FEATURING SHYNE’S INSPIRING GLOBAL AMBASSADOR SPEECH, CALYPSO ROSE’S STANDING OVATION, PATRA’S CLOSING MEDLEY AND STANDOUT WINS FROM LADY LAVA AND MOLIY, THE FOURTH ANNUAL CEREMONY BROUGHT CARIBBEAN MUSIC TO GLOBAL AUDIENCES
WATCH THE 2026 CARIBBEAN MUSIC AWARDS ON YOUTUBE HERE
DOWNLOAD HI-RES IN-SHOW PHOTOS BY NINA BABEL HERE | VIEW RED CARPET PORTRAITS HERE
DOWNLOAD HI-RES IN-SHOW PHOTOS BY NINA BABEL HERE
The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards reached audiences across the Caribbean and beyond with its global broadcast premiere on Sunday, October 25, bringing the region’s music, artists and cultural influence to screens around the world. Held for the first time in Trinidad and Tobago, the fourth annual ceremony brought together approximately 100 artists from across international markets, alongside national and international media, industry professionals and vendors, for a celebration of Caribbean music in its many forms.
The ceremony premiered at 9 PM EST on the official Caribbean Music Awards YouTube channel, with additional streaming and television distribution through TRACE+ and select TRACE channels, alongside broadcast partners across the Caribbean. Broadcast partners included CNC3 in Trinidad and Tobago, CVM in Jamaica, CBC/TV8 in Barbados, TeleCuraçao in Curaçao, MBC TV/Real FM in Saint Lucia, SVG TV in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, TV15 in Sint Maarten and Channel 105 via Flow TV in Dominica. Presented by Trinidad Tourism Limited, the ceremony is available to watch on YouTube for a limited time HERE.
Held Saturday, September 19, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the ceremony served as the centerpiece of the CMA Elite Weekend Experience under the theme “Sounds of the Caribbean.” From Nailah Blackman’s debut performance of “Lova Gyal” to Lady Lava’s four-award sweep, with three awards accepted in person during the ceremony, the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards celebrated the talent and cultural influence shaping Caribbean music. Lady Lava won Female Soca Artist of the Year, Zess Artist of the Year and Chutney Soca Song of the Year for “Cyah Pick” with Ravi B, with her fourth award received outside the show. Moliy also made history as the first Ghanaian artist to win a Caribbean Music Award, earning Dancehall Song of the Year during the ceremony and Dancehall Collaboration of the Year outside the show for “Shake It to the Max (FLY) [Remix]” alongside Silent Addy, Skillibeng and Shenseea. Other standout moments included Shyne’s reflections on Caribbean music’s influence on hip-hop and Patra’s surprise closing performance, underscoring the sounds, stories and cultural impact of Caribbean music on a global stage.
CARIBBEAN MUSIC AWARDS 2026: THE NIGHT IN REVIEW:
Nailah Blackman kicked off the ceremony with the debut performance of her new song “Lova Gyal,” accompanied by the premiere of its official music video. Joined by dancers and background singers, the high-energy opener blended soca, amapiano and chutney influences, capturing the evolving sound of Caribbean music and setting the tone for a night celebrating the region’s musical range and global influence.
Majah Hype joined Nailah Blackman onstage as the duo officially welcomed the NAPA audience and viewers across the diaspora and around the world, marking a milestone as the Caribbean Music Awards brought its ceremony to Trinidad & Tobago for the first time.
The ceremony introduced the “Land of the Jab” segment, celebrating the high-energy sounds associated with the jab tradition. Grenadian soca artist V’ghn performed “Jab Decisions,” followed by Grenada's Muddy delivering “Payroll” and Dominica's Lil Kerry performing “Mayhem.”
Television personality and former Miss Haiti Jessie Woo, alongside Sarodj Bertin, presented the evening’s first award, Dancehall Best New Artist, to Jamaican-Haitian artist Ayetian. Accepting his first Caribbean Music Award, Ayetian thanked his team and fellow nominees before sharing his appreciation with the audience and declaring, “Meh grateful, so thank you Caribbean Music Awards and it nah my last award.”
Bajan artist Jordan English, known for his “Weatherman” song, and Dominica's Jael Joseph presented Caribbean Fusion Artist of the Year to Trinidad & Tobago's Freetown Collective. Lead vocalist Lou Lyons spoke to the importance of the win beyond national borders, sharing, “This is not a win for Trinidad and Tobago or Calypso or Soca music, this is a win for the entire Caribbean because every Caribbean person is influenced by everything in the Caribbean”.
