New York, NY (June 10, 2026) The countdown begins as the Caribbean Music Awards returns for its highly anticipated fourth annual celebration, delivering its most expansive and electrifying edition yet, spotlighting the artists, songs, and cultural innovators shaping the global sound of Caribbean music. Additional details about the event and date will be announced soon.

This year marks a major milestone with over 250 nominees across more than 40 categories, reflecting the rapid global rise, diversity, and creative expansion of Caribbean music. Voting officially opens today, June 10, 2026, and will remain open through August 10, 2026, giving fans worldwide an extended opportunity to support their favorite artists, songs, and cultural icons. Voting and full details are available at caribmusicawards.com.

Building on its commitment to cultural expansion and genre inclusivity, the Awards introduces a powerful slate of nine new and expanded categories spotlighting Dennery Artist and Song of the Year, Zess Song of the Year, Konpa Song of the Year, Chutney Soca Artist and Song of the Year, Jab Artist and Song of the Year, and French Caribbean Song of the Year. These additions further solidify the Caribbean Music Awards as the most comprehensive platform celebrating the full spectrum of Caribbean sound.

This year’s nominations tell a defining story of a rapidly evolving musical landscape driven by collaboration, genre-fluidity, and global crossover success. Leading the artist field is Lady Lava, who emerges as the most nominated artist with nine nominations, reflecting her rare cross-genre presence across Soca, Zess, Chutney Soca, and performance categories.

Close behind is a tightly packed group of dominant forces shaping the year’s soundscape, with Ayetian, Machel Montano, and V’ghn each securing seven nominations, underscoring their wide-ranging impact across Dancehall, Soca, and collaboration-heavy categories. Shenseea and Skillibeng follow with six nominations each, while Masicka,Popcaan, Valiant, Vybz Kartel, and Yung Bredda each earn five nominations, reinforcing the continued global dominance and cultural influence of Dancehall and Soca’s leading voices.

A strong second tier of consistent contenders also emerges with Full Blown, Jesse Royal, Joé Dwèt Filé, Kes, Lila Iké, Lola Doll, Mical Teja, Mikado, and Voice, each earning four nominations, highlighting the depth and competitive balance across genres including Reggae, Soca, Konpa, Zess, and French Caribbean music.

On the song side, “Shake It to the Max (Fly) Remix” by Moliy, Skillibeng, Shenseea & Silent Addy leads the 2026 field as the most nominated song of the year, earning three nominations across multiple categories, the highest total for any single track. Its cross-category strength highlights its broad cultural reach across Dancehall, collaboration, and visual recognition, cementing it as one of the defining records of the year.

Following closely, a group of standout records each earned multiple nominations across the field, including “Wah Yo Deh Pon,” “Passenger Princess,” “Jab Decisions,” and “4 Kampé II.”  Together, these tracks represent a strong tier of nominations and reflect a year defined by collaboration, genre fusion, and regional crossover success.

From Soca and Dancehall to Reggae, Konpa, Chutney, Zess, Dennery, and beyond, the Caribbean Music Awards continues to stand as more than an awards ceremony. It is a global cultural movement celebrating the heartbeat, innovation, and worldwide resonance of Caribbean music. The platform amplifies both established icons and emerging voices, connecting Caribbean culture to audiences across the world through sound, storytelling, and shared identity.

Building on the momentum of last year’s ceremony, an historic edition that premiered on BET for the first time and marked a major breakthrough moment for the Awards on global television, the Caribbean Music Awards continues its rapid rise as a premier international platform for Caribbean excellence. That milestone broadcast expanded the Awards’ global reach and firmly established it as a cultural force recognized far beyond the region.

(DOWNLOAD CARIBBEAN MUSIC AWARDS 2025 HI-RES PHOTOS BY NITIKA SMALL HERE) 

Fans, industry professionals, and music lovers worldwide are encouraged to visit CaribMusicAwards.com starting today, June 10, 2026 to view the full nominee list and cast their votes. Voting will close on August 10, 2026. Stay connected for updates by following @CaribMusicAwards and @CaribbeanEliteMagazine on Instagram and Facebook, and @CaribMusicAwardson TikTok.

