BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — The third annual Caribbean Music Awards took over Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre on Thursday, August 28, 2025, bringing together the biggest names in Caribbean music for a night of vibrant celebration. Presented by Caribbean Elite Group, the ceremony was hosted by comedian Majah Hype and aired on BET on September 12.
For decades, global stages like the MTV VMAs and BET Awards have honored musical icons across pop, hip-hop and beyond. But the Caribbean Music Awards are the first U.S.-based platform created exclusively to spotlight and celebrate Caribbean artists and genres on their own terms — from dancehall and reggae to soca, konpa and bouyon.
Shenseea nearly swept the night with five wins, including Dancehall Album of the Year for Never Gets Late Here, Song of the Year (Dancehall) and Video of the Year (Reggae/Dancehall) for her smash hit “Hit & Run” with Masicka and Di Genius. Vybz Kartel claimed Artist of the Year — Male (Dancehall), People’s Choice and Music Event of the Year for his Freedom Street concert. Bad Bunny proudly repped the Latin Caribbean, winning Artist of the Year (Latin Caribbean).
The ceremony highlighted the diversity of Caribbean sounds while honoring the pioneers who paved the way. DJ Khaled and Swizz Beatz led a tribute to dancehall giant Bounty Killer, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes was presented the Elite Icon Award.
For a full list of categories and winners see below.
Album of the Year: (Reggae): Romain Virgo, The Gentle Man (Dancehall): Shenseea, Never Gets Late Here
Artist of the Year: (Bouyon): Mr. Ridge (French Caribbean): Joé Dwèt Filé (Latin Caribbean): Bad Bunny Female (Dancehall): Shenseea Female (Reggae): Lila Iké Female (Soca): Patrice Roberts Male (Dancehall): Vybz Kartel Male (Reggae): Romain Virgo Male (Soca): Kes
Best New Artist: (Dancehall): Malie Donn (Reggae): Sevana (Soca): Blaka Dan
Collaboration of the Year: (Soca): Trilla G, Lil Boy & Quan “Someone Else” (Reggae): Bugle, Buju Banton & Damian “Jr Gong” Marley, “Thank You Lord” (Dancehall): Shenseea, Masicka & Di Genius, “Hit & Run” Cruise Event of the Year: UberSoca
Music Event of the Year:
Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street
Male International DJ of the Year:
DJ Private Ryan
Female International DJ of the Year:
DJ Ana
People’s Choice:
Vybz Kartel
Performer of the Year:
(Dancehall):Spice (Soca): Kes
Song of the Year: (Dancehall): Shenseea, Masicka & Di Genius, “Hit & Run” (Soca): Mical Teja, “DNA” (Reggae): Romain Virgo feat. Masicka, “Been There Before”
Video of the Year: (Reggae/Dancehall): Shenseea, Masicka & Di Genius, “Hit & Run” (Soca): Patrice Roberts, “Anxiety”
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 “Super Blue” Lyons
The third annual Caribbean Music Awards premiered on BET on September 12 at 8:00pm EST.
READ MORE
Why CineFAM 2025 Is a Must-See Festival for BIPOC Creators and Film Lovers
Jessie Woo’s Rise: From Comedy Queen to Cultural Game-Changer
Bajan Canadian Vocalist Sheree Spencer Stars in Mansa Musa Prelude at CARIFESTA XV
