The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has officially launched the nomination process for its prestigious 2025 National Music Awards (ABNMA), with submissions opening January 6, 2026. The Ministry of Creative Industries, through its Department of Culture, announced the commencement of the awards’ second edition, which will culminate in a grand ceremony on February 26, 2026, in St. John’s.
This national initiative serves as the country’s premier platform for honoring exceptional achievements across the musical landscape. The awards recognize diverse contributors including performers, composers, educators, media specialists, producers, and cultural advocates who have significantly enriched the twin-island state’s musical heritage and entertainment sector.
The 2025 edition introduces a substantially expanded awards framework designed to encompass a broader spectrum of creative and industry contributions. The comprehensive categories now include:
– MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR honors covering instrumental excellence, steelpan performance, and vocal artistry across genres including Soca, Calypso, Reggae/Dancehall, and Gospel
– Producer and Songwriter recognition awards
– People’s Choice categories for Best Recording Artist, Band & DJ, Song & Sound, and Events
– Emerging artist development awards including the Ricardo Drue Foundation Award for musicians aged 25 and under
– Special Recognition Awards for individuals and organizations with over a decade of contribution
– Lifetime Achievement Award honoring those with 20+ years of significant national impact
The nomination process emphasizes accessibility and transparency, offering both online and in-person submission options through the Ministry of Creative Industries headquarters on Old Parham Road. The program welcomes nominations from the public, provided they have the nominee’s permission, ensuring both accuracy and willingness to participate.
Nominees are encouraged to prepare comprehensive submission packages including tailored biographies, professional images, project summaries, and other supporting materials that demonstrate their qualifications for specific award categories. Detailed guidelines for each category will accompany the official nomination forms.
This expanded awards framework reflects the nation’s deepening commitment to celebrating artistic excellence while simultaneously fostering innovation, education, cultural preservation, and industry development. The ABNMA continues to evolve as a unifying cultural force that inspires emerging creatives, showcases national talent, and enriches Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural identity on the global stage.