Caribbean Music Awards 2025: Leading Nominees & Full Category Breakdown

The Caribbean Music Awards returns for its third annual spectacle on Thursday, August 28, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, presented by Caribbean Elite Group. With over 150 nominees across 40+ categories, this year’s show promises to be the most dynamic yet—honoring trailblazing talent from Dancehall and Reggae to Soca, Kompa, Bouyon, and beyond.

Fans can now vote at CaribMusicAwards.com through May 31, with winners set to be revealed during what’s sure to be a high-energy celebration of Caribbean excellence.

Top Nominees Across the Board

Leading the pack are Masicka and Shenseea, each scoring seven nominations, with standout nods in categories like Dancehall Song of the Year, Performer of the Year, and the prestigious People’s Choice.

Close behind are Patrice Roberts and Kes, both receiving six nominations thanks to their widespread influence across Soca and Caribbean Fusion.

Rounding out the top contenders are Vybz Kartel, Nailah Blackman, Chronic Law, and Kranium, each earning five nominations. Artists like Bunji Garlin, Lila Iké, and Romain Virgo also made strong showings with four nods apiece.

Major Categories & Nominees

People’s Choice

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

Dancehall Highlights

Album of the Year

• Dexta Daps – Trilogy
• Shenseea – Never Gets Late Here
• Vybz Kartel – First Week Out

Male Artist of the Year

• Masicka
• Vybz Kartel
• Chronic Law
• Kranium
• Dexta Daps

Female Artist of the Year

• Shenseea
• Spice
• Jada Kingdom
• Stefflon Don
• Stalk Ashley

Song of the Year

• Hit & Run – Shenseea, Masicka & Di Genius
• Whites – Masicka
• Higher Life – Kranium, Chronic Law

Performer of the Year

• Masicka
• Shenseea
• Dexta Daps
• Spice

Reggae Highlights

Album of the Year

• Romain Virgo – The Gentle Man
• Bugle – Apex
• Mortimer – From Within

Male Artist of the Year

• YG Marley
• Romain Virgo
• Sizzla
• Buju Banton

Female Artist of the Year

• Lila Iké
• Etana
• Queen Omega

Song of the Year

• Been There Before – Romain Virgo ft. Masicka
• Fry Plantain – Lila Iké & Joey Bada$$
• Thank You Lord – Bugle, Buju Banton, Damian Marley
• Soca Highlights
  Song of the Year
  Anxiety – Patrice Roberts
  Best Self – Nailah Blackman & Lyrikal
  DNA – Mical Teja
  Male Artist of the Year
  Kes
  Bunji Garlin
  Mical Teja
  Mr. Killa
  Female Artist of the Year
  Patrice Roberts
  Nailah Blackman
  Nadia Batson
  Destra Garcia
  Performer of the Year
  Patrice Roberts
  Bunji Garlin
  Nailah Blackman
  Kes
  
  Spotlight on Emerging Categories
  This year introduces seven new categories that reflect the genre’s evolution and global footprint, including:
  Reggae Song of the Year
  Reggae Collaboration of the Year
  Female – International DJ of the Year
  Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year
  Zess-Steam Artist of the Year
  Gospel Song of the Year
  Caribbean Fusion Song of the Year
  
  The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards is more than just a show—it’s a movement. From global icons to rising stars, this event honors the rhythm, energy, and cultural power of Caribbean music.
  Visit CaribMusicAwards.com to view the full nominee list and vote for your favorites, and follow @CaribMusicAwards across social platforms to stay in the loop.
  Don’t miss this celebration of Caribbean excellence—August 28 in Brooklyn!