Caribbean POSH was in the building, live and direct for the second year in a row, and let us tell you—the Caribbean showed up and showed OUT. On August 28th, the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn pulsed with soca, reggae, dancehall, kompa, bouyon, and everything in between as the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards (CMAs) turned the spotlight unapologetically on us. And for the first time, the rest of the world tuned in too—broadcast on BET, no less.

Now in its third year, the CMAs have cemented themselves as the stage for celebrating the rhythms, artistry, and icons of the Caribbean. From the Caribbean to the world, this year proved that our culture isn’t just influencing global music—it’s leading it.

You Had to Be There

Walking into the historic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, you could feel the melting pot of the Caribbean in every corner. The aroma of Caribbean food filled the air, the riddim of drums followed you through the lobby, and Carnival dancers—decked out in the most exquisite costumes of feathers, sequins, and color—brought the vibe of the islands straight to Flatbush Avenue.

And the people? Oh, they came dressed to impress, dripping in Caribbean glam. But the number one accessory of the night wasn’t a designer bag or flashy jewels—it was the Caribbean flag, waved proudly by every island represented. It was unity in full color, and you simply had to be there live to soak it all in.

Red Carpet Royalty

The red carpet was jam packed—a who’s who of Caribbean greatness. BET rolled cameras, HOT 97 and Billboard held their ground, and Caribbean media was in full effect too—from Caribbean POSH to the Jamaica Observer and more, ensuring our story was told by us.

Our very own Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Honoree Naomi Cowan hosted for BET, sparkling with her signature warmth and charisma. And the carpet wasn’t just glam—it was filled with winners-to-be. Caribbean POSH connected with the soulful Lila Iké (Female Reggae Artist of the Year), crooner Romain Virgo (Male Reggae Artist of the Year), dancehall hitmaker Konshens, reggae staple Mr. Lexx, rising star London Hill, and the effortlessly chic Amanda Reifer.

Naomi wasn’t just dazzling on the carpet—she also took the stage to present one of Shenseea’s history-making awards, making it a proud moment of Caribbean women supporting Caribbean women.

 

Women Who Owned the Night

At Caribbean POSH, we’re all about spotlighting women who break barriers, redefine culture, and inspire others to dream bigger. That’s why we’re highlighting the Women Who Owned the Night—because their wins go beyond trophies. They represent progress, power, and possibility for every Caribbean girl watching.

• Shenseea was the undeniable queen of the night, snagging Female Dancehall Artist of the Year and four more wins, officially becoming the most awarded solo artist in CMA history. Her single “Hit & Run” alone scooped up three awards, proving she’s not just holding her own—she’s leading the pack.

• Patrice Roberts proudly flew the soca flag, taking home Female Soca Artist of the Year and reminding the world why she remains one of the genre’s fiercest voices.

• Lila Iké delivered soul and substance, honored as Female Reggae Artist of the Year—a win that highlights her role as one of the most important voices in reggae’s new generation.

• DJ Ana proved the decks aren’t just for the boys, walking away with Female International DJ of the Year, showing the power of women behind the turntables.

• Lady Lava didn’t just win Zess-Steam Artist of the Year—she also brought the house down with her performance of “Ring Finger,” closing the night with pure Caribbean woman fire.

These women didn’t just shine—they shifted the spotlight. Their success is a reminder that when Caribbean women rise, they carry the culture, the sound, and the next generation with them.

From “Pon de River” to Powerhouse Performances

Elephant Man launched the show like only he can, bringing a tidal wave of energy as Ding Dong joined him for a medley that transformed Kings Theatre into a full-on dancehall fête. Then came the soulful segment with Romain Virgo and Lila Iké, the firepower of Machel Montano linking up with Full Blown, and Lady Lava’s fierce finale.

Legends Honored, Icons Crowned

The CMAs were also about legacy:

• Busta Rhymes took us down memory lane, sharing his Jamaican upbringing and honoring the West Indian community that raised him, before being presented the Elite Icon Award by Buju Banton himself.

• Swizz Beatz and DJ Khaled brought superstar energy to honor Bounty Killer with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In true Bounty style, he grabbed the mic for a freestyle that set the room ablaze.

• And when Alison Hinds honored Rihanna for two decades of redefining culture, the pride in the room was electric.

 

Why This Night Mattered

Being there live—hearing the drums, seeing the flags, tasting the food, feeling the costumes brush past as dancers swept through the aisles—was to experience the Caribbean in its purest form. This was history.

For Caribbean POSH, it was a thrill to see our culture celebrated at this level for the second year in a row. Watching Naomi Cowan—our own ICON Woman—host for BET, while Caribbean and international media from Caribbean POSH to TEMPO, HOT 97 to Billboard captured the moment, was a proud reminder that the Caribbean isn’t just participating—we’re leading.

And the best part? We took you behind the scenes every step of the way. From backstage energy to blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments on the red carpet, Caribbean POSH brought our followers the raw, unfiltered CMA experience on social media.

With the CMAs wrapping their third spectacular year, one thing is clear: 2026 is going to be even bigger, brighter, and bolder. And you already know—we’ll be there.

For exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and highlights from the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards, head to our social media channels. Because when Caribbean women rise, the whole region shines.

COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS FOR THE 2025 “CARIBBEAN MUSIC AWARDS”

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