Caribbean Music Awards Nominations 

The Caribbean Music Awards has announced its 2026 nominees, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Lady Lava emerging as the most nominated artist with nine nods across multiple categories. The awards, now in their fourth year, feature more than 250 nominees spanning over 40 categories, reflecting the continued growth and global influence of Caribbean music. 

Public voting opened on June 10 and will remain open until August 10, allowing fans worldwide to vote for their favourite artistes in genres including dancehall, reggae, soca, konpa, zess, bouyon and chutney soca. Organizers describe this year’s staging as the most expansive edition of the awards to date. 

Following closely behind Lady Lava are Ayetian, Machel Montano and V’ghn, each receiving seven nominations. Jamaican stars Shenseea and Skillibeng earned six nominations apiece, while Masicka, Popcaan, Valiant, Vybz Kartel and Yung Bredda each secured five nominations. 

A major highlight of the 2026 awards is the introduction of nine new and expanded categories, including honours for Dennery, Zess, Konpa, Chutney Soca, Jab and French Caribbean music. Organizers say the additions are intended to better reflect the diversity and evolution of Caribbean musical genres. 

Among the nominees for the People’s Choice Award are Alkaline, Dexta Daps, Kes, Lady Lava, Shenseea, Vybz Kartel, Voice and Yung Bredda, showcasing the broad regional appeal of the awards. 

The Caribbean Music Awards continues to position itself as a leading platform for celebrating Caribbean music and culture, recognizing both established stars and emerging talent while highlighting the genre’s growing international impact.