Vybz Kartel, Shenseea, And More

The excitement is building as the nominations for the third annual Caribbean Music Awards have officially been announced. Set to take place on Thursday (Aug. 28) in Brooklyn, New York, the highly anticipated event will once again shine a spotlight on the artists and innovators who are shaping the future of Caribbean music.

Presented by the Caribbean Elite Group, the awards will celebrate the genre-defining talents who are making waves both locally and globally. There are over 150 nominees this year spanning across more than 40 categories, including: Reggae – Collaboration of the Year, Reggae Song of the Year, Female – International DJ of the Year, Caribbean Fusion Song of the Year, Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year, and more.

Leading the nominations this year are Masicka and Shenseea, who each earned an impressive seven nominations. Trailing behind them are Patrice Roberts and Kes, both of whom secured six nominations for their outstanding contributions to Soca and Caribbean Fusion. Dancehall legend Vybz Kartel, along with groundbreaking artists Nailah Blackman, Chronic Law, and Kranium, each earned five nominations. Additionally, Bunji Garlin, Romain Virgo, and Lila Iké are all up for four nominations each, solidifying their continued global influence.

The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards will honor the best in Soca, Dancehall, Reggae, Kompa, Chutney, Gospel, and more this year, making it the most thrilling edition yet. Last year, Skinny Fabulous triumphed, winning three awards, including two for his collaboration with fellow multi-award winner, Trinidad’s Nailah Blackman, on the hit song “Come Home.” He also claimed the Male Soca Artist of the Year award.

“Sometimes, when you come from a little, tiny place, you’re surrounded by geography that tells you you should have tiny dreams,” he said before the crowd. “But, I believe in myself, I believe in Soca music, I believe in the people. So, I want to say thank you to everyone who supports Skinny Fabulous on my journey… I just want to say thank you so much for nominating me and for choosing me, thank you everybody!”

Other notable winners of the evening included Shaggy, Patrice Roberts, Asa Banton, and Dexta Daps. The ceremony also honored several icons, including Ravi B, Alison Hinds, Cedella Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Sherwin Gardner, and Mighty Sparrow — celebrating their enduring contributions to Caribbean music.

Fans and industry professionals alike can now cast their votes for this year’s event and explore the full list of nominees at CaribMusicAwards.com.