The nominations are officially announced! The Caribbean Music Awards is set to thrill audiences once again with its third annual celebration on Thursday, August 28, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York. Presented by Caribbean Elite Group, this landmark event will showcase the genre-defining artists and trailblazers who are shaping the dynamic future of Caribbean music.

With over 150 nominees across more than 40 categories, the 2025 edition promises to be the most electrifying yet. Fans and industry insiders can now head to CaribMusicAwards.com to cast their votes. Voting opens today, April 9, and will close on Friday, May 31—providing the global Caribbean community with plenty of time to champion their favorite artists.

This year’s leading nominees celebrate the incredible talent and influence of Caribbean music on the world stage. Masicka and Shenseea lead the pack with seven nominations each. Close behind are Patrice Roberts and Kes, each racking up six nominations for their remarkable contributions to Soca and Caribbean Fusion. Other standout artists such as Dancehall titan Vybz Kartel, innovative talents Nailah Blackman, Chronic Law, and Kranium each earned five nominations. Additionally, Bunji Garlin, Romain Virgo, and Lila Iké make strong impressions with four nominations each, recognized for their ongoing excellence and international reach.

This year, the Caribbean Music Awards proudly unveils seven new categories that reflect the genre's ongoing evolution and global influence. New additions include Reggae – Collaboration of the Year and Reggae Song of the Year, spotlighting the genre's rich roots and innovation. Also making their debut are Female – International DJ of the Year, Caribbean Fusion Song of the Year, Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year, the high-energy Zess-Steam Artist of the Year, and the spiritually resonant Gospel Song of the Year. These debut categories highlight the breathtaking diversity, creativity, and expansive influence of Caribbean music today. 

From unforgettable performances to cultural milestones, the Caribbean Music Awards honors the best of the best—from Soca, Dancehall, and Reggae to Kompa, Chutney, Gospel, and beyond. This celebration is not just an awards show—it’s a movement that pays tribute to the vibrant heartbeat of the Caribbean.

For complete nominee listings, updates, and to cast your votes, head over to CaribMusicAwards.com and follow @CaribMusicAwards and @CaribbeanEliteMagazine on Instagram/Facebook, as well as CaribMusicAwards on TikTok. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this monumental celebration!

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
I am Woman - Patrice Roberts
Konpa Kingdom 
Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival
Soca Brainwash
Stink and Dutty
Vybz Kartel - Freedom Street


Dancehall Song Of The Year

Big Breeze - Squash
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
Trilla G, litleboy, & Quan - Someone Else

Reggae Song of the Year

Been There Before - Romain Virgo feat Masicka
Bugle & Buju Banton & Damian "Jr Gong" Marley - Thank You Lord
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


Male Dancehall - Artist Of The Year

Busy Signal 
Chronic Law
Dexta Daps
Kranium 
Masicka
Sean Paul
Valiant
Vybz Kartel


Male Reggae - Artist Of The Year

Anthony B 
Buju Banton
Gramps Morgan
Pressure
Romain Virgo
Sizzla
Tarrus Riley
YG Marley

Male Soca - Artist Of The Year

Bunji Garlin
GBM Nutron
Kerwin Dubuis
Kes
Mical Teja
Mr. Killa
Problem Child 
Skinny Fabulous


Female Dancehall - Artist Of The Year

Jada Kingdom
Shaneil Muir
Shenseea
Spice
Stalk Ashley
Stefflon Don
Vanessa Bling


Female Reggae - Artist Of The Year

Alaine
Etana
Lila Iké
Marcia Griffiths
Naomi Cowan
Queen Omega
Tanya Stephens


Female Soca - Artist Of The Year

Anika Berry
Destra Garcia
Fay-Ann Lyons
Jadel
Nadia Batson
Nailah Blackman
Nessa Preppy
Patrice Roberts


