Caribbean Music Awards 2026 reaches global audiences with broadcast premiere

The Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) said on Monday, Oct. 26, that its 2026 ceremony reached audiences across the Caribbean and beyond with its global broadcast premiere on Sunday, Oct. 25, bringing the region’s music, artists and cultural influence to screens around the world.

Held for the first time in Trinidad and Tobago, CMA said the fourth annual ceremony brought together about 100 artists from across international markets, alongside national and international media, industry professionals and vendors, for a celebration of Caribbean music in its many forms.

The ceremony premiered at 9 PM EST on the official Caribbean Music Awards YouTube channel, with additional streaming and television distribution through TRACE+ and select TRACE channels, alongside broadcast partners across the Caribbean. 

CMA said broadcast partners included CNC3 in Trinidad and Tobago, CVM in Jamaica, CBC/TV8 in Barbados, TeleCuraçao in Curaçao, MBC TV/Real FM in Saint Lucia, SVG TV in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, TV15 in Sint Maarten and Channel 105 via Flow TV in Dominica. 

Presented by Trinidad Tourism Limited, the ceremony is available to watch on YouTube for a limited time, CMA said.  

Held Saturday, Sept. 19, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, CMA said the ceremony served as “the centerpiece” of its Elite Weekend Experience under the theme “Sounds of the Caribbean.” 

From Nailah Blackman’s debut performance of “Lova Gyal” to Lady Lava’s four-award sweep, with three awards accepted in person during the ceremony, CMA said the 2026 Awards celebrated the “talent and cultural influence shaping Caribbean music.”

CMA said Lady Lava won Female Soca Artist of the Year, Zess Artist of the Year and Chutney Soca Song of the Year for “Cyah Pick” with Ravi B, with her fourth award received outside the show. 

Moliy also made history as the first Ghanaian artist to win a Caribbean Music Award, earning Dancehall Song of the Year during the ceremony and Dancehall Collaboration of the Year outside the show for “Shake It to the Max (FLY) [Remix]” alongside Silent Addy, Skillibeng and Shenseea, CMA said. 

It said other standout moments included Shyne’s reflections on Caribbean music’s influence on hip-hop and Patra’s surprise closing performance, “underscoring the sounds, stories and cultural impact of Caribbean music on a global stage.”

CMA said Nailah Blackman kicked off the ceremony with the debut performance of her new song “Lova Gyal,” accompanied by the premiere of its official music video. 

Majah Hype joined Nailah Blackman onstage as the duo officially welcomed the NAPA audience and viewers across the Diaspora and around the world, “marking a milestone as the Caribbean Music Awards brought its ceremony to Trinidad & Tobago for the first time,” CMA said. 

It said the ceremony introduced the “Land of the Jab” segment, celebrating the high-energy sounds associated with the jab tradition. 

CMA said Grenadian soca artist V’ghn performed “Jab Decisions,” followed by Grenada’s Muddy delivering “Payroll” and Dominica’s Lil Kerry performing “Mayhem.”

Television personality and former Miss Haiti Jessie Woo, alongside Sarodj Bertin, presented the evening’s first award, Dancehall Best New Artist, to Jamaican-Haitian artist Ayetian, CMA said. 

Bajan artist Jordan English, known for his “Weatherman” song, and Dominica’s Jael Joseph presented Caribbean Fusion Artist of the Year to Trinidad & Tobago’s Freetown Collective, CMA said.

Lead vocalist Lou Lyons spoke to the importance of the win beyond national borders, sharing, “This is not a win for Trinidad and Tobago or Calypso or Soca music, this is a win for the entire Caribbean because every Caribbean person is influenced by everything in the Caribbean”.

CMA said Angela Hunte and Mr. Ridge presented the Soca Impact Award to Full Blown, who dedicated the recognition to their grandparents and team. 

Soca and calypso veteran Terri Lyons presented the first honorary recognition of the evening to legendary calypsonian Calypso Rose. 

In one of the evening’s most moving moments, CMA said Calypso Rose was wheeled onto the stage to a roaring reception. 

As her famous song “Calypso Queen” played, CMA said she recited some of its lyrics, creating a special moment of recognition for one of the Caribbean’s most influential musical figures.

CMA said 450 brought the energy with performances of “Journey” and “Wild and Rich,” followed by Jah Mason, who took the stage with “My Princess Gone.” 

