Vybz Kartel, Shenseea, and Masicka dominated the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards, which went down on August 28 at Kings Theater in Brooklyn, New York. The third annual event, hosted by comedian Majah Hype, aired on BET on September 12.

Bounty Killer received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional contribution to the growth of Caribbean music and philanthropy.

While receiving the award, Bounty Killer paid tribute to other philanthropists while offering a special tribute to a nine-year-old Jamaican-Canadian girl, Jasmine Headly, who’s one of his foundation’s donors.

Additionally, Bounty urged all and sundry to continue supporting foundations of their choice in the quest for making the world a better place to live in.

According to Bounty, he met Jasmine online during her ninth birthday, and she supported his foundation with nine barrels of clothing, including an assortment of goodies.

While summing up, Bounty dropped a fiery freestyle before exiting the stage amid heavy applause.

Hip hop legend Busta Rhymes received the Elite Icon Award, where he delved into his Jamaican-American roots, which raised him to the man that he is.

Additionally, Busta reminisced about how the West Indian community back then ensured that they were well-mannered despite straying into selling and smoking weed and cigarettes.

Furthermore, the “Break Ya Neck” hitmaker asserted that he picked his speed rapping techniques from the 1986 Sting Clash between Papa San and Lieutenant Stitchie.

Moreover, Busta also shared his gratitude to his peers like Buju Banton, Sizzla, Ninjaman, Lectura, Professor Nuts, Tiger, Bounty Killer, Papa San, and Stitchie, not to mention his family.

Impact Award (Dancehall)—Armanii.

Impact Award (Reggae)—YG Marley.

Impact Award (Soca)—Yung Bredda.

Album of the Year (Reggae)—Romain Virgo, The Gentleman.

Album of the Year (Dancehall) – Never Gets Late Here.

Artist of the Year (Bouyon)—Mr. Ridge.

Artist of the Year (French Caribbean)—Joe Dwet File.

Artist of the Year (Latin Caribbean)—Bad Bunny.

Artist/Band of the Year (Konpa)—Rutshelle Guillaume.

Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year: Dexta Daps.

Caribbean Fusion Artist of the Year: Naïka

Zess-Steam Artist of the Year: Lady Lava

Artist of the Year—Female (Dancehall): Shenseea

Artist of the Year—Female (Reggae): Lila Iké

Artist of the Year—Female (Soca): Patrice Roberts.

Artist of the Year—Male (Dancehall): Vybz Kartel

Artist of the Year—Male (Reggae): Romain Virgo

Artist of the Year—Male (Soca): Kes

Best New Artist (Dancehall): Malie Donn.

Best New Artist (Reggae): Sevana

Best New Artist (Soca): Blaka Dan

Collaboration of the Year (Soca): Trilla G, Lil Boy & Quan, “Someone Else”

Collaboration of the Year (Reggae): Bugle, Buju Banton & Damian “Jr Gong” Marley, “Thank You Lord”

Collaboration of the Year (Dancehall): Shenseea, Masicka & Di Genius, “Hit & Run”

Cruise Event of the Year: UberSoca

Music Event of the Year: Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street

Male International DJ of the Year: DJ Private Ryan.

Female International DJ of the Year: DJ Ana.

People’s Choice: Vybz Kartel.

Performer of the Year (Dancehall): Spice.

Performer of the Year (Soca): Kes.

Song of the Year (Dancehall): Shenseea, Masicka & Di Genius, “Hit & Run.”

Song of the Year (Soca): Mical Teja, “DNA”

Song of the Year (Reggae): Romain Virgo feat. Masicka, “Been There Before.”

Video of the Year (Reggae/Dancehall): Shenseea, Masicka & Di Genius, “Hit & Run.”

Video of the Year (Soca): Patrice Roberts, “Anxiety”