This summer, Brooklyn, NY will once again become the epicenter of Caribbean culture as it hosts the 2nd Annual Caribbean Music Awards. Set to take place on August 29 at the historic King's Theater, this year's event promises to be even more spectacular than the inaugural ceremony, with over 150 nominees spread across 40 categories.
Leading the Pack
Dexta Daps leads the nominations with an impressive eight nods, showcasing his dominance in the Dancehall scene. Close behind is Skinny Fabulous with six nominations, and a notable five nominations each for Masicka, Yung Bredda, Bounty Killer, and Machel Montano. These artists represent the vibrant and diverse talent that the Caribbean music industry has to offer.
Spotlight on the Nominees
The nominees for this year's awards have been meticulously selected through a rigorous process, ensuring that only the best of the best are recognized. The categories span the entire spectrum of Caribbean music, from the pulsating beats of Dancehall to the soulful rhythms of Reggae and the infectious energy of Soca.
Among the standout nominees is Shenseea, who is up for Artist of the Year – Female (Dancehall), competing against heavyweights like Spice, Jada Kingdom, and Stefflon Don. Dancehall legend Beenie Man also makes an appearance, nominated for Album of the Year (Dancehall) with his latest project, Simma.
Other notable nominees include Popcaan, Baby Cham, Shaggy, and Alison Hinds, each bringing their unique flair and contributions to the Caribbean music scene.
New Categories and Expanding Horizons
Building on the success of last year’s event, the Caribbean Music Awards is introducing several new categories this year, including International DJ, French Caribbean Artist, Latin Caribbean Artist, and Bouyon Artist of the Year. These additions reflect the ever-evolving landscape of Caribbean music and its growing influence worldwide.
Celebrating Excellence
“The nominees represent the pinnacle of Caribbean music excellence. From the infectious rhythms of Reggae and Soca to the pulsating beats of Dancehall and beyond, these artists embody the rich tapestry of the Caribbean musical landscape,” reads a statement from the Caribbean Elite Group.
Full List of Nominees
Album of the Year (Reggae)
Buju Banton – Born For Greatness
Collie Buddz – Take It Easy
Marcia Griffiths – Golden
Morgan Heritage – The Homeland
Stephen Marley – Old Soul
Sizzla – The I-Grade
Julian Marley & Antaeus – Colors of Royal
Album of the Year (Dancehall)
Masicka – Generation of Kings
Popcaan – Great Is He
Valiant – 4:14
Beenie Man – Simma
Byron Messia – No Love
Bounty Killer & Baby Cham – Time Bomb
Aidonia – Occupied Mind
Song of the Year (Dancehall)
Tee Jay – "Drift"
Byron Messia – "Talibans"
Valiant – "Mad Out"
450 – "Wild n Rich"
Rajah Wild – "Wild Out"
Baby Cham, Bounty Killer & Dexta Daps – "Slow Motion"
Masicka – "Tyrant"
Song of the Year (Soca)
Nailah Blackman & Skinny Fabulous – "Come Home"
Problem Child, Jus Jay King, Nelieux – "Holiday"
Olatunji – "Engine Room"
Machel Montano & Patrice Roberts – "Like Yuh Self"
Bunji Garlin – "Hard Fete"
Lyrikal – "Look Back"
Artist of the Year – Male (Dancehall)
Masicka
Dexta Daps
Valiant
Tee Jay
Popcaan
450
Byron Messia
Artist of the Year – Male (Reggae)
Beres Hammond
Romain Virgo
Tarrus Riley
Christopher Martin
Shaggy
Protoje
Artist of the Year – Male (Soca)
Skinny Fabulous
Problem Child
Asa Banton
Machel Montano
Voice The Artiste
Bunji Garlin
Lyrikal
Artist of the Year (Latin Caribbean)
Lyz Martin
La Pana
Romeo Santos
Gaza Fish
AKIM
El Alfa
Artist of the Year – Female (Dancehall)
Jada Kingdom
Shenseea
Spice
Shaneil Muir
Stefflon Don
Tina (Hood Celebrity)
