Caribbean Music Awards 2023

The impassioned rhythm of reggae and the festive call of soca have long echoed in the hearts of many, but for the first time, these sounds found their recognition on a grand stage: The 1st Caribbean Music Awards, a landmark moment in The Caribbean’s rich musical saga. In this video, we celebrate our heritage, our music, and our undeniable spirit. This is a review of the inaugural Caribbean Music Awards 2023, held in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. 

First, we must ask, why is such an award ceremony so critical? For years, Caribbean music has shaped, influenced, and infused global charts. From the reggae undertones in pop hits to the outright celebration of Caribbean sounds at carnivals across the globe, the region’s musical impact is undeniable. However, while individual genres and artists have found their niche and recognition, there hasn’t been a dedicated platform celebrating the entirety of Caribbean music – until now.

The Caribbean Music Awards serves not just as a recognition of talent but as an affirmation of cultural identity. For the Caribbean diaspora spread across the world, music serves as a tether to our roots. This award ceremony amplifies that connection and creates a space for Caribbean artists to shine, share their stories, and further the global appreciation of their diverse music forms. The event, beyond its symbolic importance, was also a vibrant showcase of some notable talent. 

So, as the curtains fell on this inaugural event, it was clear from the Red Carpet that this wasn’t just another award show. It marked a pivotal moment, an acknowledgment of the Caribbean’s rich musical heritage, and a statement of its growing influence on the world stage.

Hosted by Grammy-winning Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean, and held at King’s Theater in Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, it surely gave out a vibrant, energetic, and vigorous show, celebrating music, people, and culture from the Caribbean.

Wyclef Jean, famous for being the founding member, co-producer, and guitarist of the New Jersey hip hop trio The Fugees along with Lauryn Hill, notoriously his romantic partner in the late nineties, and Pras Michel, made a statement at the Inaugural Caribbean Music Awards that talks to the heart of every Caribbean people. 

He said “I’ve been to the Grammys, MTV Awards, all kinds of awards around the world. This is the only award show I feel so comfortable, I can wear my bloodclxxxt sandals” and again “Tonight is a very, very important night as we celebrate the Caribbean region. Tonight is history. They steal our culture, and they change the name of it. They call it ‘pop’, they flip our food around and adjust it. Tonight, we’re taking everything back to the Caribbean.” 

Undoubtedly, those who heard this speech felt an immediate connection to the show, brimming with enthusiasm and swelling with pride for their Caribbean heritage!

With performances from some of our favorite artists, surprises, and genuine tributes, the Caribbean Music Awards, produced by the Caribbean Elite Group (CEG), publishers of “Caribbean Elite Magazine”, was a show of Caribbean unity.

Truth be told, we know you can’t please everyone, and especially Caribbean people can be hard to please sometimes. So, it does not come as a surprise that the event has been immediately criticized for not including more Caribbean musical genres. 

As the pioneering event of its kind, we can understand that maturity takes time and mistakes are inevitable. While we acknowledge the diverse musical tastes within the Caribbean community, it’s natural that not every expectation will be met initially.  Wyclef Jean assures us that the vision for the event encompasses broadening the musical genres each year, steadily celebrating the rich tapestry of Caribbean sounds.

The Caribbean Music Awards was rich in performances from many artists, including Alison Hinds, Dexta Daps, Ding Dong, Toni-Anne Sing, Romain Virgo, Wayne Wonder, and Kranium. Among the several presenters, we saw Crissy, Kabaka Pyramid, Morgan Heritage, Spice, Konshens, and Kerwin Dubois. 

The event opened with an energetic performance by Karnival Bounce Crew, along with Mya, Maiah Hope, DJs Jabba, and Bobby Konders, setting the bar quite high for the rest of the night.

And now, let’s dive into the list of the various contestants and eventual nominees for each category, keeping in mind that all award recipients were elected by fans, who were invited to vote for their favorite artist, album, song, and music videos online, weeks before the event.

Kompa, the Haitian music genre and social partner dance that is getting more and more popular worldwide was recognized during the event on two separate occasions: once, with the award of Best Kompa Band category, won by the band Klass, and then again with a posthumous honor to the late Haitian singer, songwriter, and record producer Mikaben, who died in October last year.

Honorees and Special Guests included King of Soca Machel Montano, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award, reggae legend Beres Hammond, who received an Elite Icon Award, public figure Juliann Carter, better known as Crissy, Social Media Personality honoree, Trinidadian singer David Rudder, who was awarded Calypso Honors, and Majah Hype, awarded the title of Elite Entertainer of the Year.

For the Soca Video of the Year, contestants were Patrice Roberts with Mind My Business, Nailah Blackman and Mical Teja with Dingolay, Kes and Dwala with Jolene, Nesa Preppy and DJ Private Ryan with Nasty Flow, and Nadia Batson with Jelly. The award went to Patrice Roberts, with Mind My Business.