CARIBBEAN MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS 2026 LIST: NOMINEES BY CATEGORY

People’s Choice

1. Alkaline
2. Dexta Daps
3. Kes
4. Lady Lava
5. Shenseea
6. Vybz Kartel
7. Voice
8. Yung Bredda

French Caribbean — Artist of the Year

1. Aya Nakamura
2. Bamby
3. Blaiz Fayah
4. Joé Dwèt Filé
5. Kalash
6. Maureen
7. Meryl
8. Mikado

French Caribbean — Song of the Year

1. “Baddies” — Aya Nakamura
2. “Batche a Boy” — Kryssy
3. “Coco Chanel” — Meryl & EVA
4. “Kaddryo” — Kalash & Sleazy Stereo
5. “Menti” — N’Ken & Mikado
6. “Ouba” — 1T1 & Theomaa
7. “Shotta Confessions” — Meryl & N’Ken
8. “Up and Down” — Kryssy & Foxii

Reggae — Album of the Year

1. BLXXD & FYAH — Keznamdi
2. Exile — Chronixx
3. Feeling Irie — Glen Washington
4. God and I — I-Octane
5. Jamdown — Sanchez
6. No Place Like Home — Jesse Royal
7. Treasure Self Love — Lila Iké
8. Weekend Dude — Duane Stephenson

Reggae — Song of the Year

1. “Big 45” — Protoje
2. “Good Music” — Anthony B
3. “Jamaica Strong” — Aiesha
4. “So High” — Jesse Royal & Agent Sasco
5. “The Door” — Zion Marley
6. “Til A Mawnin” — Shaggy & Sting
7. “Wife and Sweetheart” — Christopher Martin

Male Reggae — Artist of the Year

1. Beres Hammond
2. Buju Banton
3. Christopher Martin
4. Chronixx
5. Damian Marley
6. Romain Virgo
7. Shaggy
8. Tarrus Riley

Female Reggae — Artist of the Year

1. Alaine
2. Etana
3. Koffee
4. Lila Iké
5. Queen Omega
6. Sevana
7. Tanya Stephens
8. Tessanne Chin

Reggae — Impact Award

1. Aiesha
2. Jah9
3. Joby Jay
4. Keznamdi
5. Ras-I
6. Royal Blu
7. Sevana

Reggae — Best New Artist

1. Cholita
2. Khalia
3. Nesta
4. Rani Rastaciti
5. Rik Jam
6. Yeza
7. Zagga

Reggae — Collaboration of the Year

1. Etana, Beenie Man & Kemar McGregor — “Guide Over Us”
2. Friends Only, Jesse Royal, MediSun & Beres Hammond — “Born in Jamaica”
3. Jesse Royal & Agent Sasco — “So High”
4. Lila Iké & Masicka — “Romantic”
5. Lila Iké & Protoje — “All Over the World”
6. Shaggy & Sting — “Til A Mawnin”
7. Tyla & Sean Paul — “Push 2 Start (Remix)”

Dancehall — Album of the Year

1. Her Name Is Love — Masicka
2. Nothing Without God — Popcaan
3. Pieces of Me — 450
4. Prove Them Wrong — Valiant
5. Saint — Prince Swanny
6. The Impact — Armanii
7. Viking — Vybz Kartel
8. From Ding Dong to World Ding — Ding Dong

Dancehall — Song of the Year

1. “BBB (Snapchat)” — Armanii
2. “G.A.D” — Jada Kingdom
3. “God Is the Greatest” — Vybz Kartel
4. “Passenger Princess (Story Book Riddim)” — Valiant
5. “Rich Sex (Story Book Riddim)” — Masicka
6. “Shake It to the Max (Remix)” — Moliy, Skillibeng & Shenseea
7. “Wah Yo Deh Pon” — Ayetian & Govana
8. “WYFL” — Skippa

Female Dancehall — Artist of the Year

1. Jada Kingdom
2. Shaneil Muir
3. Shenseea
4. Spice
5. Stalk Ashley
6. Vanessa Bling

Dancehall — Performer of the Year

1. Dexta Daps
2. Ding Dong
3. Skillibeng
4. Popcaan
5. Shenseea
6. Skeng
7. Spice
8. Valiant

Dancehall — Impact Award

1. Ayetian
2. D’yani
3. Kman 6ixx
4. Malie Donn
5. Nigy Boy
6. Rajah Wild
7. Skippa
8. Stalk Ashley

Dancehall — Collaboration of the Year

1. Ayetian & Govana — “Wah Yo Deh Pon”
2. Ayetian & Skillibeng — “Tip (Remix)”
3. Ding Dong & Vanessa Bling — “Glory”
4. Moliy, Shenseea & Skillibeng — “Shake It to the Max (Fly) [Remix]”
5. Popcaan & Chronic Law — “Kick It Wid Myself”
6. Skillibeng & Vybz Kartel — “New Gear”

