The fourth edition of the Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) made history last weekend, leaving the event’s traditional New York base for the very first time to touch down in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA). The glamorous awards ceremony served as the headline attraction of the inaugural Caribbean Elite Weekend Experience, which launched last Friday and wrapped up Sunday with the closing Stars & Steel Concert & Awards, drawing a crowd of Caribbean music lovers and industry icons from across the region.
For rising and established performer Lady Lava — born Keisha Harris — the 2025 CMA ceremony became a career-defining night. Nominated for an impressive nine awards across multiple genres, the artist walked away with three top honors: Zess Artist of the Year, 2026 Female Soca Artist of the Year, and Chutney Soca Song of the Year for her collaborative hit *Cyar Pick* recorded with veteran artist Ravi B.
Minutes after accepting her final award, Lady Lava told reporters from the *Trinidad Express* that the moment left her feeling accomplished, describing the wins as the long-awaited payoff for years of unseen hard work. Even she expressed genuine surprise at taking home the Chutney Soca award, telling the assembled audience: “I really didn’t expect to win. I haven’t been around in this Chutney Soca thing long, but I am liking it.” She invited Rishi Mahatoo, the producer behind the track from Maha Production, to the stage to share the spotlight.
Beyond competitive awards, the night centered on celebrating legendary figures who have shaped Caribbean music over decades. Cultural icon and trailblazing calypso artist Calypso Rose, born McArthur Lewis, was honored with the 2026 Elite Calypso Award, presented by reigning Calypso Monarch Terri Lyons, who called the moment deeply personal — as Rose was the first woman to ever claim the Calypso Monarch title. Though Rose, who uses a wheelchair, spoke briefly, she delighted the crowd by singing a few lines of her classic work to cap off her acceptance.
Jamaican reggae and dancehall legend Patra, born Dorothy Smith, received a standing ovation as she accepted the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. Visibly emotional, Patra paid tribute to her late mentor Bunny Wailer, alongside fellow industry icons Shabba Ranks and Ninja Man, thanking fans for their decades of unwavering support and a private loved one she identified only as “her honey” for believing in her craft. She also shared exciting updates for her followers: she is currently pursuing a master’s degree and is set to release new music in the coming months through Sony’s Orchard label.
Belizean rapper-turned-politician Shyne, born Moses Michael Levi Barrow, took home the Elite Global Ambassador Award. He dedicated the honor to his mother Frances Imeon Myvette, who attended the ceremony alongside him, his daughter Naiomi, and the entire people of Belize. Sharing his thoughts on the state of regional music, Shyne praised the unmatched quality of Caribbean sound, noting: “The biggest songs come from the Caribbean. I feel so sad because I have sold 50 million records and I know some Caribbean music that sounds better than pop.” Haitian-American singer Alan Cavé was also recognized with the Elite Kompa Honour for his contributions to the genre.
Hosted by comedian Majah Hype and artist Nailah Blackman, the star-studded ceremony featured electrifying live performances from a lineup of top regional talent, including Aeytian, Vaughn, the Jab music collective Muddy and Mayhem, Alan Cavé, Theomaa and 1T1, 450, Jah Mason, Freetown Collective with Mela Caribe and Christo. The night closed with a career-spanning set of Patra’s most beloved hit songs, leaving the crowd cheering.
While attendees were not able to walk a formal red carpet, their high-fashion, glamorous outfits easily matched the style of the awardees and presenters in attendance. Retired Trinidadian cricketer and former West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo, who appeared as a presenter, skipped his prepared teleprompter remarks to deliver an impassioned call to action for the Caribbean creative industry. He urged regional artists to set aside competition and prioritize unity, and called on Caribbean political leaders to invest more in the region’s cultural sector and its creators, noting: “Putting on a show like this is expensive.”
Other notable award winners from the night included Freetown Collective, which took home the title of Caribbean Fusion Artist of the Year; Full Blown claimed the Soca Impact Award; Mr Ridge won Bouyon Artist of the Year; Klassik Frecobar took home Dennery Segment Song of the Year; Moily won Dancehall Song of the Year; and Theomaa and 1T1 claimed French Caribbean Song of the Year. Fan-voted honors went to Alkaline for the 2026 People’s Choice Award, while Vaughn won 2026 Jab Song of the Year, and Kes claimed the title of Male Soca Artist of the Year.