Angela Hunte and Mr. Ridge presented the Soca Impact Award to Full Blown, who dedicated the recognition to their grandparents and team. The group shared, “We’re just happy that everyone here continues to embrace the hard work that we put in and the music that we put out. Thank you very much to each and every one of you.”
Soca and calypso veteran Terri Lyons presented the first honorary recognition of the evening to legendary calypsonian Calypso Rose. Lyons reflected on Rose's impact on the genre and her significance to women in calypso, saying, “There are some names in the culture that don’t need an introduction. You hear the name and immediately you hear the voice. You know the sounds and you know you’re talking about a pillar who changed the music scene forever. For me, as a woman in Calypso this one is real personal. Long before many of us even dreamt of these stages she was already challenging what was possible for women in this artform. And tonight we have the privilege of celebrating her while she can receive all her flowers and love she deserves. This is how we do it.”
In one of the evening's most moving moments, Calypso Rose was wheeled onto the stage to a roaring reception. As her famous song “Calypso Queen” played, she recited some of its lyrics, creating a special moment of recognition for one of the Caribbean's most influential musical figures.
450 brought the energy with performances of “Journey” and “Wild and Rich,” followed by Jah Mason, who took the stage with “My Princess Gone.” Together, the performances spotlighted reggae and dancehall and the lasting influence of Jamaica’s sound across Caribbean music.
Ayetian and Moliy presented Bouyon Artist of the Year, presented by the Discover Dominica Authority, to Mr. Ridge. The win marked his third time receiving the award. In his acceptance, he said, “I appreciate the recognition of Dominica and Bouyon music, we outside!”
Trinidad & Tobago's Lady Lava received Zess Artist of the Year, presented by Full Blown, recognizing the genre's roots in Trinidad. Lady Lava shared, “Goodnight, thank you very much to the Caribbean Music Awards. And you know it’s here in Trinidad and in Trinidad is where we started Zess music… I just want to say thank you to my team and everyone who is supporting the Zess movement and supporting Lady Lava.”
Anika Berry presented Dennery Segment Song of the Year to Klassick Frescobar for “Dansa.” In his acceptance speech, he acknowledged the influence of soca and calypso on his journey, while celebrating the unity that Caribbean music continues to foster across islands “If it wasn’t for soca, if it wasn’t for calypso, I wouldn’t be here. Big up Trinidad, big up Saint Lucia, big up the Dennery Segment. I thank you for the unity. I thank you for the music that can bring us all here, all in this one place. I love y’all.”
Haitian konpa singer Mackendy Talon, frontman of Harmonik, presented the Elite Konpa Honor to Alan Cavé, celebrating a defining figure in konpa love music. Cavé reflected on the cultural connections shared throughout the region, saying, “Thank you so much. All I have to say is that we are all not that different. We all love to wine [laughs]. At the end of the day, we all came from Africa, same roads, same sister islands. We are brothers and sisters, and I’ve been incorporating a little Reggae, a little Zouk, a little Soca in my music, and that’s why, probably, I am here tonight. I thank all of you guys. I thank my family and my friends in Haiti, Martinique, Guadeloupe. Thank you so much for the love. Thank you so much, CMAs.”
The ceremony returned to Trinidad & Tobago's musical heritage with a dedicated performance segment featuring Mela Caribe, who performed “Lost in Trinbago,” followed by Christo with “Doux Doux Darling.” FreeTown Collective then took the stage with “Kaya” before launching into an electrifying tribute to David Rudder's 1998 classic “High Mas.” Rudder received the Elite Calypso Honor at the inaugural Caribbean Music Awards in 2023. FreeTown Collective closed the segment with their current hit “Take Me Home.”
Yung Bredda presented Dancehall Song of the Year to Ghanaian artist Moliy for “Shake It to the Max (FLY) [Remix],” featuring Shenseea, Skillibeng and Silent Addy. Accepting her first Caribbean Music Award in person, Moliy reflected on the doors the song had opened and the warm welcome she received from the Caribbean music community. She shared, “This is my first CMA Awards and what a blessing it is to physically be here to receive it. You know, when I wrote this song, I had no idea the doors it would open for me. I had no idea I would be welcomed into this amazing community. And I feel like I belong here, I feel like I might stay a while, like y’all should get used to having me around [smiles]. I just want to say thank you so much. It’s an incredible honor to be representing Ghana here tonight and to meet all of you. Thank you.”
Majah Hype presented Soca Song of the Year to Yung Bredda for “The Greatest Bend Over,” recognizing the Trinidadian artist's impact on the contemporary soca landscape.