Dancehall - Best New Artist

Armanii
Daan Chorus
Kman 6ixx
Kraff Gad
Lady Lava
Malie Donn
Monea
Rajah Wild

Soca - Best New Artist

Blaka Dan
Coutain
Hunter
Imani Ray
Mela Caribe
Star Martin
Th3rd
Trinidad Killa


Reggae - Best New Artist

Haile 
Blvk H3ro
Jayden
Joby Jay
Kxng Izem
Royal Blue
Sevana


Kompa Artist of the Year

Joé Dwèt Filé
Kai
Klass
Nu Look
Oswald
Rutshelle Guillaume
T-Vice
Vayb


Dancehall - Performer Of The Year

Dexta Daps
Ding Dong
Elephant Man
Masicka
Shenseea
Skeng
Spice
Tommy Lee Sparta 


Soca - Performer Of The Year

Bunji Garlin
Kes
Machel Montano
Mr. Killa
Nadia Batson
Nailah Blackman
Patrice Roberts
Pumpa

Soca - Collaboration Of The Year

Dat-C DQ &  Skinny Fabulous - Start
GBM Nutron & Farmer Nappy - In the Center 
Kes x Tano - Miracle
Nailah Blackman & Lyrikal-  Best Self
Shal Marshal &  Kerwin Du Bois - Document Me
Skinny Fabulous & Lyrikal - Hurricane
Trilla G, litleboy, & Quan - Someone Else
Voice & V'ghn - Trinidad Sweet

Dancehall - Collaboration Of The Year

Shenseea, Masicka, Di Genius - Hit and Run
450, Valiant - Faith
Ding Dong, Kraff Gad - Benz Key
Elephant Man & Busy Signal - Party Anthem 2.0
Govana x Jada Kingdom - Pull Over 
Kranium & Chronic Law- Higher Life
Popcaan & Chronic Law- St Thomas Native
Stalk Ashley & Skillibeng - Really like U


Reggae - Collaboration Of The Year

Bugle & Buju Banton & Damian "Jr Gong" Marley - Thank You Lord
Imeru Tafari x Queen Ifrica - I Love Rastafari
Lila Iké Ft. Joey Bada$$ - Fry Plantain
Mortimer Ft. Kabaka Pyramid & Lila Iké - Bruises
Romain Virgo feat. Masicka - Been There Before

Reggae/Dancehall - Video Of The Year 

Bugle & Buju Banton & Damian "Jr Gong" Marley - Thank You Lord
Ding Dong - Old Skool New Skool
Kranium ft. Chronic Law Higher Life
Masicka - 20 Matic
Shenseea - Hit & Run ft. Masicka, Di Genius
Shenseea & Wizkid - Work me out
Valiant - Muhammad
Wisin, Anitta, Shaggy, Maffio - Peligrosa


Soca - Video Of The Year

Alison Hinds - Born With It
Bunji Garlin - Carnival Contract
Kes - Banga
Nadia Batson - Best in a While
Nailah Blackman &  Lyrikal - Best Self
Patrice Roberts - Anxiety
Voice x V'ghn - Trinidad Sweet

Dancehall - Impact Award

Nigy Boy
Armanii
Daan Chorus
D'yani
Malie Don
Moyann
Rajah Wild
Stalk Ashley

Soca - Impact Award

Anika Berry
Faith Callender
Jadel
Mical Teja
Rae
Trinidad Killa
V'ghn 
Yung Bredda


Reggae - Impact Award 

Anthony B
Imeru Tafari
Jah9
Naomi Cowan
Ras-I
Sevana
YG Marley


People's Choice

Joé Dwèt Filé
Kes
Lady Lava
Shenseea
Skeng
Skillibeng
Vybz Kartel
Yung Bredda


Female International DJ of the Year

DJ Ana
DJ Charlotte
DJ Lady Drea
DJ Lips International
DJ Nunu
DJ One Gyal Army
DJ Steph Honey
DJ Tash

French Caribbean Artist of the Year

Blaiz Fayah
DJ Chinwax
DJ Quick

Miami’s cultural calendar just got a major boost! Vanessa James Media has officially announced the return of Food, Wine & Fete—Miami’s premier all-inclusive Soca fête and culinary experience—set to take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 5 PM to 11 PM at the scenic Historic Virginia Key Beach Park’s Grand Pavilion.

