Reggae delivered one of the biggest statements at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, with Jamaica’s established stars and emerging voices dominating the genre’s major categories in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Lila Iké led the Reggae field with two wins, taking Female Reggae Artiste of the Year and sharing Reggae Collaboration of the Year with Masicka for “Romantic”, while Buju Banton was named Male Reggae Artiste of the Year. Chronixx’s Exile captured Reggae Album of the Year, Keznamdi received the Reggae Impact Award, Protoje’s “BIG 45” won Reggae Song of the Year and rising singer Cholita was crowned Reggae Best New Artiste.
For Lila Iké, the double victory adds another significant chapter to an increasingly prominent run for the Jamaican singer. Her win for “Romantic” alongside Masicka also highlights the continuing crossover between contemporary Reggae and Dancehall, while Masicka collected another CMA honour for Dancehall Video of the Year with “Rich Sex”. Meanwhile, Buju Banton’s Male Reggae Artiste of the Year win comes during a major 2026 campaign following the release of Too Too Bad, which debuted at No. 8 on Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart.
Keznamdi’s Reggae Impact Award carries particular weight after his breakthrough Grammy victory earlier this year. In February, BLXXD & FYAH earned him the Grammy for Best Reggae Album, placing him among the latest generation of Jamaican artistes to make a major mark on the international Reggae stage. Chronixx also added another major accolade to the campaign surrounding Exile, his acclaimed album that returned him to the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and was recognised as Reggae Album of the Year at the CMAs.
The Reggae results also underline the breadth of Jamaica’s current musical landscape, with veterans, established contemporary stars and newcomers all represented. Protoje’s “BIG 45” secured Song of the Year, while Cholita’s Best New Artiste victory signals the arrival of another voice to watch. The awards were staged at the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Port of Spain and marked the first Caribbean Music Awards ceremony held in the region after three years in Brooklyn, New York, giving the 2026 edition added regional significance.
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