Jessie Woo and Teddyson John presented French Caribbean Song of the Year to 1T1 and Theomaa for “Ouba.” The artists celebrated the win and shouted out Guadeloupe, recognizing the island's contribution to the wider Caribbean music scene.
Nailah Blackman presented Male Soca Artist of the Year to Kes. In accepting the award, Kes expressed gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to celebrate alongside fellow artists, sharing, “It’s an honor to be recognized but it’s [also] an honor to be here and celebrate each other and this is so important... It’s just great to see everybody under one roof and I want to thank CMAs for making this possible every year. To my peers I love yall, I'm inspired by y'all. Continue to do the work and let’s make the world a better place with our vibration.”
Lead vocalist Mackendy Talon of Haitian group Harmonik performed the group’s 2016 hit “Incroyable,” bringing a smooth, slow-jam feel to the ceremony. 1T1 and Theomaa followed with “Best Friend” and “Bouwéy,” adding another dimension to the evening’s celebration of French Caribbean music and the artists building connections across the region’s vibrant musical community.
The evening’s Lifetime Achievement Honor was presented to Jamaican dancehall icon Patra, recognizing a career that helped bring the genre to international audiences. Just moments before receiving the honor, Patra reflected on her journey in an interview with ESSENCE, discussing her return to music after spending years away from the industry and the pride she continues to carry as a Caribbean woman on the global stage. “The thing that I'm really, really proud of is just being a woman from the island,” Patra told ESSENCE. “I'm always just so happy to just be a Black woman from the Caribbean who can express my stuff throughout the whole world.” Presented by Seani B and Alison Hinds, the honor marked a powerful moment for the artist, whose influence spans generations of dancehall. In her acceptance speech, Patra expressed her gratitude for the recognition and paid tribute to the artists and mentors who believed in her, including the late Bunny Wailer, Shabba Ranks, Yellowman, General Trees and Ninja Man. “I’m still processing this, ever since it was announced. I want to thank you guys for recognizing the art, and as we see, it’s one Caribbean. I’m influenced by many, but tonight I know it’s a moment that I’m very much appreciative of, and I thank you, Caribbean Music Awards,” Patra shared. She also thanked her fans for standing by her over the years, encouraging women to love and care for themselves, take time to reassess their lives and embrace who they are.
Rae and DJ Kevin Crown presented Jab Song of the Year to V’ghn and Terra D Governor. V’ghn accepted the award and invited Lil Kerry and Muddy to join him onstage, recognizing his fellow artists and asking the audience to give them “all round of applause.”
Rome and Star Martin presented Chutney Soca Song of the Year to Lady Lava and Ravi B for “Cyah Pick.” Lady Lava accepted alongside producer Rishi Mahato on behalf of collaborator Ravi B. Before leaving the stage, she was surprised with another announcement: she had also won Female Soca Artist of the Year, adding to a successful night for the Trinidadian artist.
Sherwin Garner introduced Shyne, recipient of the Global Ambassador Honor. Shyne dedicated the recognition to his mother, his daughter Naomi and the people of Belize, reflecting on his journey from Belize to Brooklyn and his evolution across music and public service. He also highlighted the Caribbean’s longstanding influence on hip-hop, recognizing artists whose music continues to shape the global sound. “I’d like to acknowledge the original Global Ambassador, Kool Herc, who created hip-hop from Jamaica. So the Caribbean has always been a part of hip-hop,” Shyne shared, praising the region’s artists and the impact of Caribbean music. Reflecting on his own career, he noted, “I feel bad that in hip-hop I’ve sold over 50 million records, but the records that come from the Caribbean sound better than the pop records.” Shyne also spoke about his continued commitment to Belize, referencing his work in public service and his return to music with new material alongside producers including Dr. Dre, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, RZA, Hit-Boy, Boi-1da and Rvssian. He closed with an encouraging message to young people facing poverty and difficult circumstances, drawing on his own journey as proof that their beginnings do not have to define their futures. “But most importantly, [I dedicate this honor] to that youth from a single-parent household, that impoverished youth, that youth who has turned to the streets because, like me, he had no father… this is for you, because you too can go from the streets, can go from poverty to Parliament, to Prime Minister, to Grammy Award, to whatever you want. Just never, ever give up.”
