The Caribbean Music Awards, with a Red-Carpet Kickoff and an opening act by Grammy Award Winner Wyclef Jean and his dancers Kings Theatre, was held in Brooklyn, NY.
“It’s a big movement. This is the first time that the Caribbean has decided to embrace each other,” Jean said.
“This moment, the Caribbean deserves it. We deserve it,” artist Mr. Killa said.
“It’s our time now, right? Because the Caribbean like we came from, we’ve contributed so much, … Think about that, right? The swag, the food, the fashion, with our dance,” Jean said.
The inaugural Caribbean Music Awards brought some of the biggest names in reggae, dancehall, kompa, zouk, and soca music under the same roof.
“I’m glad that everybody could really come together and unite ’cause that’s really all it’s about at the end of the day — unity,” reggae artist Jada Kingdom said.
The event was a reunion for some on the red carpet. Jamaican musician Spice said, “I been to a lot of awards, but this belongs to us.”
Image via Amaya McDonald/DancehallMag
Mya said, “The energy is beautiful. The energy is real.”
Enthusiastic fans caught sight of the celebrities as they entered the venue, anticipating a night filled with glamour, thrill, and a celebration of Caribbean heritage.
Amidst an array of accolades, the distinguished reggae icon Beres Hammond received the prestigious Elite Icon Award to recognize his enduring and influential contributions to the world of reggae music.
“A lot of people are really excited to see this develop and grow into something even crazy and bigger,” Trinidadian artist Kes said.
“No better time to celebrate the culture that we all have from all the different islands, but what we have brought to these shores and how effective we’ve been as a people, it reverts back home and it sets dreams and goals to all the people,” Trinidadian artist Machel Montano said.
The event was a prelude to kick off the Labor Day weekend festivities and the West Indian American Day Parade on Monday.
Here is a list of the night’s winners:
Artist Of The Decade Winner: Vybz Kartel
2022 Impact Award – Reggae Winner: Kabaka Pyramid
Humanitarian Award Honoree – Buju Banton Foundation
People’s Choice Award (Fan Favorite) Winner: Kes
2022 Impact Award – Soca Winner: Viking Ding Dong
Video of the Year – Reggae/Dancehall Winner: Next to Me – Popcaan (feat. Toni-Ann Singh)
Elite Calypso Music Award Honoree – David Rudder
Female Artist of the Year (Dancehall) Winner: Spice
Best New Artist – Reggae Winner: Samora
Best New Artist – Soca Winner: Tempa
Collaboration of the Year – Reggae/Dancehall Winner: Skeng (feat. Nicki Minaj) – Little Miss
Collaboration of the Year – Soca Winner: GBM Nutron (feat. DJ Spider) – Down Dey
Kompa Music Award Honoree – Mikaben
Dance Song of the Year Winner: Bounce – Ding Dong
Kompa Band of the Year Winner: Klass
Elite Icon Award Honoree – Beres Hammond
Album of the Year – Dancehall Winner: 438 – Masicka
Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree – Machel Montano
Performer of the Year – Dancehall Winner: Dexta Daps
Congratulations to all the winners!
XXX
Fharnell M.
