Patrice Roberts on the Purple Carpet in the course of the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards.
Photograph by Nelson A. King
The Third Annual Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) was broadcast on Black Leisure Tv (BET) for the primary time on Sept. 12. In line with organizers, the occasion showcased the “distinctive and unbelievable voices of the Caribbean.”
“This esteemed ceremony, not like every other, celebrated trailblazers in Caribbean music who not solely enrich our vibrant tradition but additionally pave the best way for future generations to flourish,” stated the Caribbean Elite Group (CEG), host of the occasion.
“Led by the dynamic ‘King of Caribbean Comedy,‘ Majah Hype, the occasion was nothing wanting exhilarating, radiating an simple sense of Caribbean pleasure, energy, and unity,” it added. “From the roots of resistance to the heights of celebration, the Caribbean has all the time moved the world.
“This landmark event honored the heartbeat of Caribbean heritage and stood as an evening the place riddims dominated, icons rose, and the Caribbean claimed center-stage, uniting everybody who cherishes the varied and colourful realms of Caribbean music—be it reggae, Soca, Kompa, bouyon, dancehall, zouk, or past,” CEG continued.
It stated every winner was “not only a testomony to distinctive expertise and onerous work; they encourage the complete Caribbean music group to achieve new heights.”
CEG stated CMA came about on Aug. 28, 2025 at Kings Theatre in Flatbush, Brooklyn, kicking off with a sublime “Purple 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 plenty of extra.
CEG stated music royalty Elephant Man electrified the present’s opening from the foyer of the Kings Theatre with a efficiency of “Pon de River, Pon de Financial institution.”
CEG stated Elephant Synthetic his strategy to the theater, adopted by a procession of dancers, together with the legendary choreographer Tanisha Scott.
On stage, it stated the “one-and-only” Ding Dong joined the Elephant Man, taking turns delivering “high-energy performances” of their respective hits: “Badman Ahead Badman Pull Up” (Ding Dong), “Dip Once more” (Elephant Man & Ding Dong), “Nah Linga” (Elephant Man), “Ravers Gasoline” (Ding Dong), “Sign de Airplane” (Elephant Man), and “Stir Fry (Happiness)” (Ding Dong).
CMA 2025 winners have been: Bouyon Artist of the 12 months – Mr. Ridge; Caribbean Fusion Artist of the 12 months – Naïka; Caribbean R&B Artist of the 12 months – Dexta Daps; Dancehall Greatest New Artist – Malie Donn; Dancehall Album of the 12 months – Shenseea By no means Will get Late Right here; Dancehall Collaboration of the 12 months – “Hit & Run” – Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius; Dancehall Impression Award – Armanii; Dancehall Performer of the 12 months – Spice; Dancehall Music of the 12 months – “Hit & Run” – Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius; Feminine Dancehall Artist of the 12 months – Shenseea; Feminine Worldwide DJ of the 12 months – DJ Ana; Feminine Reggae Artist of The 12 months – Lila Iké; Feminine Soca Artist of the 12 months – Patrice Roberts; French Caribbean Artist of the 12 months – Joé Dwèt Filé; Konpa Artist/ Band of the 12 months – Rutshelle Guillaume; Latin Caribbean Artist of the 12 months – Unhealthy Bunny; Male Dancehall Artist of the 12 months – Vybz Kartel; Male Worldwide DJ of the 12 months – DJ Non-public Ryan; Male Reggae Artist of the 12 months – Romain Virgo; and Male Soca Artist of the 12 months – Kes.
Others have been: Music Cruise of the 12 months – UberSoca; Music Occasion of the 12 months – Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Avenue; Folks’s Selection – Vybz Kartel; Reggae Album of the 12 months – Romain Virgo The Mild Man; Reggae Greatest New Artist – Sevana; Reggae Collaboration of the 12 months – Bugle & Buju Banton & Damian “Jr Gong” Marley; Reggae Impression Award – YG Marley; Reggae Music of the 12 months – Romain Virgo feat Masicka “Been There Before”; Reggae-Dancehall Video of the 12 months – Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius “– Hit & Run”; Soca Greatest New Artist – Blaka Dan; Soca Collaboration of the 12 months – Trilla G x Lil Boy x Quan – Somebody Else; Soca Impression Award – Yung Bredda; Soca Performer of the 12 months – Kes; Soc; Video of the 12 months – Patrice Roberts “Anxiety”; Music of the Music Soca – Mical Teja “DNA”; andZess-Steam Artist of the 12 months – Girl Lava.