Dancehall — Best New Artist

1. Ayetian
2. Jamal
3. Khandi Brawling
4. Likkle Addi
5. Najeeriii
6. Nhance
7. Skippa

Dancehall — Video of the Year

1. “Shake It to the Max (Fly) [Remix]” — Moliy, Skillibeng & Shenseea
2. “Pretty Crew” — Popcaan
3. “Passenger Princess” — Valiant
4. “Pretty Rockstar” — Kraff
5. “Rich Sex” — Masicka
6. “Waste Har Time” — Aidonia

Male Dancehall — Artist of the Year

1. 450
2. Alkaline
3. Armanii
4. Ayetian
5. Masicka
6. Popcaan
7. Valiant
8. Vybz Kartel

Male Soca — Artist of the Year

1. Bunji Garlin
2. Full Blown
3. Kes
4. Machel Montano
5. Mical Teja
6. V’ghn
7. Voice
8. Yung Bredda

Soca — Song of the Year

1. “Carry It” — Bunji Garlin
2. “Cocoa Tea” — Kes
3. “Dansa” — Klassik Frescobar
4. “Good Spirits” — Full Blown
5. “Jab Decisions” — V’ghn & Terra D Governor
6. “Pardy” — Machel Montano
7. “Take Me Home” — Freetown Collective
8. “The Greatest Bend Over” — Yung Bredda

Soca — Performer of the Year

1. Kes
2. Lady Lava
3. Machel Montano
4. Killa
5. Nadia Batson
6. Patrice Roberts
7. V’ghn
8. Voice

Soca — Collaboration of the Year

1. Machel Montano & Ayetian — “Truth & Balance”
2. Machel Montano & Davido — “Fling It Up”
3. Skinny Fabulous, Travis World & Suhrawh — “Can You Bend”
4. Trinidad Killa & Nicki Minaj — “Eskimo”
5. V’ghn & Terra D Governor — “Jab Decisions”
6. Voice & Bunji Garlin — “Flatten”
7. GBM & Nailah Blackman — “Tay Lay Lay”

Soca — Impact Award

1. Coutain
2. Freetown Collective
3. Full Blown
4. Lady Lava
5. Mical Teja
6. Star Martin
7. Trinidad Killa
8. V’ghn

Soca — Video of the Year

1. Full Blown — “Good Spirits”
2. Machel Montano — “Pardy”
3. Nadia Batson — “Pieces”
4. Patrice Roberts — “Rock So”
5. Mical Teja — “Last Train”
6. Mical Teja — “Home”
7. Coutain x Tano — “Jamtown”

Soca — Best New Artist

1. Omaiah Hall
2. Coutain
3. Aaron Duncan
4. Kisha Kay 5. RAE
5. Imani Ray
6. Christo
7. Hunter

Female Soca — Artist of the Year

1. Anika Berry
2. Fay-Ann Lyons
3. Lady Lava
4. Nadia Batson
5. Nailah Blackman
6. Patrice Roberts
7. Faith Callender

Konpa — Artist of the Year

1. Harmonik
2. Joé Dwèt Filé
3. Kai
4. T-Vice
5. Vayb
6. Rutshelle

Konpa — Song of the Year

1. “4 Kampé II (Remix)” — Joé Dwèt Filé & Burna Boy
2. “Bezwen Ou” — Fridayy & Joé Dwèt Filé
3. “Ban’m Tout Afe’m” — Harmonik & Kenny Haiti
4. “Can’t Get Over You” — Rutshelle Guillaume
5. “Ti Manmi” — L-Won
6. “Kimoun Ou Ye” — Teddy Hashtag & L-Won
7. “Pye Sou Kou” — Charlin Bato
8. “500% Gouyad” — Deejay MJ, ColMix & DDKeyz

Bouyon — Artist of the Year

1. 1T1
2. BRG Hollywood
3. Dirty Dawg Pudaz
4. Asa Bantan
5. Ridge
6. Reo
7. Shelly & Signal Band
8. Trilla G

