Calypso Rose Receives Standing Ovation at 2026 Caribbean Music Awards: 6 Best Moments
The Sept. 18 ceremony also featured a full-circle moment for soca star Yung Bredda.
In a celebration of Caribbean music and culture, the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards took place on September 18 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The ceremony, co-hosted by soca princess Nailah Blackman and Majah Hype, featured special performances from numerous artists, showcasing the breadth of the region's sounds and styles.
A new addition to the awards saw several categories honoring fast-rising genres like Dennery segment, jab, and bouyon. Trinidad & Tobago dominated the ceremony, with Lady Lava winning trophies and dancehall artist Prince Swanny securing the dancehall album of the year award for his album Saint. Several Trinbagonian stars, including Kes and Ravi B, also took home hardware.
Notable performances included Haitian konpa superstar Alan Cavé and younger acts like 450 and Mela Caribe. The ceremony, broadcast live online, was attended by Billboard's Kyle Denis, who caught up with a diverse array of stars such as Ayetian, Jessie Woo, and Moliy. Honorees for their impact and influence included reggae and dancehall powerhouse Patra for their Lifetime Achievement Award, Calypso Rose as the Elite Calypso Award winner, Cavé earning the Elite Konpa Award, and hip-hop giant Shyne for the Global Ambassador Award.
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