The third annual Caribbean Music Awards showcased an impressive array of talent, featuring reggae legends like Sizzla and Buju Banton alongside breakout stars such as Lady Lava and dancehall newcomers like Armanii. Held on August 28 at Brooklyn’s Kings Theater, the ceremony celebrated the top artists and notable records in Caribbean music over the past year, spanning over 40 categories that honored genres including reggae, dancehall, soca, zess-steam, konpa, calypso, gospel, and R&B.
Shenseea, who tied with Masicka for the most nominations this year (seven each), emerged as the biggest winner of the night with five awards, including dancehall album, song, and collaboration of the year. Vybz Kartel, known as the King of Dancehall, won three awards, including male dancehall artist of the year and music event of the year for his Freedom Street concert in Kingston last December. Lady Lava received the inaugural zess-steam artist of the year award for her track “Ring Finger,” while Yung Bredda and Armanii were honored with impact awards for soca and dancehall respectively.
The ceremony also featured high-energy performances from artists like Elephant Man, Full Blown, Lady Lava, Lila Iké, Romain Virgo, and others. While Spice and Kes were named performers of the year for dancehall and soca respectively, neither performed at the event. Additionally, special honorees such as Busta Rhymes and Sizzla did not take the stage except for a brief freestyle from Bounty Killer during his acceptance speech for a lifetime achievement award. Despite these absences, the Caribbean Music Awards offered a lineup that delighted music fans across various generations and genres.
Here’s Billboard’s ranking of every performance at the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards.
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Romain Virgo, “Soul Provider” & “Fade Away”
Jamaican singer-songwriter Romain Virgo delivered solid renditions of “Soul Provider” and “Fade Away” during the “Voices of the Caribbean” segment. Both songs are from his 2015 album Lifted.
While his performance showcased his vocal talent, it was curious that he did not include songs from his latest album The Gentle Man, which won him three awards this year. This record includes reggae album of the year and reggae song of the year for “Been There Before.” While celebrating an album anniversary is nice, it would have been even better to see The Gentle Man highlighted during his performance.
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Maureen, “Tic”
Maureen gained international recognition with her hit “Money Pull Up,” but she delivered a powerful performance of her song “Tic” at Kings Theater. Her energetic choreography and stage presence made it one of the standout solo performances of the night.
Despite not winning French-Caribbean artist of the year to Joé Dwèt Filé, Maureen left a lasting impression on the audience with her dynamic act.
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Lila Iké, “Where I’m Coming From”
Lila Iké’s performance during the “Voices of the Caribbean” segment captivated everyone in attendance with her enchanting voice. Her rendition of “Where I’m Coming From,” one of her notable hits from her EP ExPerience, was particularly memorable.
Iké took home her third consecutive award for best female reggae artist that night. She also received nominations for reggae song of the year and reggae collaboration of the year. Recently releasing her debut full-length album Treasure Self Love, just days before the ceremony added to her accomplishments.
Both Virgo and Iké represent some of contemporary reggae’s brightest talents. Their performances could have elevated the night even further if they had showcased their latest works.
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Lady Lava, “Ring Finger”
Lady Lava has made a significant impact in 2025 with her hits like “Ring Finger.” It was fitting that she closed out the ceremony with this Cardi B-approved track.
Wearing a stunning pink gown, Lava transformed Kings Theater into her personal stage while performing “Ring Finger.” Her charisma and stage presence shone through as she captivated everyone in attendance.
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Elephant Man & Ding Dong, Opening Medley
Dancehall legends Elephant Man and Ding Dong opened the awards show with an electrifying medley that included their iconic tracks. Elephant Man began his performance in the lobby before making his way to the main stage.
The duo performed their collaboration “Dip Again,” followed by solo hits that showcased their energetic styles. Their dynamic opening set an exciting tone for the rest of the ceremony.
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Full Blown, Machel Montano & Ayetian, Big Links Riddim Medley
Yung Bredda’s hit “The Greatest Bend Over” has been a massive success globally. Full Blown delivered an outstanding performance that included surprise appearances by Machel Montano and Ayetian during their medley.
The artists bridged generations in Caribbean music while engaging the audience in a sing-along to close out their set. Their performance was a highlight of the evening.
