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Magazine/Caribbean Music Awards: Bouyon Takes Center Stage in Trinidad & Tobago
News·September 2, 2026·125·The Thom Brand

Caribbean Music Awards: Bouyon Takes Center Stage in Trinidad & Tobago

This Year's Event Shines a Spotlight on Dominica's Vibrant Bouyon Heritage Amidst a Celebration of Caribbean Talent.

Caribbean Music Awards: Bouyon Takes Center Stage in Trinidad & Tobago

The Caribbean Music Awards is turning up the anticipation for its fourth annual celebration, announcing the first wave of performers set to take the stage on Saturday, September 19, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. This year's lineup features Jah Mason, V’ghn earning seven nominations, Freetown Collective three, 450 nominated for Dancehall Album of the Year, 1T1 recognized across the Bouyon categories, and Theomaa nominated for Bouyon Song of the Year, showcasing a diverse array of Caribbean music that spans Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, Bouyon, and contemporary Caribbean sounds.

Additional performers, presenters and special moments will be announced in the lead-up to September 19.

The event is particularly significant as it spotlights Dominica, the birthplace of Bouyon, a genre that has increasingly entered the mainstream conversation through social media and other cultural expressions. Bouyon has become a defining sound of celebration, bringing new audiences to the genre while keeping its Dominican roots firmly in view. The Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority, will join the Caribbean Music Awards as a category sponsor, further championing the culture and artists that have made Bouyon a powerful expression of Dominican identity.

As part of the move to Trinidad & Tobago, Billboard will join the celebration as its Official Global Media Partner, livestreaming the official Caribbean Music Awards red carpet special and amplifying the event across its multi-platform digital and social channels. This partnership will give audiences around the world a front-row look at the artists, honorees, and cultural figures arriving for the celebration while bringing the energy of Trinidad to Billboard’s global music audience.

TRACE will also return as a media partner, extending the Awards’ reach across the Caribbean, France and African territories through its international music and culture platforms.

The weekend will kick off with a Welcome Reception on Friday, September 18, followed by the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards on Saturday, September 19. The celebration will continue Sunday, September 20, with the special Stars & Steel Concert & Awards. The ceremony will be hosted by Nailah Blackman and Majah Hype, honoring Shyne, Calypso Rose, Alan Cavé, and Patra for their lasting contributions to Caribbean music and culture.

For the latest updates and event information, visit CaribMusicAwards.com and follow @CaribMusicAwards across all social platforms.

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