Bouyon — Song of the Year

1. “Bouwey” — 1T1 ft. Theomaa
2. “Bye to the Old Me” — Shelly & Signal Band
3. “La Vie Doux” — Reo & Téhilah
4. “Put That on That” — Khallion
5. “Sé Miimii” — Miimii
6. “Shake Something” — Dirty Dawg Pudaz
7. “Take Me as I Am” — Trilla G
8. “Time 2 Grind” — BRG Hollywood

Dennery — Artist of the Year

1. Blackboy
2. Deejay ASAP
3. Dezral
4. Jardel
5. Mighty
6. Nerdy
7. Umpa

Dennery — Song of the Year

1. “Clap” — Blackboy
2. “Dansa” — Klassik Frescobar
3. “Freak Out” — Hollywood HP & Ricky T
4. “Life of Party” — Pimp Juice
5. “Nuh Nuh” — Mighty & Mikado
6. “Pain Killer” — Umpa & Mikado
7. “The Car” — Dezral & Jardel
8. “Toko Doak” — Natoxie & Deejay Asap

Zess — Artist of the Year

1. Father Phillis
2. Lady Lava
3. Lola Doll
4. Nelly Cottoy
5. Sackie
6. Tempa
7. Trinidad Killa
8. Yung Bredda

Zess — Song of the Year

1. “All Riders” — Tempa
2. “Bob the Builder” — Lady Lava
3. “Come Downstairs” — Lola Doll
4. “It Pinching” — Lola Doll
5. “Send It Up” — Lola Doll, Shawn Storm & Lady Lava
6. “So D Badness Go” — Sackie & Selecta Gas
7. “Who Studying You” — Sackie

Jab — Artist of the Year

1. Capital Jab
2. Dred Lion
3. Jab King
4. Khalifah
5. Lil Kerry
6. Muddy
7. Tallpree
8. V’ghn

Jab — Song of the Year

1. “Bury All” — Lil Kerry
2. “Capital Anthem” — Dirty Dog & Capital Jab
3. “Do for Do” — Tallpree & Smokie
4. “Doh Come for Dah” — Dash
5. “Grease It” — Dred Lion
6. “Jab Decisions” — V’ghn & Terra
7. “Payroll Xpert” — Muddy
8. “Same Boat” — Khalifah, MC Straker & Greg Boss

Caribbean Fusion — Artist of the Year

1. ChillBill
2. Freetown Collective
3. Jimmy October
4. Mickael Marabou
5. Monéa
6. Naïka
7. Skip Marley
8. Umpa

Latin Caribbean — Artist of the Year

1. Bad Bunny
2. El Alfa
3. Jey One
4. Kruziano
5. La Pana
6. Prince Royce
7. Romeo Santos
8. Shakira

Female International DJ of the Year

1. DJ Ana
2. DJ Bambii
3. DJ Charlotte
4. DJ Lady Drea
5. DJ Nikki Z
6. DJ Nunu
7. DJ One Gyal Army
8. DJ Primadonna
9. DJ Tash
10. DJ Vybz Empress

Male International DJ of the Year

1. Dee Jay Punz & Selectah Renzo
2. DJ Avalanche
3. DJ Kevin Crown
4. DJ Puffy
5. DJ Osocity
6. DJ Ovadose
7. DJ Private Ryan
8. DJ Ricky Platinum
9. DJ Stakz
10. DJ Travis

Music Festival of the Year

1. Barbados Reggae Weekend
2. Dream Weekend 3. Reggae Land
3. Reggae Sumfest
4. Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival
5. SANDZ Caribbean Music Festival
6. Kitts Music Festival

Music Event of the Year

1. “Artform” — Nadia Batson
2. “Bayo” — Michaël Brun
3. Brunch and Soca
4. “I Am Woman” — Patrice Roberts
5. “Reggae Fest: The Return of Bounty Killer” — Barclays Center
6. “Reggae Fest” — Vybz Kartel at Barclays Center
7. Rise & Toast
8. Soca Brainwash
9. Stink & Dutty

Music Cruise of the Year

1. Epic Carnival Cruise
2. Feteopia Cruise
3. JamRock Cruise
4. Love & Harmony Cruise
5. UberSoca Cruise

Chutney Soca Artist of the Year

1. Drupatee
2. Ki and The Band
3. Rasika Dindial
4. Ravi B
5. Raymond Ramnarine
6. Tony Cuttz
7. Vanita Willie
8. Vicadi Singh