For the Collaboration of the Year in the Reggae/Dancehall field, the choice was between Skeng ft Nicki Minaj with Little Miss, Masicka ft Steflon Don with Moments, Popcaan ft Imeru Tafari with Elevate, Sean Paul ft Gewn Stafani and Shenseea with Light My Fire, Skeng ft Stalk Ashlet with Talibhan, Protoje ft Joria Smith with Ten Cane Row, and Baby Charm ft Bounty Killer with Blood Clxxt. Predictably, the winner was Skeng ft Nicki Minaj with their Little Miss.

For the Soca Collaboration of the Year, the candidates included Patrice Roberts and Ricardo Dru with Toxi, Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child with Danger, Nailah Blackman and Mical Teja with Dingolay, but the award went to GMB Nutron and DJ Spider with Down Dey.

Vybz Kartel was nominated Artist of the Decade leaving behind other contestants Machel Montano, Kes The Band, Movado, and Bounty Killer. 

Mr. Killa was nominated Soca Performer of the Year, beating Machel Montano, DJ Cheem, Voice the Artiste, and Kes, while Dexta Daps was awarded the Dancehall Performer of the Year nomination, beating Spice, Ding Dong, Shenseea, Elephant Man, and Baby Cham.

No one but Queen Spice was the winner of the Dancehall Female Artist of the Year title, leaving behind Jada Kingdom, Shenseea, Stefflon Don, and more. And of course, Patrice Roberts was nominated Soca Female Artist of the Year, winning the title that Nailah Blackman, Fay-Ann Lyons, Alison Hinds were competing for.

The Soca Male Artist of the Year award went to Machel Montano.

The Reggae Male Artist of the Year to Beres Hammond, and the Dancehall Male Artist of the Year went to Ding Dong.

Runners for the title of Dancehall Album of the Year were Masicka with 438, Spice with Emancipated, Skeng with Best of the Era, Vybz Kartel with True Religion, Kranium with In Too Deep, and Sean Paul with Scorcha. Masicka was nominated for his album 438.

For Reggae / Dancehall Video of the Year, contestants were Ding Dong with his Bounce, Masicka with History, Jashii with Born Fighter, Popcaan ft Toni-Ann Singh with Next to Me, and Shenseea with Dolly. The power couple Popcaan & Toni-Anne Singh unsurprisingly brought the title home. 

Ding Dong and his Bounce were awarded Dance Song of the Year (Combined Genres) defeating La lee with Leggo Di Bird, Squash 2022 with Foot, Elephant with Touch Your Head, DJ Chem with Bing Bong, and Suhrawh ft Chow Minister with In The Water.

In the run for Best New Artist for the Dancehall category, Valiant won against Kraff, Armanii, Bayka and Stalk Ashley, while the title of Best New Artist for the Soca genre went to Tempa, who won against Melly Rose, Anika Berry, Shireen, Leonce and Faith Calendar. The title of Best New Artist for Reggae, instead, went to Samora.

The Impact award for dancehall was given to Chronic Law, while the Impact award for reggae went to Kabaka Pyramid, the winner also of the Reggae Album of the Year with his The Kalling.

Kes won the People’s Choice award, while reggae legend Buju Banton was awarded the Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic foundation, the Buju Banton Foundation.

One of the show’s most memorable moments saw performances of younger Caribbean artists paying tribute to Beres Hammond, recipient of the Elite Icon Award, and also honored by the New York City Council for his contributions to the Caribbean community. His most famous hits, including Double Trouble, I Feel Good, Standing in My Way, and Sweet Lies, were performed by Romain Virgo, Toni-Ann Singh, Dexta Daps, and Kranium. The latter expressed his respect and love for the reggae legend saying “It was a great feeling to perform and actually doing a tribute to him was one of the most amazing feelings. We grew up listening to Beres and I’m happy I get a chance to be in the music industry and actually meet him and do a tribute to him. That was a highlight for me.”

The first Caribbean Music Awards wasn’t just an evening of accolades. It was a declaration, a promise, and a celebration all rolled into one. As the sun sets on this landmark event, one can only hope that the horizon holds bigger, brighter, and even more melodious days for Caribbean music. To every Caribbean soul watching this: this is our rhythm, our story. Let’s support and amplify it for the world to hear.

From vibrant beats to soulful melodies, from heartfelt tributes to groundbreaking performances, we’ve journeyed through a night that wasn’t just about awards, but about the heart and soul of the Caribbean. As the curtains close on this historic inaugural Caribbean Music Awards, we are reminded of the power of our unity, the strength of our heritage, and the boundless possibilities of our future.

Before you go, we would love for you to check out our new Caribbean-themed Event Site at the link. Whether you’re an event planner looking to showcase your latest Caribbean-themed soirée or an enthusiast eager to immerse yourself in authentic island vibes including the next Caribbean Music Awards, our website is your one-stop destination. From local gatherings to global extravaganzas, discover and list a myriad of Caribbean events with ease. Don’t miss out; explore the rhythm, the colors, and the soul of the Caribbean at your fingertips. Check out our site now in the link below and let the festivities begin!

Thank you for joining us, celebrating with us, and feeling the rhythm of the Caribbean with us. Until next year, keep the music alive, and let’s continue to shine our light on the world stage.