Ayetian and Moliy presented Bouyon Artist of the Year, presented by the Discover Dominica Authority, to Mr. Ridge. 

The win marked his third time receiving the award, CMA said. 

It said Trinidad & Tobago’s Lady Lava received Zess Artist of the Year, presented by Full Blown, recognizing the genre’s roots in Trinidad. 

Anika Berry presented Dennery Segment Song of the Year to Klassick Frescobar for “Dansa.” 

CMA said Haitian konpa singer Mackendy Talon, frontman of Harmonik, presented the Elite Konpa Honor to Alan Cavé, “celebrating a defining figure in konpa love music.”

Yung Bredda presented Dancehall Song of the Year to Ghanaian artist Moliy for “Shake It to the Max (FLY) [Remix],” featuring Shenseea, Skillibeng and Silent Addy. 

Accepting her first Caribbean Music Award in person, Moliy reflected on the doors the song had opened and the warm welcome she received from the Caribbean music community. 

“This is my first CMA Awards and what a blessing it is to physically be here to receive it,” she said. “You know, when I wrote this song, I had no idea the doors it would open for me. I had no idea I would be welcomed into this amazing community. 

“And I feel like I belong here, I feel like I might stay a while, like y’all should get used to having me around [smiles],” she added. “I just want to say thank you so much. It’s an incredible honor to be representing Ghana here tonight and to meet all of you. Thank you.” 

Majah Hype presented Soca Song of the Year to Yung Bredda for “The Greatest Bend Over,” recognizing the Trinidadian artist’s impact on the contemporary soca landscape.

Jessie Woo and Teddyson John presented French Caribbean Song of the Year to 1T1 and Theomaa for “Ouba.” 

CMA said Nailah Blackman presented Male Soca Artist of the Year to Kes. 

In accepting the award, Kes expressed gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to celebrate alongside fellow artists.

“It’s an honor to be recognized, but it’s [also] an honor to be here and celebrate each other and this is so important,” he said. “It’s just great to see everybody under one roof, and I want to thank CMAs for making this possible every year.”

 CMA said te evening’s Lifetime Achievement Honor was presented to Jamaican dancehall icon Patra, recognizing a career that helped bring the genre to international audiences. 

Presented by Seani B and Alison Hinds, CMA said the honor marked “a powerful moment for the artist, whose influence spans generations of dancehall.”

In her acceptance speech, Patra expressed her gratitude for the recognition and paid tribute to the artists and mentors who believed in her, including the late Bunny Wailer, Shabba Ranks, Yellowman, General Trees and Ninja Man. 

“I’m still processing this, ever since it was announced,” she said. “I want to thank you guys for recognizing the art, and as we see, it’s one Caribbean. 

“I’m influenced by many, but tonight I know it’s a moment that I’m very much appreciative of, and I thank you, Caribbean Music Awards,” Patra added. 

Rae and DJ Kevin Crown presented Jab Song of the Year to V’ghn and Terra D Governor. V’ghn accepted the award and invited Lil Kerry and Muddy to join him onstage, recognizing his fellow artists and asking the audience to give them “all round of applause.”

CMA said Rome and Star Martin presented Chutney Soca Song of the Year to Lady Lava and Ravi B for “Cyah Pick.” 

Lady Lava accepted alongside producer Rishi Mahato on behalf of collaborator Ravi B. 

Before leaving the stage, she was surprised with another announcement: she had also won Female Soca Artist of the Year, adding to a successful night for the Trinidadian artist, CMA said. 

It said Sherwin Garner introduced Shyne, recipient of the Global Ambassador Honor. 

Shyne dedicated the recognition to his mother, his daughter Naomi and the people of Belize, reflecting on his journey from Belize to Brooklyn and his evolution across music and public service. 

He also highlighted the Caribbean’s longstanding influence on hip-hop, recognizing artists whose music continues to shape the global sound. 

“I’d like to acknowledge the original Global Ambassador, Kool Herc, who created hip-hop from Jamaica,” he said. “ So, the Caribbean has always been a part of hip-hop.” 

In a surprise closing moment, CMA said Patra returned to the stage for a special performance that brought the audience to its feet and closed the ceremony on a high note. 

Over the course of about a 10-minute medley, CMA said she revisited dancehall classics including “Queen of the Pack,” “Worker Man,” “Romantic Call” and “Pull Up to My Bumper,” while also giving the audience a taste of new music she is preparing to release under J-House Entertainment.