Chutney Soca Song of the Year

1. “Celebrate Life” — Vicadi Singh
2. “Cya Pick” — Ravi B & Lady Lava
3. “Hot” — Ravi B & Yung Bredda
4. “Loan” — Ki and The Band
5. “More Gari (Remix)” — Ashni Matadin & Raymond Ramnarine
6. “Pepper Vine” — Machel Montano, Lady Lava, DJ Private Ryan, Drupatee & Jus Now
7. “Pong D Damadol” — Rasika Dindial

About the Caribbean Music Awards

The Caribbean Music Awards celebrates the exceptional talent, creativity, and impact of Caribbean music. It recognizes outstanding artists, producers, and industry professionals who have significantly contributed to the Caribbean music landscape.

#CaribbeanMusicAwards #caribbeanEliteMagazine

——

Caribbean Music Awards Global Media Contact

Paul Thom – The Thom Brand  paul@thethombrand.com

 

 

Sean Paul continues to prove why he remains one of the most commercially successful Caribbean artists in history following the completion of his highly successful Timeless Tour, a European run that attracted thousands of fans across the continent and reinforced dancehall’s enduring influence on the global music landscape.

Spanning multiple countries and major markets throughout Europe, the Timeless Tour brought Sean Paul’s celebrated catalog of hits to audiences in Bulgaria, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Germany, and France, among other territories. From packed arenas to major festival appearances drawing tens of thousands of patrons, the tour highlighted not only the artist’s lasting appeal but also the growing global demand for Caribbean music and culture.

The tour featured performances in venues ranging from approximately 4,000-capacity theaters to major festival stages welcoming between 35,000 and 40,000 attendees per day. Stops included Sofia, Budapest, Vienna, Warsaw, Northeim, Nantes, Bordeaux, Konstanz, and Hannover, demonstrating the breadth of Sean Paul’s reach across Europe and his continued ability to command large-scale audiences more than two decades into his international career.

“Sean Paul’s success has never been confined to one era, one market or one generation,” said Steve Urchin, manager. “The Timeless Tour showcased the remarkable diversity of his audience, from longtime supporters who have followed his career since the early 2000s to younger fans discovering his music through streaming platforms, social media, and contemporary collaborations.”

The success of the tour comes amid another milestone period for the Grammy Award-winning artist. Earlier this year, Sean Paul achieved his first RIAA Diamond certification through his contribution to Sia’s global smash hit “Cheap Thrills,” becoming the first Jamaican artist to earn a Diamond-certified single in the United States. The achievement marked yet another historic moment in a career that has helped introduce dancehall music to audiences worldwide.

Sean Paul’s influence continues to extend well beyond the live stage. The dancehall superstar currently ranks No. 34 on Spotify’s Global Top 100 Artists by Monthly Listeners, making him the only Jamaican artist featured on the prestigious list. With more than 62.7 million monthly listeners, billions of career streams, and recent releases including “Press Back” and “Magnificent,” he continues to compete alongside the world’s biggest artists while introducing new audiences to Jamaican music and culture.

The Spotify Global Top 100 ranking measures current monthly audience reach and highlights the platform’s most-streamed and consistently listened-to artists worldwide. Sean Paul’s inclusion among today’s most dominant global acts further highlights a remarkable ability to remain culturally and commercially relevant more than two decades after his international breakthrough. With billions of career streams, a Diamond-certified record, and a thriving touring business that continues to attract audiences across generations, Sean Paul remains one of the Caribbean’s most successful musical exports.

While many artists rely primarily on nostalgia to sustain touring careers, Sean Paul’s current momentum tells a different story. The Timeless Tour revealed a notably strong Gen Z presence throughout its European run, with younger audiences embracing both his classic hits and newer releases. The result is a rare multi-generational fanbase that few artists in any genre can claim.

For industry observers, the success of the Timeless Tour reflects a broader trend: the continued expansion of dancehall and Caribbean music on the global stage. As streaming platforms introduce new audiences to the genre and demand for live music continues to grow, Sean Paul remains at the forefront of the movement.

More than twenty years after first breaking into the international mainstream, Sean Paul continues to demonstrate that great music transcends borders, languages, and generations. Whether through streaming, touring, or cultural influence, his impact remains as powerful today as at any point in his career.

