Dancehall royalty is taking the spotlight once more, as Masicka and Shenseea lead the nominations for the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards with seven nods each. Set to unfold on August 28 at Brooklyn’s King’s Theater, the highly anticipated third annual staging—presented by Caribbean Elite Group—promises its most dynamic celebration yet. This year, the awards introduce seven brand-new categories that reflect the genre’s ongoing evolution and cultural impact: 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, Zess-Steam Artist of the Year, and Gospel Song of the Year.
Masicka returns to the awards with significant momentum, having won Dancehall Album of the Year in 2024 for his acclaimed sophomore effort Generation of Kings. His fearless storytelling and lyrical depth have earned him industry praise and a loyal global following. “Dancehall is a reflection of where mi come from and weh mi see daily,” he shared last year. “So anytime mi get recognized for that, it’s more than just a win—it’s validation.” Meanwhile, Shenseea continues to break barriers internationally, recently securing a feature on Afrobeats superstar Davido’s forthcoming fifth studio album, 5ive. The move further cements her as one of the most versatile and marketable voices in Caribbean music today.
Close behind the frontrunners are Soca sensations Patrice Roberts and Kes, each with six nominations. Their fresh approach to Soca and Caribbean Fusion continues to influence the global soundscape. Vybz Kartel, Chronic Law, Nailah Blackman, and Kranium follow with five nods each, while Bunji Garlin, Romain Virgo, and Lila Iké also stand out with four nominations apiece—proving that the 2025 edition is shaping up to be a richly competitive showcase of regional excellence.
The Caribbean Music Awards has become more than just a ceremony—it’s a celebration of identity, artistry, and legacy. Last year’s spectacle, hosted by Spice and Majah Hype, paid homage to Caribbean icons including Cedella Marley, Marcia Griffiths, and producer Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor. Spice not only co-hosted but also took home Artist of the Decade – Female, a win that coincided with her receiving a Silver certification in the UK for “So Mi Like It,” and surpassing one billion collective YouTube views thanks to hits like “Go Down Deh.”
As fan voting opens at CaribMusicAwards.com and runs through May 31, the stage is set for a monumental celebration of Caribbean excellence. With Masicka and Shenseea leading the charge and new categories spotlighting everything from gospel to global fusions, the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards is poised to be a powerful reflection of the region’s rhythm, roots, and rising stars.