Artist of the Year – Female (Reggae)
Koffee
Etana
Alaine
Lila Iké
Naomi Cowan
Artist of the Year – Female (Soca)
Patrice Roberts
Nailah Blackman
Nadia Batson
Destra Garcia
Fay-Ann Lyons
Alison Hinds
Nessa Preppy
Artist of the Year (Bouyon)
Asa Bantan
Triple K
Mr Ridge
Nice
Kenny G
Carlyn Xp
Reo
Artist of the Year (French Caribbean)
Kalash
Kassav’
Michael Robinson
Phyllisia Ross
Blaiz Fayah
DJ Chinwax
Bamby
Best New Artist (Dancehall)
Byron Messia
Nigy Boy
Rajah Wild
Stalk Ashley
Kraff
Malie Donn
Best New Artist (Soca)
Yung Bredda
Rae
Rane
Empress J
Star Martin
Faith Callender
Best New Artist (Reggae)
Aiesha
Mortimer
Royal Blu
Blvk H3ro
Ras I
Joby Jay
Kxng Izem
Konpa Band of the Year
T VICE
Klass
KAI
Vayb
Nu Look
Zafem
K-Dilak and Bedjine
Performer of the Year (Dancehall)
Dexta Daps
Tee Jay
Shenseea
Spice
Ding Dong
Masicka
Skeng
Performer of the Year (Soca)
Patrice Roberts
Skinny Fabulous
Asa Bantan
Kes
Problem Child
Machel Montano
Voice The Artiste
Mr Killa
Collaboration of the Year (Soca)
Nailah Blackman & Skinny Fabulous – "Come Home"
Skinny Fabulous, Mr Killa & Asa Bantan – "Do What Yuh Want"
Machel Montano & Patrice Roberts – "Like Yuh Self"
College Boy & Yung Bredda – "Juk On The Junction"
Ricardo Dru & Viking Ding Dong – "Tornado"
Lead Pipe & Just Jay – "Brain Freeze"
Collaboration of the Year (Reggae)
Shaggy, Kes – "Mood"
Sean Paul, Beres Hammond – "Rebel Time"
Alaine, Dexta Daps – "Seh It Yah"
Morgan Heritage, Baby Cham, Bounty Killer, Stonebwoy – "Who Deh Like You"
Marlon Asher, Tarrus Riley, Capleton – "Diamonds and Gold"
Julian Marley & Antaeus – "Inna Mood"
Collaboration of the Year (Dancehall)
Burna Boy, Byron Messia – "Talibans II"
The 9ine, Jada Kingdom – "Turn Me On"
450, Shaneil Muir – "Crawsis"
Popcaan, Drake – "We Caan Done"
Baby Cham, Bounty Killer, Dexta Daps – "Slow Motion"
Masicka, Lila Iké, Chronic Law – "Triumph"
Mavado, Jay A, Dexta Daps – "Pain"
Video of the Year (Reggae/Dancehall)
Tee Jay – "Drift"
Valiant – "Mad Out"
Baby Cham, Bounty Killer & Dexta Daps – "Slow Motion"
Alkaline – "Boss"
Mavado, Jay-A, Dexta Daps – "Pain"
DJ Cassidy & Shaggy feat. Rayvon – "If You Like Pina Coladas"
Video of the Year (Soca)
Nailah Blackman & Skinny Fabulous – "Come Home"
Problem Child, Jus Jay & Nelieux – "Holiday"
Nadia Batson – "Market"
Machel Montano & Patrice – "Like Yuh Self"
Bunji Garlin – "Hard Fete"
Lyrikal & Lil Natty & Thunder – "The Ambush"
Mical Teja – "DNA"
2023 Impact Award – (Dancehall)
Byron Messia
Rajah Wild
Chronic Law
Jah Vinci
Stalk Ashley
Prince Swanny
Kraff
2023 Impact Award – (Soca)
Yung Bredda
Mical Teja
Pumpa
Terra D Governor
V’ghn
Rae
DJ Cheem
2023 Impact Award – (Reggae)
Naomi Cowan
Mortimer
Jah 9
Samora
Sevana
Jaz Elise
Irie Souljah
People's Choice Award
Kes
Skinny Fabulous
Patrice Roberts
Asa Banton
Dexta Daps
Shenseea
Yung Bredda
International DJ of the Year
Private Ryan
DJ Puffy
Travis World
DJ Young Chow
DJ Riggo Suave
DJ Kevin Crown
DJ Osocity
DJ Stakz
Entertainer of the Year
Maya Fairy
Julie Mango
Jr Lee So Crazy
Majah Hype
White Yardie
Yung Bredda
Dale Elliott
Music Event of the Year
Brunch and Soca
Dominica World Creole Music Festival
I Love Soca
Soca Brainwash
Stink and Dutty
Reggae Sumfest
St Kitts Music Festival
BRT WKND
Cruise Event of the Year
Uber Soca
Welcome To Jam Rock
Love And Harmony
FeteTopia
Epic
The night won't just be about handing out trophies. The awards ceremony will undoubtedly be a star-studded affair, with electrifying performances by some of the biggest names in Caribbean music. Last year's ceremony was hosted by none other than Wyclef Jean, so we can expect another high-profile figure at the helm this year.
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