 

*Photo Credit: Emanuela Mantegazza

 

 

 

 

          

 

Hookie Weekend 2026 is set to deliver an unforgettable celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and road revelry as internationally acclaimed Trinidadian music group Freetown Collective joins the lineup and organizers prepare to unleash two of the festival’s most anticipated signature experiences: Riddim & Glow and Lion’s Pride J’ouvert.

Kicking off the festivities on June 18th , Freetown Collective, the dynamic Trinidadian duo of Muhammad Muwakil and Lou Lyons, will headline the festival’s opening event, Release Therapy at Ivy City Smokehouse in DC. Renowned for their uplifting sound and beloved hits including “Feel The Love”, “Kaya”, and the fan-favourite “Take Me Home”, the duo is expected to set the tone for an electrifying weekend of music, freedom, and Caribbean energy.

Following the opening celebrations, Hookie Weekend will shift into high gear with its iconic road-focused experiences on June 19th and 20th at the Rosecroft Raceway in Maryland.

Riddim & Glow, one of the festival’s premier events, invites revelers to experience Soca under the stars set against a vibrant neon backdrop, complete with massive music trucks and nonstop energy throughout the night. Attendees are encouraged to wear ‘Monday Wear’ or previous carnival costumes for the premium drinks-inclusive event which features world-class DJs, immersive visual experiences and an atmosphere where vibes are guaranteed to be on overload.

The excitement reaches another level with Lion’s Pride J’ouvert, Hookie Weekend’s signature explosion of paint, powder, water, foam, music trucks, all-inclusive drinks trucks and pure bacchanal. This year’s theme, Titans of Soca, challenges participants to channel the look, power and dominance of the legendary Titans of Greek mythology and to immerse themselves in the energy, music, and celebration from start to finish.

With Freetown Collective’s inspiring live performance, immersive road experiences, premium inclusions, and the unmistakable spirit of Caribbean carnival culture, Hookie Weekend 2026 promises another unforgettable chapter in one of North America’s most celebrated Caribbean festival weekends.

For event tickets, combo packages and further info to visit: www.hookielife.com

Experience Hookie Weekend 2026 from June 18th to 22nd .

Follow the brand on social media via: (FB) www.facebook.com/hookielife; (IG)

www.instagram.com/hookielife

Jamaican dancehall star Teejay says his connection to Trinidad and Tobago has grown so strong over the years that he sometimes jokingly tells people he is “a Trini.” Speaking with Overtime Media during a recent interview, the UpTop Boss opened up about the support he has consistently received from Trinidad while also revealing that experiencing Trinidad Carnival next year is now high on his list.

“Most times… when people ask me where I’m from, I say I’m Trini,” Teejay said with a laugh, while discussing his relationship with the country. The “Up Top Boss” explained that Trinidad and the wider Caribbean have played a major role in helping dancehall music spread globally.

“Without Jamaica, without the Caribbean, our music wouldn’t even reach places,” he said, highlighting Trinidad, Guyana, The Bahamas and St Vincent among the territories continuing to support the culture.

According to Teejay, songs like Airplane Mode have performed especially well in Trinidad and across the region, in some cases even more than in Jamaica itself. The entertainer also revealed that while he has experienced Jamaica Carnival before, he still feels the need to fully experience Trinidad Carnival from the inside.

“I’ve never experienced Trinidad Carnival and I need to be in Trinidad next year for Carnival,” he stated.

The comments quickly sparked reactions online, especially as the interview also explored growing crossover conversations between dancehall, soca and Trinidad’s evolving Trinibad movement. One of the interview’s biggest talking points came when Teejay publicly expressed interest in collaborating with opposing Trinibad artistes, “Kman 6ixx” and “Medz Boss” despite ongoing tensions surrounding the Trinibad scene.

“Well honestly, me woulda like to do a song with Kman 6ixx,” he stated, “and me woulda like to do a song with Medz Boss, yuh see me.”

Rather than encouraging rivalry, Teejay framed the idea as a message of unity.

“More people need unity right now… love, joy, love life. Let’s live,” he added. “Make we work together. Make we do this for the future, for the youths.”

The interview clips generated heavy engagement across social media, with many Caribbean viewers praising the artiste for encouraging collaboration instead of division. Many others expressed disbelief that it could actually happen also.

