Caribbean Music Awards Move to Trinidad & Tobago for 2026 Ceremony

The Caribbean Music Awards, a prominent event recognizing the region’s musical talent, is set to return to the Caribbean for its 2026 ceremony. After hosting the previous three editions in Brooklyn, the awards will be held in Trinidad & Tobago, marking a significant shift back to the cultural roots of the music celebrated.

Scheduled for September 19, 2026, the gala will take place at the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Port of Spain. This move follows a successful run in Brooklyn's Kings Theatre, a city known for its vibrant Caribbean diaspora, where the awards brought together artists, industry executives, and fans to celebrate Caribbean music’s global impact.

The 2026 ceremony will be co-hosted by Trinidadian soca artist Nailah Blackman and comedian Majah Hype, who returns for his fourth consecutive year in the role. Their involvement symbolizes a continuity of Caribbean representation and engagement as the event transitions to its new location.

Beyond the awards night itself, the organizers have expanded the event into a weekend-long experience titled the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience. This series of events will offer attendees a variety of cultural and musical activities, including a special steelpan showcase, underscoring the breadth and diversity of Caribbean artistry.

Trinidad & Tobago’s selection as the host nation aligns with the country’s thriving music scene. Artists from the island have enjoyed notable success recently, contributing to the event’s growing prestige. Leading the nominations is Trinidadian artist Lady Lava, recognized by Billboard as an emerging Caribbean talent earlier in 2026. She leads with nine nominations, reflecting her versatile presence across multiple categories.

Other artists with multiple nods include established and rising figures such as Machel Montano, a veteran in soca music; V’ghn from Grenada; and Jamaica’s Ayetian, also spotlighted by Billboard for his rising influence. The nominations list spans a wide spectrum of Caribbean genres and includes internationally renowned names like Vybz Kartel, Tyla, Nicki Minaj, and Burna Boy, illustrating the awards’ broad reach.

The 2026 awards will also feature new category additions that highlight the Caribbean’s musical diversity. These include recognitions for Dennery, Zess, Konpa, Chutney Soca, Jab, and French Caribbean music styles, reflecting the evolving landscape of Caribbean sounds and cultural expressions.

Presented by the Caribbean Elite Group, which also publishes Caribbean Elite Magazine, the awards continue to serve as an important platform for celebrating and promoting Caribbean culture across music, entertainment, fashion, and other creative industries.

Voting for the awards is open until August 10, allowing fans and industry professionals alike to participate in selecting winners from over 250 nominees across more than 40 categories. The Caribbean Music Awards’ expansion into Trinidad & Tobago signals a renewed emphasis on showcasing the region’s talent within its own geographic and cultural context, reinforcing the event’s role as a pivotal celebration of Caribbean music’s past, present, and future.