Snubs & Surprises at 2025 Caribbean Music Awards: Chronic Law, Bunji Garlin & Jada Kingdom Shut Out
NEW YORK, Aug. 29 - The third annual Caribbean Music Awards, hosted by Majah Hype at Brooklyn's King Theatre on August 28, saw Shenseea dominate the night with five wins, including dancehall album, collaboration and song of the year. However, not everyone was a winner, as several notable artists were snubbed in various categories.
According to sources, Chronic Law, Bunji Garlin, Jada Kingdom, Nailah Blackman, Kranium, Problem Child, Trinidad Killa, and others failed to take home any awards despite being nominated for multiple categories. This lack of recognition has sparked debate among fans and industry experts.
"It's a bit surprising that some of these artists didn't get recognized," said Dr. Lisa Williams, a musicologist at the University of the West Indies. "However, it's also a testament to the diversity and competitiveness of Caribbean music."
Shenseea's five wins were a highlight of the evening, with her collaborations with Masicka (Hit Run) and Romain Virgo (Been There Before) earning her multiple awards. Masicka himself took home four trophies, making him the second most-awarded artist of the night.
The event celebrated the rich musical heritage of the Caribbean region, honoring performers and works across various genres, including reggae, dancehall, soca, RB, gospel, bouyon, zess-steam, and konpa. The awards also acknowledged the global impact of Caribbean music, with winners from countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados.
"Caribbean music has always been a force to be reckoned with globally," said Majah Hype, host of the event. "Tonight's winners are a testament to the talent and creativity that exists within our region."
The Caribbean Music Awards have become an important platform for recognizing excellence in Caribbean music, providing a global stage for artists to showcase their work.
As for the snubbed artists, it remains to be seen how they will respond to the lack of recognition. "It's not uncommon for some artists to go unrecognized," said Dr. Williams. "However, this can also serve as an opportunity for them to reassess and refocus their efforts."
The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards have set a high standard for future events, with many expecting even more exciting performances and surprises in the years to come.
Background:
The Caribbean Music Awards were established in 2019 to celebrate the rich musical heritage of the Caribbean region. The event has grown in popularity over the years, attracting a global audience and recognizing excellence in various genres of music.
Additional Perspectives:
Industry experts attribute the snubs to the competitive nature of the awards, with many artists vying for recognition in a crowded field. Others see it as an opportunity for artists to adapt and evolve their craft.
"I think it's a wake-up call for some of these artists," said music producer, Stephen "Di Genius" McGregor. "They need to step up their game and create music that resonates with the global audience."
Current Status:
The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards have concluded, but the impact of the snubs will likely be felt in the coming months. As for Shenseea and Masicka, they continue to ride high on their recent successes.
"We're just grateful for the recognition," said Shenseea's manager, in a statement. "We'll keep pushing boundaries and creating music that inspires our fans."
Next Developments:
The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards are already underway, with nominations set to open soon. Fans and industry experts alike will be watching closely to see which artists make the cut this year.
In the meantime, Shenseea and Masicka will continue to bask in the glory of their recent wins, while others will use the snubs as motivation to improve their craft.
*Reporting by Billboard.*
