Brooklyn, New York, was lit with Caribbean pleasure on August 28 as Jamaican artists stole the highlight on the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards, held at Kings Theatre and broadcast on BET on September 12. The third annual ceremony, hosted by comic Majah Hype, celebrated the very best in reggae, soca, dancehall, and fusion — nevertheless it was Jamaica’s expertise that walked away with the lion’s share of the honors.
Shenseea Sweeps Huge
Shenseea, one of many evening’s most nominated acts, turned these nods into victories, securing 5 awards, together with Dancehall Album of the 12 months for By no means Will get Late Right here and Music of the 12 months (Dancehall) for her chart-topping hit “Hit & Run” with Masicka and Di Genius. She additionally took dwelling Artist of the 12 months (Feminine – Dancehall) and Video of the 12 months (Reggae/Dancehall). The wins proceed her spectacular 12 months, which already features a Grammy nomination.
Vybz Kartel Holds His Throne
Although absent from the stage, Vybz Kartel as soon as once more proved his dominance. The Gaza boss claimed three main awards: Artist of the 12 months (Male – Dancehall), Music Occasion of the 12 months for Freedom Road, and the Individuals’s Alternative Award. Kartel’s victories spotlight his lasting impression on dancehall and his unmatched reference to followers.
Masicka and Virgo Strengthen Reggae-Dancehall Bridge
Masicka, who entered the evening with seven nominations alongside Shenseea, ended with 4 trophies, together with Reggae Music of the 12 months for his collaboration with Romain Virgo, “Been There Earlier than.” Virgo, in flip, additionally captured three awards, exhibiting Jamaica’s continued power throughout reggae’s roots and fashionable sounds.
Honors for Legends
The ceremony additionally acknowledged the pioneers who paved the best way. Bounty Killer, a cornerstone of dancehall, acquired the Lifetime Achievement Award, marking yet one more milestone in his storied profession. Busta Rhymes, pleased with his Jamaican roots, accepted the Elite Icon Award for his enduring contributions to hip-hop and his function in elevating Caribbean expertise worldwide.
Different Jamaican Winners
Different Jamaican notables included Spice, who earned Performer of the 12 months (Dancehall), Buju Banton, who received alongside Damian “Jr Gong” Marley and Bugle for Collaboration of the 12 months (Reggae), and Malie Donn, who captured Greatest New Artist (Dancehall). Rising names like Armanii and Lila Iké additionally flew the Jamaican flag excessive with large class wins.
The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards, produced by the Caribbean Elite Group, featured greater than 40 classes, highlighting the variety and international affect of Caribbean music. From Shenseea’s close to sweep to Bounty Killer’s legendary recognition, the evening was proof that Jamaican artists proceed to outline the sound and spirit of the area.
Full Record of Winners – 2025 Caribbean Music Awards
Impression Awards
- Dancehall: Armanii
- Reggae: YG Marley
- Soca: Yung Bredda
Albums of the 12 months
- Reggae: Romain Virgo – The Mild Man
- Dancehall: Shenseea – By no means Will get Late Right here
Artists of the 12 months
- Bouyon: Mr. Ridge
- French Caribbean: Joé Dwèt Filé
- Latin Caribbean: Dangerous Bunny
- Konpa: Rutshelle Guillaume
- Dancehall (Feminine): Shenseea
- Dancehall (Male): Vybz Kartel
- Reggae (Feminine): Lila Iké
- Reggae (Male): Romain Virgo
- Soca (Feminine): Patrice Roberts
- Soca (Male): Kes
Particular Awards
- Caribbean R&B Artist of the 12 months: Dexta Daps
- Caribbean Fusion Artist of the 12 months: Naïka
- Zess-Steam Artist of the 12 months: Girl Lava
Greatest New Artists
- Dancehall: Malie Donn
- Reggae: Sevana
- Soca: Blaka Dan
Collaborations of the 12 months
- Soca: Trilla G, Lil Boy & Quan – “Somebody Else”
- Reggae: Bugle, Buju Banton & Damian “Jr Gong” Marley – “Thank You Lord”
- Dancehall: Shenseea, Masicka & Di Genius – “Hit & Run”
Occasions
- Cruise Occasion of the 12 months: UberSoca
- Music Occasion of the 12 months: Vybz Kartel – Freedom Road
DJs of the 12 months
- Male Worldwide DJ: DJ Non-public Ryan
- Feminine Worldwide DJ: DJ Ana
Individuals’s Alternative
Performers of the 12 months
- Dancehall: Spice
- Soca: Kes
Songs of the 12 months
- Dancehall: Shenseea, Masicka & Di Genius – “Hit & Run”
- Soca: Mical Teja – “DNA”
- Reggae: Romain Virgo feat. Masicka – “Been There Earlier than”
Movies of the 12 months
- Reggae/Dancehall: Shenseea, Masicka & Di Genius – “Hit & Run”
- Soca: Patrice Roberts – “Anxiousness”
Honorary Awards
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Bounty Killer
- Elite Icon Award: Busta Rhymes
- Legacy Award: Carimi
- Humanitarian Award: Sizzla
- Producer Award Honor: Kerwin Du Bois
- Gospel Award Honor: Shirley Ann Cyril-Mayers
- Calypso Award Honor: Austin “Tremendous Blue” Lyons
Photograph – Caribbean Music Awards/United Masters
