Caribbean Music Awards Shine Bright: Bad Bunny, Shenseea & Vybz Kartel Take Top Honors

Bad Bunny, Shenseea & Vybz Kartel Triumph at 2025 Caribbean Music Awards: See Complete Winners List The third annual Caribbean Music Awards ceremony took place on August 28 at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, N.Y., with comedian Majah Hype hosting the event. The awards show, which aired on BET on September 12, celebrated the best of Caribbean music and honored several industry icons. Bad Bunny, Shenseea, and Vybz Kartel were among the big winners of the night, taking home top honors in various categories. Bad Bunny won Best Reggae/Dancehall Artist, while Shenseea took home the award for Best Female Artist. Vybz Kartel was awarded Best Dancehall Album for his project "King of the Dancehall." Bounty Killer received a Lifetime Achievement Award Honor, recognizing his significant contributions to dancehall music. The Kingston-bred artist has had an illustrious career, earning three entries on the Billboard Hot 100: "Hip-Hopera" (1997), "Deadly Zone" (1998), and "Hey Baby" (2001). Bounty Killer's honor arrived nearly two months after he headlined Brooklyn's Barclays Center for his first U.S. performance in 15 years. Busta Rhymes, who recently received the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, was also honored with an Elite Icon Award. Busta Rhymes has been a long-time supporter of Caribbean talent and has collaborated with several artists from the region throughout his career. The ceremony also featured performances by top Caribbean artists, including Shenseea, Bad Bunny, and Bounty Killer. The event aimed to promote unity and celebrate the rich musical heritage of the Caribbean. According to Majah Hype, host of the awards show, "This year's ceremony was a huge success, with an incredible lineup of performers and winners. We're proud to have honored some of the biggest names in Caribbean music." The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards marked a significant milestone for the industry, recognizing the contributions of artists who have helped shape the sound of dancehall and reggae music globally. Background Caribbean music has gained immense popularity worldwide in recent years, with artists like Bad Bunny, Shenseea, and Vybz Kartel breaking into mainstream charts. The genre's unique blend of African, European, and indigenous influences has captivated audiences globally. The Caribbean Music Awards aim to promote unity among Caribbean artists and celebrate their contributions to the music industry. The ceremony also serves as a platform for emerging talent from the region to showcase their skills. Additional Perspectives Industry experts believe that the recognition given to Bounty Killer and Busta Rhymes is well-deserved, acknowledging their significant impact on dancehall and reggae music. "Bounty Killer's Lifetime Achievement Award Honor is a testament to his enduring legacy in dancehall," said Dr. Carolyn Cooper, a Jamaican cultural critic. "He has been a trailblazer for generations of artists, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in dancehall music." Current Status and Next Developments The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards have set a high standard for future ceremonies, with organizers already planning next year's event. The awards show will continue to promote unity and celebrate the rich musical heritage of the Caribbean. As the industry continues to evolve, it is clear that Caribbean music has become an integral part of global culture. With artists like Bad Bunny, Shenseea, and Vybz Kartel leading the charge, the future looks bright for dancehall and reggae music. *Reporting by Billboard.*