Teejay also expressed admiration for soca artistes including Nailah Blackman, Skinny Fabulous and Yung Bredda, while embracing the growing fusion between soca and dancehall culture.

“Soca and dancehall, we are neighbours anyway,” he explained. “It’s just the right thing to have these two genres fused together and create history.”

Beyond the regional conversation, Teejay is preparing for the release of his upcoming album No Distraction, which he described as a return to his core energy.

“We talking about the 2016 Teejay,” he said, describing the project as “hustle mode.”

The album, which he says is about 87 percent complete, is being developed independently following his departure from Warner Records, although he remains aligned with Warner Chappell on the publishing side.

Teejay also recently released the single Perfect Body, a track aimed at empowering women and promoting self-confidence.

“A lot of females out there feel insecure of themselves, so I just want them to know that they’re special,” he shared.

With No Distraction, UpTop Fest and growing Caribbean crossover conversations all in motion, Teejay appears focused on strengthening his connection with the region even further – including a long-awaited trip to experience Trinidad Carnival.

 

Rebel Salute, one of the Caribbean’s most respected and culturally rich reggae festivals, is set to ignite Miramar Regional Park in Florida on April 19, 2026 with a powerful showcase of music, healthy food, Jamaican arts and craft and the illustrious herb curb. Known globally for its commitment to roots reggae and positive vibrations, Rebel Salute 2026 Florida promises an elevated experience for fans across the diaspora and beyond.

This highly anticipated staging will bring together some of the biggest and most influential names in reggae and dancehall, alongside emerging talents, for one night of electrifying performances and authentic Jamaican energy. The list includes Maxi Priest, Tony Rebel, Mykal Rose, Mikey Spice, Louie Culture, Chalice, Rebel Clan (Imeru Tafari, Davianah, Tanzie & Abatau) among others. Fans will be treated to the electrifying Dubplate Showcase featuring the Sudanese, Dynamq who’s dubs will be challenged by a surprise Jamaican selector. Attendees can expect soul-stirring sets supported by live bands, and a carefully curated lineup that honors the essence of reggae music, upliftment and cultural pride.

More than just a music festival, Rebel Salute continues its tradition of promoting a holistic lifestyle. The event will feature a vegetarian and vegan food village (with the exception of fish), showcasing natural juices, ital cuisine, and wellness products. This aligns with the festival’s longstanding commitment to health- conscious living and Rastafarian principles.

“Rebel Salute has always been about more than entertainment—it’s about preserving culture, spreading positivity, and creating a space where people can connect through music and shared values,” said the event organizers. “Bringing this experience to Florida in 2026 allows us to reach a wider audience while staying true to our roots.”

In addition to the music and food, patrons will enjoy artisan vendors, cultural exhibits, and a safe, family-friendly atmosphere. The festival maintains its signature policies, including a focus on conscious lyrics and a respectful environment.

Rebel Salute 2026 Florida is expected to attract thousands of attendees from across the United States, the Caribbean, and international markets, reinforcing its status as a premier reggae event on the global stage.

Event Details:
– Event: Rebel Salute 2026 Florida
– Location: Miramar Regional Park. Florida, USA
– Date: April 19, 2026
– Time: 2:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets available on www.rebelsaluteusa.com

Best of the Best Music Fest, North America’s premier Caribbean music festival, returns on Sunday, May 24, 2026, serving as a signature highlight of Memorial Day Weekend at its new location, Museum Park in downtown Miami. The 2026 staging is proudly presented by Grabba Leaf as Title Sponsor, further reinforcing the festival’s cultural influence and sustained demand.

For nearly two decades, Best of the Best Music Fest has stood as a cultural cornerstone, bringing multiple generations together to celebrate Caribbean music, heritage, and lifestyle. The move to Museum Park marks a bold new chapter, offering an expanded and elevated fan experience set against Miami’s iconic skyline while remaining deeply rooted in authenticity and community.

First Artist Announcement

The festival’s first wave of performers reflects its signature balance of legacy and contemporary excellence across reggae and dancehall:

• Sizzla Kalonji
• Beenie Man
• Capleton
• Tarrus Riley
• 450
• Tifa
• Kkrytical

Additional artist announcements will be revealed in the months ahead.

