ann Singh won Video of the Year Reggae/Dancehall and Vybz Kartel won Artist of the Decade. Kartel wasn’t in attendance however Spice accepted the award on his behalf. Prior to the show The Knockturnal spoke to Kes who said about Soca , “It’s the soundtrack of our lives and it really and truly promotes togetherness. I think in a divided world Soca music is key.”
Grammy Award winner Mya and Doug. E, Fresh and choreographer Tanisha Scott also made appearances as presenters. “First of all to do anything that is inspired by Caribbean music you have to do it straight from the blood. It is something that is authentic to us the way we hear the music the way we move is something that you can’t just teach you just have to do. So my advice to any up and coming choreographer if you want to do anything within the realms of dancehall or Soca is you have to be true and authentic to what it is because the movement does not lie and that’s what makes us so special”, Scott told The Knockturnal.
The ceremony wrapped up with a trio of performances by Wayne Wonder, Cham, and Dexta Daps. Daps went on to receive his first-ever award in Dancehall Performer of the Year category.
Photo Credit: Caribbean Music Awards
