Machel Montano & Ayetian Shock Caribbean Music Awards Stage with Unforgettable Performance

Caribbean Music Awards Celebrate Genre-Bending Collaborations and Global Successes The third annual Caribbean Music Awards, held on August 28 at the Kings Theater in Brooklyn, New York, brought together some of the region's biggest stars to commemorate an incredible year for Caribbean music. According to Billboard, the ceremony honored pioneers such as Bounty Killer, Sizzla, and Busta Rhymes, while also showcasing the region's rich musical diversity with performances from Machel Montano, Elephant Man, Lady Lava, and others. The event drew a star-studded crowd, including A-listers like Shenseea, Spice, Buju Banton, Patrice Roberts, Alison Hinds, Lyrikal, and Arman. Hosted by Majah Hype, the King of Caribbean Comedy, the night featured special performances that highlighted the breadth of West Indian music, from reggae to dancehall, calypso, konpa, and soca. Machel Montano and Ayetian made a surprise appearance at the ceremony, according to Billboard's exclusive highlights. The Trinidadian superstar took to the stage with his protégé, delivering an electrifying performance that left the audience in awe. "It was an honor to share the stage with Machel Montano," Ayetian said in a statement. "His energy and passion for music are contagious, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to perform alongside him." The Caribbean Music Awards also celebrated the region's growing influence on the global stage. According to Billboard, 2025 has been marked by genre-bending collaborations and global chart-topping hits from artists such as Moliy, Silent Addy, and Disco Neil. "Caribbean music is more popular than ever," said a spokesperson for the Caribbean Music Awards. "We're proud to be at the forefront of this movement, celebrating our rich musical heritage and showcasing its relevance to a global audience." The ceremony was a testament to the power of Caribbean music to bring people together and transcend borders. As Buju Banton took to the stage to accept an award, he praised the region's musicians for their contributions to the global music landscape. "Caribbean music is not just a genre; it's a way of life," he said. "We're proud to be part of this vibrant community, and we look forward to continuing to inspire and entertain audiences around the world." The Caribbean Music Awards have established themselves as a premier platform for celebrating the region's musical diversity and achievements. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Caribbean music is here to stay, and its influence will only continue to grow. In related news, the organizers of the Caribbean Music Awards have announced plans to expand their reach in 2026, with a series of events and initiatives aimed at promoting the region's music globally. "We're excited to build on the success of this year's ceremony," said a spokesperson for the event. "Our goal is to create a platform that showcases the best of Caribbean music and culture, while also providing opportunities for emerging artists to shine." This story was compiled from reports by Billboard and Billboard.