Machel Montano & Ayetian Steal Spotlight at Caribbean Music Awards: Exclusive Highlights

Machel Montano & Ayetian Make Surprise Appearance at 2025 Caribbean Music Awards: 6 Best Moments In a night filled with music, glamour, and celebration of Caribbean culture, the third annual Caribbean Music Awards took place on August 28 at Kings Theater in Brooklyn, N.Y. The event, hosted by Majah Hype, brought together some of the region's biggest stars for an unforgettable evening. According to eyewitnesses, Machel Montano and Ayetian made a surprise appearance during the ceremony, performing a high-energy set that got the crowd on their feet. "It was incredible," said one attendee. "Their energy was infectious, and they truly represented the spirit of Caribbean music." The event featured performances from over 20 artists, including Elephant Man, Ding Dong, Lady Lava, Full Blown, Maureen, and more. The breadth of West Indian music was on full display, with reggae, dancehall, calypso, konpa, and soca all getting their due. In addition to the performances, several pillars of Caribbean music were honored for their contributions to the culture. "This event is a testament to the power of Caribbean music to unite people from all over the world," said a spokesperson for the awards. The ceremony also featured live steelpan bands, blinged-out Carnival costumes, and Jamaican and Haitian beef patties, giving attendees a taste of the rich cultural heritage of the region. "It was like being transported to the islands," said another attendee. Background on the event is essential to understanding its significance. The Caribbean Music Awards were established in 2023 as a way to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Caribbean artists to the global music scene. This year's ceremony marked a major milestone for the organization, with over 40 competitive awards presented to deserving artists. In addition to the surprise performance by Machel Montano and Ayetian, several other notable moments stood out during the evening. Among them were: Shenseea's powerful performance of her hit single "Rude Girl" Spice's energetic set, which included a medley of her biggest hits Dexta Daps' emotional tribute to his late mother, who was a renowned musician in her own right The Caribbean Music Awards have become an important platform for showcasing the region's rich musical heritage and celebrating its contributions to global culture. As one attendee noted, "This event is not just about music – it's about community, culture, and celebration." As the night drew to a close, attendees were left buzzing with excitement and anticipation for next year's ceremony. With the Caribbean music scene continuing to grow in popularity around the world, it's clear that this annual event will only continue to gain momentum. In related news, several of the artists who performed at the ceremony have announced plans to tour internationally in the coming months. Machel Montano has confirmed a series of dates in Europe and North America, while Ayetian is set to embark on a major tour of the Caribbean. The success of the Caribbean Music Awards serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together across cultures and borders. As one industry insider noted, "This event is a shining example of what can happen when we celebrate our differences and come together in the spirit of music." *Reporting by Billboard.*