The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) lit up the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, on Thursday, August 28, delivering an unforgettable evening that showcased the extraordinary sounds and spirit of the Caribbean. Broadcast on BET, this year’s show marked a milestone moment for Caribbean culture, honoring trailblazing artists, celebrating the heartbeat of the islands, and uniting fans worldwide under one rhythm-filled roof.

Hosted by the charismatic Majah Hype, known as the “King of Caribbean Comedy,” the night was a vibrant showcase of diversity and talent, celebrating the rich musical tapestry of reggae, soca, dancehall, kompa, bouyon, zouk, and beyond. From star-studded red carpet arrivals to powerhouse performances and moving acceptance speeches, the CMA spotlighted the undeniable global influence of Caribbean artistry.

Dancehall legend Elephant Man kicked off the show with an electrifying medley, performing classics like “Pon de River, Pon de Bank” and “Signal de Plane” as he made his way through the theater with a troupe of dancers led by famed choreographer Tanisha Scott. Joining him on stage, Ding Dong kept the energy high with hits like “Badman Forward Badman Pull Up” and “Ravers Gas.” The opening set perfectly captured the energy of Caribbean culture, blending nostalgia with vibrant modern flair.

Throughout the night, the CMAs highlighted Caribbean music’s profound global impact, honoring both rising stars and living legends:

• Buju Banton took home Reggae Collaboration of the Year for “Thank You Lord” alongside Bugle and Damian Marley.
• Patrice Roberts was crowned Female Soca Artist of the Year, while Romain Virgo earned Male Reggae Artist of the Year and Reggae Song of the Year.
• Shenseea dominated the night, winning five awards including Dancehall Album of the Year (Never Gets Late Here) and Female Dancehall Artist of the Year, making history as the most awarded solo artist in CMA history.
• The legendary Busta Rhymes accepted the Elite Icon Award with a heartfelt speech reflecting on his Jamaican heritage, Caribbean roots, and the importance of community in shaping his 35-year career.
• Bounty Killer received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Swizz Beatz and DJ Khaled, and celebrated the honor with an impromptu freestyle that ignited the crowd.
• Sizzla Kalonji was recognized with the Humanitarian Award for his tireless youth advocacy through the Sizzla Youth Foundation.

Caribbean music pioneers Kerwin Du Bois, Austin “Superblue” Lyons, and Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers were also honored for their invaluable contributions to calypso, production, and gospel music.

A full list of winners includes:

Bouyon Artist of the Year - Mr. Ridge 
Caribbean Fusion Artist of the Year - Naïka
Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year - Dexta Daps 
Dancehall Best New Artist - Malie Donn
Dancehall Album of the Year - Shenseea Never Gets Late Here
Dancehall Collaboration of the Year - “Hit & Run” - Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius
Dancehall Impact Award - Armanii 
Dancehall Performer of the Year - Spice
Dancehall Song of the Year - “Hit & Run” - Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius
Female Dancehall Artist of the Year - Shenseea
Female International DJ of the Year - DJ Ana
Female Reggae Artist of The Year - Lila Iké
Female Soca Artist of the Year - Patrice Roberts
French Caribbean Artist of the Year - Joé Dwèt Filé
Konpa Artist/ Band of the Year - Rutshelle Guillaume
Latin Caribbean Artist of the Year - Bad Bunny 
Male Dancehall Artist of the Year - Vybz Kartel
Male International DJ of the Year - DJ Private Ryan
Male Reggae Artist of the Year - Romain Virgo
Male Soca Artist of the Year - Kes
Music Cruise of the Year - UberSoca
Music Event of the Year - Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street
People's Choice - Vybz Kartel
Reggae Album of the Year - Romain Virgo The Gentle Man
Reggae Best New Artist - Sevana
Reggae Collaboration of the Year - Bugle & Buju Banton & Damian "Jr Gong" Marley
Reggae Impact Award - YG Marley
Reggae Song of the Year - Romain Virgo feat Masicka “Been There Before” 
Reggae-Dancehall Video of the Year - Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius “- Hit & Run”
Soca Best New Artist - Blaka Dan
Soca Collaboration of the Year - Trilla G x Lil Boy x Quan - Someone Else
Soca Impact Award - Yung Bredda
Soca Performer of the Year - Kes
Soca Video of the Year - Patrice Roberts  “Anxiety”
Song of the Song Soca -  Mical Teja “DNA”
Zess-Steam Artist of the Year - Lady Lava