Back for its third exciting year, Food, Wine & Fete is a unique blend of Caribbean flavor, culture, and celebration, highlighting everything from gourmet island cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails to the high-energy vibes of Soca music. This year is extra special as the event aligns with the 80th Anniversary of Virginia Key Beach Park, a historic site deeply rooted in Black and Caribbean history.

Culinary Meets Carnival Culture

Founded by media maven Vanessa James, this all-inclusive experience is a love letter to the Caribbean—a tribute to the vibrancy, warmth, and authenticity of the islands. Guests will indulge in flavorful bites from top Caribbean chefs, sip handcrafted cocktails from elite mixologists, and vibe out to the sound of steel drums and heavy basslines. It's a multi-sensory celebration that fuses the sophistication of a food and wine event with the soul and rhythm of a true Soca fête.

“It’s more than just an event—it’s a cultural reset, a longing for home, and a celebration of where we come from, through food, wine, and the ultimate Caribbean soundtrack,” said James.

Power-Packed Performance: Farmer Nappy Takes the Stage

As if the food and cocktails weren’t enough, this year’s edition brings even more heat with a live performance by Soca sensation Farmer Nappy! Known for hits like “Hookin’ Meh” and “Backyard Jam,” Farmer Nappy is no stranger to igniting a crowd. His performance promises to be a highlight of the night, bringing carnival energy straight to Miami’s shoreline.

Whether you're a die-hard Soca lover, a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good time in good company, Food, Wine & Fete delivers an unmatched vibe that hits all the right notes.

Tickets are available now at www.foodwineandfete.com. Follow the movement on Instagram and Facebook at @foodwineandfete for updates, teasers, and more event-day surprises.

Get ready to sip, savor, and Soca under the stars—Food, Wine & Fete is the Caribbean escape you didn’t know you needed… right here in Miami.

This Memorial Weekend, Best of the Best Music Fest returns for its 19th year—and this one is for the history books. On Saturday, May 25, the sun-soaked lawns of Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami will echo with the sounds of reggae, dancehall, and soca legends, uniting Caribbean nations and fans from around the globe.

Headlining this milestone year are two titans of Jamaican music: Buju Banton and Beres Hammond. For the first time ever, they’ll share a U.S. stage together. Buju, known for hits like “Wanna Be Loved” and “Champion,” brings high-energy consciousness and crowd control like no other. Meanwhile, Beres Hammond, the king of lovers rock, is expected to bless the audience with soul-touching anthems like “Rockaway,” “I Feel Good,” and “No Disturb Sign.”

But the magic doesn’t stop there. The queen of reggae, Marcia Griffiths, known globally for “Electric Boogie” and her work with Bob Marley & The I-Threes, will bring a legacy performance full of class and culture. Alongside her is Nadine Sutherland, a veteran known for “Action” and her smooth blend of dancehall and reggae soul.

Adding fresh flavor to the lineup is 450, a rising dancehall star whose melodic storytelling has made him one of Jamaica’s hottest young voices with tracks like “Imperfections” and “Journey.” Romain Virgo, another fan favorite, fuses roots reggae with modern R&B vibes and always delivers a vocally flawless set.

Soca energy will be on full blast thanks to Skinny Fabulous, known for his explosive hit “Famalay” alongside Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin. And dancehall fans won’t want to miss Chronic Law, the 6ixx camp lyricist behind deep, gritty street anthems like “Hillside” and “Still a Bleed.”

Together, these artists represent the past, present, and future of Caribbean music.