After months of growing international buzz and a wildly popular in-person event in Trinidad & Tobago, the fourth annual Caribbean Music Awards is gearing up for its global streaming premiere on October 25, 2026, ready to bring the full spectrum of Caribbean musical talent to audiences around the world.
Presented by Trinidad Tourism Limited, the 2026 iteration of the awards marks a major milestone for the platform: after three years hosting the ceremony in Brooklyn, New York, this year’s celebration moved to the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, opening a new chapter for the event rooted firmly in the cultural heart of the Caribbean. The in-person gathering was held on September 19, and in the weeks following, fan anticipation for the full broadcast has surged, driven by viral snippets of red carpet glamour, surprise artist appearances, and electrifying performance clips that have kept the event trending across social media, traditional broadcast, and print outlets across the globe. Media organizations from North America, the United Kingdom, multiple Caribbean nations, and beyond have continuously spotlighted the 2026 ceremony, highlighting its high-end production, A-list regional talent, and celebration of Caribbean cultural identity.
Organizers officially announced the premiere details in a press release from New York on October 15, confirming that the full show will make its global debut first on the official Caribbean Music Awards YouTube channel at 9 PM EST on October 25. For international audiences outside of YouTube access, the ceremony will also be distributed via the TRACE Plus streaming app and TRACE’s linear television networks, with confirmed broadcasts across the French Caribbean, France, the United Kingdom, and Francophone Africa. Eight regional Caribbean markets will also host local terrestrial broadcasts through partnered regional networks: CNC3 in Trinidad & Tobago, CVM in Jamaica, CBC/TV8 in Barbados, TeleCuraçao in Curaçao, MBC TV/Real FM in Saint Lucia, SVG TV in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, TV15 in Sint Maarten, and Channel 105 (via Flow TV) in Dominica. Viewers are advised to check local listings for exact airtime details in their regions.
Held under the dual theme “Sounds of the Caribbean, Voices of the Caribbean,” this year’s ceremony brought together hundreds of artists, industry executives, cultural leaders, and international journalists to honor the extraordinary diversity of Caribbean music and its rapidly expanding global influence. Hosted by comedian Majah Hype and acclaimed recording artist Nailah Blackman, the night featured live performances from a sprawling lineup of standout talent including 1T1, Theomaa, FreeTown Collective, Mela Caribe, Christo, Lil Kerry, V’ghn, 450, Jah Mason, Harmonik, and Muddy, among many others.
Beyond celebrating emerging and current hitmakers, the ceremony also paid tribute to legendary figures who have shaped Caribbean music for generations. Iconic artist Patra received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, Calypso Rose was honored with the Elite Calypso Award, Alan Cavé took home the Elite Konpa Award, and Shyn was named the event’s Global Ambassador for her work expanding Caribbean music’s reach internationally.
The awards ceremony capped the Caribbean Music Awards’ first ever Elite Weekend Experience, a three-day cultural and industry gathering that extended far beyond the main awards show. The weekend included industry panels for emerging talent, an official welcome reception for international guests, targeted media engagement sessions, and a closing celebration of Caribbean heritage and the iconic steelpan instrument. Together, the weekend’s events created a collaborative space for creators and industry leaders to align on advancing Caribbean music’s global growth.
From Soca, Dancehall, and Reggae to Bouyon, Konpa, Chutney Soca, Calypso, Dennery, and French Caribbean traditions, the ceremony showcases the distinct yet interconnected sounds that define the region. For fans who could not attend the in-person September event, the October 25 global premiere offers the first chance to experience the full, unedited show, from showstopping performances to moving tribute segments, and celebrate the artists and cultural stewards driving Caribbean music’s ongoing global impact. Audiences can find more information about the event on the official Caribbean Music Awards website, and follow the event’s social media channels @caribmusicawards for updates leading up to the premiere.