In a surprise closing moment, Patra returned to the stage for a special performance that brought the audience to its feet and closed the ceremony on a high note. Over the course of an approximately 10-minute medley, she revisited dancehall classics including “Queen of the Pack,” “Worker Man,” “Romantic Call” and “Pull Up to My Bumper,” while also giving the audience a taste of new music she is preparing to release under J-House Entertainment. Moving through the records that helped define her legacy, Patra commanded the stage with the energy, confidence and vocal control that have defined her career. Her performance underscored her lasting influence on dancehall and the continued resonance of the music that helped establish her as a global force.
Hosts Nailah Blackman and Majah Hype closed the evening by thanking the artists, honorees, audience and everyone who contributed to the fourth annual Caribbean Music Awards, marking a milestone year for the ceremony and its growing global reach.
For more information about the Caribbean Music Awards, visit CaribMusicAwards.com and follow @CaribMusicAwards across all social platforms. Following a landmark fourth edition in Trinidad and Tobago and its global broadcast premiere, the Caribbean Music Awards looks ahead to 2027, continuing its work to recognize the artists, sounds and cultural influence shaping Caribbean music across the region and around the world. Details on the 2027 edition will be announced at a later date.
The Official 2026 Caribbean Music Awards Winners
The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards recognized artists, songs and cultural contributors across the Caribbean and its global diaspora. While select winners were celebrated during the televised ceremony, the full list below reflects all official award recipients, including those whose honors were presented outside the show.
The complete list of official 2026 Caribbean Music Awards winners follows.
BOUYON
Bouyon Artist of the Year
Mr. Ridge
Bouyon Song of the Year
“Bouwéy” — 1T1 & Theomaa
CARIBBEAN FUSION
Caribbean Fusion Artist of the Year
Freetown Collective
CHUTNEY SOCA
Chutney Soca Artist of the Year
Ravi B
Chutney Soca Song of the Year
“Cyah Pick” — Lady Lava & Ravi B
DANCEHALL
Female Dancehall Artist of the Year
Shenseea
Male Dancehall Artist of the Year
Valiant
Dancehall Album of the Year
Saint — Prince Swanny
Dancehall Best New Artist
Ayetian
Dancehall Collaboration of the Year
“Shake It to the Max (FLY) [Remix]” — MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea
Dancehall Impact Award
Ayetian
Dancehall Performer of the Year
Ding Dong
Dancehall Song of the Year
“Shake It to the Max (FLY) [Remix]” — MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea
Dancehall Video of the Year
“Rich Sex” — Masicka
DENNERY
Dennery Song of the Year
“Dansa” — Klassik Frescobar
Dennery Artist of the Year
Umpa
FRENCH CARIBBEAN
French Caribbean Artist of the Year
Joé Dwèt Filé
French Caribbean Song of the Year
“Ouba” — 1T1 & Theomaa
INTERNATIONAL DJ
Female International DJ of the Year
DJ Ana
Male International DJ of the Year
Ricky Platinum
JAB
Jab Artist of the Year
V’ghn
Jab Song of the Year
“Jab Decisions” — V’ghn & Terra D Governor
KONPA
Konpa Artist of the Year
Joé Dwèt Filé
Konpa Song of the Year
“4 Kampé” — Joé Dwèt Filé
LATIN CARIBBEAN
Latin Caribbean Artist of the Year
Bad Bunny
REGGAE
Female Reggae Artist of the Year
Lila Iké
Male Reggae Artist of the Year
Buju Banton
Reggae Album of the Year
Exile — Chronixx
Reggae Best New Artist
Cholita
Reggae Collaboration of the Year
“Romantic” — Lila Iké ft. Masicka
Reggae Impact Award
Keznamdi
Reggae Song of the Year
“BIG 45” — Protoje
SOCA
Female Soca Artist of the Year
Lady Lava
Male Soca Artist of the Year
Kes
Soca Best New Artist
Coutain
Soca Collaboration of the Year
“Eskimo” — Trinidad Killa & Nicki Minaj
Soca Impact Award
Full Blown
Soca Performer of the Year
Kes
Soca Song of the Year
“The Greatest Bend Over” — Yung Bredda & Full Blown
Soca Video of the Year
“Good Spirits” — Full Blown
ZESS
Zess Artist of the Year
Lady Lava
Zess Song of the Year
“Bob the Builder” — Lady Lava
MUSIC CRUISE
Music Cruise of the Year
UberSoca Cruise
MUSIC EVENT
Music Event of the Year
CJ Milan x Reggae Fest 'The Return of Vybz Kartel'
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Music Festival of the Year
Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
People’s Choice Award
Alkaline
DOWNLOAD HI-RES IN-SHOW PHOTOS BY NINA BABEL HERE
Disclaimer
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
Trinidad & Tobago News