Following a successful partnership in 2025, Grabba Leaf has expanded its commitment to the festival, returning in 2026 as Title Sponsor, a move that underscores the strong demand, cultural relevance, and commanding presence of the Best of the Best brand. The evolution of this partnership reflects a shared alignment in values, audience, and long-term vision, as well as the festival’s ability to deliver meaningful engagement at scale.

Speaking on the brand’s decision to deepen its involvement, Michael Robinson, President and CEO of Grabba-Leaf, LLC, shared: “At Grabba-Leaf, LLC we pride ourselves in staying true to our roots while focusing on continued growth and a commitment to excellence. Partnering with Best of the Best has been a tremendous opportunity to engage with a respected brand, cultural icons, and individuals who share the same values and vision for the future. We’re looking forward to this year’s celebration.”

A Festival for All Generations

Widely recognized as North America’s premier Caribbean music festival, Best of the Best Music Fest is a family-friendly, multi-generational experience, from roots reggae and conscious anthems to high-energy dancehall and soca, creating a space where culture is shared, traditions are honored, and memories are made.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
• Location: Museum Park, 1075 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, Florida
• Gates Open: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Kids 12 & Under: Free with adult
• General Admission: $75.00 (available until February 16, 2026)
• VIP Admission: $200.00 (available until February 16, 2026)

With sunshine, world-class performances, variety of Caribbean cuisine, and unmatched Caribbean energy, Grabba Leaf Presents Best of the Best Music Fest 2026 stands as the definitive cultural moment of Memorial Day Weekend.

Best of the Best 2026, where legends, vibes, and generations unite.

For tickets, updates, and future artist announcements, visit www.bestofthebestconcert.com and follow @bestofthebest on Instagram.

 

Jamaica is positioning its creative economy not only as a cultural asset, but as a strategic engine for tourism, global branding and long-term economic growth.

Addressing delegates last Wednesday at the Jamaica Creative Career Expo – held in collaboration with the Island Music Conference (IMC) at Kingston’s Courtleigh Auditorium, then Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange underscored a decisive shift in how the sector is being treated at the policy level.

“The creative economy is no longer informal… it is strategic,” she declared, emphasizing that strong cultural institutions and modern governance frameworks must underpin the industry’s continued expansion.

For a country whose global reputation has been shaped by music, sport and cultural exports, the message signals consolidation rather than reinvention. The focus, Minister Grange suggested, is now on ownership, intellectual property and infrastructure.

“The future of music is not only about performing or producing — it is about ownership,” she said, pointing to publishing, distribution and intellectual property as key drivers of sustained wealth creation in the modern music business.

Her framing of the government’s role was equally deliberate: not interference, but enablement

“Government must ensure that the infrastructure is in place to enable the industry,” she noted — a position that resonates strongly in a region where creative communities have historically operated with limited structural support.

Minister Grange remained engaged throughout the day’s proceedings, interacting with students and industry stakeholders alike, reinforcing a broader vision of culture as economic infrastructure — and, by extension, a pillar of destination development.

Spice chats with Shaggy and Sharon Burke backstage

Founded by diamond-selling global superstar Orville “Shaggy” Burrell in collaboration with artiste manager/ industry shaper, Sharon Burke and media personality Judith Bodley, the Island Music Conference has evolved into a platform where policy, private sector investment and creative entrepreneurship intersect.

For tourism stakeholders, the alignment is significant. As global travelers increasingly seek authentic cultural immersion, conferences such as IMC position Jamaica not only as a leisure destination but as a regional hub for music business innovation and creative industry leadership.

Across the Caribbean, governments are reassessing culture as a development lever capable of driving exports, employment and global influence. Jamaica appears intent on leading that charge — blending creative excellence with institutional support to strengthen its competitive edge in the global cultural marketplace.

Just last month, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Culture and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, declared her intent to evolve and enhance the cultural sector to become a greater contributor to the national economy — echoing a broader regional recalibration.

Panels on Influencer Entrepreneurship, New Rules for Marketing, The Power of Global Radio Play, Breaking Into Publishing and The Power of the Producer informed the packed auditorium throughout the day, and Minister Grange remained present until the very end.

Freelance photojournalist and Overtime Media’s Managing Director, Nigel Telesford, attended the conference and also hosted the panel on Breaking Into Publishing, featuring Ethan Baer of Warner Chappell Music, Sapna Lal of The Lal Firm LLC and Jon Baker of Geejam Studios.