The “CARIBBEAN MUSIC AWARDS” 2023 premiered at Kings Theatre on August 31 in Brooklyn, New York. Hosted by 3x Grammy Awards winner Wyclef Jean, the blissful extravaganza brought together over 3,000 people in attendance, ranging from performing artists and honorees to fans of Caribbean music who are now cemented in history after witnessing a celebration, in this magnitude, of music within the rich diaspora of the Caribbean.
Recapping the turnout and support from the inaugural event, the Caribbean Music Awards team shared, "This year was a great first step to what's to come. The love and appreciation for what Thursday night planted is the beginning to something special. Thank you to everyone who attended, tuned in and understood why this was important… and now that we have the world's attention, we look forward to shining an even brighter and wider spotlight on the Caribbean Music scene as a whole."
The special night kicked off with DJ Young Chow as he welcomed everyone in attendance and ignited a carnival melody with a performance by Alison Hinds of her smash hits "Fuluma," "Togetherness," and Rupee as he performed his legendary Soca single "Jump." Trinidadian Soca star JW proceeded the mash-up with a performance of his single "Palance" accompanied by a carnival parade of dancers dressed in Caribbean festival fashion. Eliciting excitement in the room from all, the stage was set for the night as Wyclef Jean formally introduced himself to the audience.
"Tonight is a very important night as we celebrate the Caribbean region” Wyclef Jean shared with the crowd in attendance before he announced the night's first award, 'Best New Soca Artist,' which went to artist Tempa.
Buju Banton received the first honors of the night with a Humanitarian Award, which highlighted the invaluable efforts of his philanthropic foundation the 'Buju Banton Foundation.' Kes delivered a heartwarming speech honoring Trinidadian artist David Rudder with an Elite Calypso Music Award honor. Carel Pedre saluted and honored the late Mikaben with a Kompa Music Award honor. Mikaben's brother, Lionel Benjamin accepted the honor award on behalf of the artist whose music continues to enrich the global music landscape. Morgan Heritage welcomed a special tribute to Beres Hammond, which included performances by Dexta Daps, Kranium, Toni-Ann Singh and Romain Virgo. Hammond was officially honored with the Elite Icon Award by the president of VP Records Chris Chin. Shortly after accepting his honor in person, New York City Council Member Rita Joseph swiftly presented Hammond with a New York City Honor on behalf of the city. DJ Stephen and Doug E. Fresh welcomed an honor to Machel Montano with a Lifetime Achievement Award. On the dazzling red carpet, as he made his way to his seat, Montano shared with B.E.T. "Man, I'm so excited. This [today] is Trinidad and Tobago's independence, but I feel like this is a Caribbean birthday because so many of us from the different islands are here... we never really get to do this. This is the one moment to shine and shine in unity. When we come together, we all relate, and we all gel. This Caribbean Music Awards is a blessing, and I see this as a beginning to big things to come."
More of the performances included Wyclef Jean, who ushered in a soulful acoustic melody with Teddyson John, Nailah Blackman, and Jada Kingdom, who performed a rendition of her cinematic single "GPP." Dancehall artist Ding Dong, who also received two award wins for the night, unleashed a medley of high-energy performances of some of his most acclaimed hits. Angela Hunte, Farmer Nappy & Skinny Fabulous also performed their respective Soca hits. Doug E. Fresh introduced the closing set of performances for the night by saying, "There would not be no Hip Hop, without Caribbean Music" as he ushered in an electric performance between himself and Vicious (p.k.a. Lil' Vicious) with "Freaks," Skeng, Shaneil Muir, Laa Lee followed suit with performances as well. Wayne Wonder performed a melody of his hit singles, including "Saddest Day of My Life" "No Letting Go" as Baby Cham performed "Ghetto Story before Dexta Daps joined him for an official conclusion performance of the night.
Presenters of the night included MYA, Spice, Renée Neufville (Zhané), actor Leon Preston (The Five Heartbeats, Cool Runnings), Michael Rainey Jr. (Power on STARZ), Kes, Kabaka Pyramid, Majah Hype,Shaneil Muir, Toni-Ann Singh, Vershon, Shireen B, Karlie Redd, Tanisha Scott, Ricardo Drue, Tosh Alexander, Baby Cham and more.
Award winners of the night included Vybz Kartel for ‘Artist of the Decade,’ Nicki Minaj and Skeng for their collaboration single "Likkle Miss," Popcaan and Toni-Ann Singh for ‘Video of the Year (Dancehall/Reggae)’ and Spice for ‘Female Artist of the Year.’ Kes took home the ‘People's Choice Awards,’ powered by Spotify's Frequency as Viking Ding Dong, Samora, Patrice Roberts, Masicka, GBM & DJ Spider, Kabaka Pyramid, Dexta Daps, and more received award wins for the night as well. The complete list of winners of the 2023 Caribbean Music Awards was officially unveiled by Billboard HERE and are listed below:
EP of The Year (Dancehall)
Winning Artist: Alkaline
EP: The Ripple EFFX
Impact Award (Dancehall)
Winning Artist: Chronic Law
Impact Award (Reggae)
Winning Artist: Kabaka Pyramid
Impact Award (Soca)
Winning Artist: Viking Ding Dong
Performer of Year (Soca)
Winning Artist: Mr. Killa
Album of Year (Dancehall)
Winning Artist: Masicka
Album: 438
Female Artist of The Year (Dancehall)
Winning Artist: Spice
Female Artist of The Year (Reggae)
Winning Artist: Lila Iké
Male Artist of Year (Dancehall)
Winning Artist: Ding Dong
Male Artist of Year (Reggae)
Winning Artist: Beres Hammond
Male Artist of Year (Soca)
Winning Artist: Machel Montano
Female Artist of Year (Soca)
Winning Artist: Patrice Roberts
People's Choice Award (Powered by Spotify's Frequency)
Winning Artist: Kes
Artist of Decade
Winning Artist: Vybz Kartel
Collaboration of the Year (Soca)
Winning Artist: GBM Nutron & DJ Spider
Song: "Down Dey"
Collaboration of the Year Dancehall & Reggae
Winning Artist(s): Skeng & Nicki Minaj
Song: "Likkle Miss"
Video of Year (Dancehall/Reggae)
Winning Artist(s): Popcaan & Toni-Anne Singh
"Next To Me"
Video of Year (Soca)
Winning Artist: Patrice Roberts
Song "Mind My Business"
Best New Artist (Dancehall)
Winning Artist: Valiant
Best New Artist (Reggae)
Winning Artist: Samora
Best New Artist (Soca)
Winning Artist: Tempa
Kompa Band of the Year
Winning Artist: Klass
Dance Song of The Year
Winning Artist: Ding Dong
Song: "BOUNCE"
Performer of Year (Dancehall)
Winning Artist: Dexta Daps
Album of the Year (Reggae)
Winning Artist: Kabaka Pyramid
Album: The Kalling
Caribbean Music Awards Premieres in Brooklyn
