PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Kes and Lady Lava emerged among the major winners at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, as the annual celebration of Caribbean music and culture made its debut in Trinidad and Tobago.
Kes took home the Male Soca Artist of the Year award, while Lady Lava was named Female Soca Artist of the Year at the ceremony, held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain.
The 2026 staging marked the first time the Caribbean Music Awards were held in Trinidad and Tobago. The event was sponsored by Visit Trinidad.
Lady Lava entered the ceremony as the most-nominated artist of the year and also won Zess Artist Of The Year.
Ayetian was one of the few dancehall artistes making the trip to Trinidad and Tobago, and he secured his first Caribbean Music Award.
Among the night’s other notable winners was Grenadian jab artiste V’ghn, who captured Jab Artist of the Year. The award adds another regional honour to the career of the Grenada-based soca artiste.
Moliy became the first Ghanaian artist to win a Caribbean Music Award as the hit maker received 3 nominations for her remix of “Shake It to the Max (Fly)” featuring Skillibeng, Shenseea, and Silent Addy (Dancehall Song, Dancehall Collaboration, and Dancehall Video of the Year).
The regional categories also highlighted the diversity of Caribbean music, with Ridge of Dominica winning Bouyon Artist of the Year.
Caribbean Legends Honoured
The ceremony also recognized several influential figures from across the region.
Calypso icon Calypso Rose received the Elite Calypso Honor, while Haitian kompa star Alan Cavé was presented with the Elite Konpa Honor.
Jamaican dancehall veteran Patra received the Lifetime Achievement Honor, recognizing her contribution to Caribbean music and her international impact.
Rapper Shyne was also among the recipients of a Special Honor.
