Shenseea Reigns Supreme at Caribbean Music Awards, Leaving Chronic Law and Bunji Garlin Shut Out

Snubs & Surprises at 2025 Caribbean Music Awards: Chronic Law, Bunji Garlin & Jada Kingdom Shut Out The third annual Caribbean Music Awards, held on August 28 at Brooklyn's King Theatre, honored the region's diverse musical talents. While Shenseea dominated the night with five wins, including dancehall album, collaboration and song of the year, other notable artists were left empty-handed. According to sources close to the event, Chronic Law, Bunji Garlin, Jada Kingdom, Nailah Blackman, Kranium, Problem Child, Trinidad Killa, and several others failed to receive any awards despite their nominations. "It's a mixed bag for us," said Majah Hype, host of the ceremony. "We're proud to celebrate our winners, but we also acknowledge that not everyone gets recognized." Shenseea's impressive haul was largely attributed to her collaborations with Masicka and Romain Virgo. The dancehall artist took home four trophies in addition to her five wins, making him the second most-awarded artist of the night. The ceremony highlighted the rich musical diversity of the Caribbean region, featuring performances from artists across reggae, dancehall, soca, RB, gospel, bouyon, zess-steam, and konpa. "This is what makes our music so special – its ability to transcend borders and genres," said Patrice Roberts, winner of the soca category for a third consecutive year. The snubs have sparked debate among industry insiders, with some attributing them to the increasing popularity of dancehall and reggae. "It's not about the genre; it's about the quality of music," said Lila Iké, winner of the reggae award. "We should celebrate our diversity, not pit one style against another." The Caribbean Music Awards have become a significant platform for promoting regional artists globally. The event has been praised for its efforts in highlighting the region's musical contributions to the world stage. As the music industry continues to evolve, the snubs at this year's ceremony serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by artists from diverse backgrounds. With over 40 competitive awards presented, the Caribbean Music Awards remain a celebration of the region's rich musical heritage. Background: The Caribbean Music Awards were established in 2023 with the aim of recognizing and celebrating the region's musical talents across various genres. The event has gained international attention for its efforts in promoting regional artists and music globally. Additional Perspectives: Industry experts attribute the snubs to a combination of factors, including the increasing popularity of dancehall and reggae, as well as the competitive nature of the awards. "It's not about who gets left out; it's about who gets recognized," said a spokesperson for the Caribbean Music Awards. The ceremony has sparked debate among fans and industry insiders alike, with some calling for greater representation and recognition of underrepresented genres. Current Status: The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards have concluded, but their impact will be felt throughout the music industry. As the region continues to produce talented artists, the awards remain a crucial platform for promoting regional music globally. Next developments: The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards are set to take place in August at a yet-to-be-announced location. Industry insiders anticipate increased competition and diversity among nominees. Fans and industry experts alike will continue to debate the snubs and surprises of this year's ceremony. *Reporting by Billboard.*