Ahead of his highly anticipated concert at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center this weekend, the Caribbean Elite Group has revealed the first wave of honorees for the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards. Among the standout names is dancehall icon Bounty Killer, who will be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his unparalleled influence on the genre and his pivotal role in shaping the global dancehall movement. The honour comes just as the veteran deejay returns to the U.S. stage for the first time in 15 years, headlining Reggae Fest on July 5 — a performance fans and industry insiders alike have been eagerly awaiting.
Joining Bounty Killer among this year’s celebrated recipients is soca pioneer Austin “Super Blue” Lyons, who will receive the Calypso Honours award. Widely regarded as the originator of the genre’s now-universal “jump and wave” tradition, Super Blue transformed carnival culture with his 1991 anthem Get Something and Wave, igniting a movement that continues to pulse through global Caribbean celebrations.
Producer and composer Kerwin Du Bois is also set to be recognised with a Producer Honour, highlighting his genre-defying creativity and consistent impact on the evolution of Caribbean music. Known for blending soca, dancehall, and R&B with seamless precision, Du Bois has long been considered one of the region’s most innovative hitmakers.
Set for August 28 at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre, the third annual Caribbean Music Awards promises to be “Caribbean music’s biggest night,” boasting over 200 nominees across 40 categories. With a record-breaking 73% increase in voting this year, the ceremony reflects the genre’s expanding global footprint. Masicka and Shenseea lead the pack with seven nominations each, while Patrice Roberts and Kes follow closely with six. Fans can expect more major announcements in the coming weeks, as the celebration of Caribbean excellence gains momentum.
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