Who will be the French Caribbean Artist of The Year at the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards?

Cast your vote!

On April 9th, 2025, the Caribbean Music Awards unveiled the nominees for its 3rd edition. With over 40 categories ranging from singers and DJs to music videos and cruises, the Caribbean Elite Group aims to promote Caribbean music across the varied but complementary sectors of our industry on the international stage. While reggae, dancehall and soca make up the majority of the awards, the French Caribbean are also celebrated.

The French Caribbean Artist of the Year award honors a groundbreaking artist whose talent, creativity, and influence have left an indelible mark on the music industry. This accolade celebrates exceptional musical accomplishments, captivating live performances, and a unique ability to inspire listeners. The recipient serves as a trailblazer, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations with unparalleled dedication, passion, and extraordinary talent.

After the preliminary round which was put to the public vote, eight artists are officially in the running, based on their musical activities between January 1st and December 31st, 2024. Kalash, who won the award in 2024, is nominated again. Other artists from Martinique in the running include Maureen, Blaiz Fayah, DJ Chinwax and Natoxie. With KRYS and DJ Quick, Guadeloupe has two representatives. Joé Dwèt Filé will carry Haiti's colors high in this French Caribbean Artist of the Year category.

Joé Dwèt Filé has also been nominated in the “People's Choice” category alongside artists from the English-speaking Caribbean such as Shenseea, Vybz Kartel (Jamaica) and Kes (Trinidad & Tobago). Of course, the worldwide success of “4 Kampé”, a remix of which with Burna Boy was released a few days ago, earned him a nomination as “Konpa artist of the year” against VAYB, Rutshelle Guillaume, KAI, Nu Look, Oswald, T-Vice and Klass. In addition, Bamby (French Guiana) and Kalash (Martinique) are nominated in the “Caribbean Fusion Artist of the Year” category. Finally, Dominica and its Bouyon are also in the spotlight. Litleboy is up against his collaborators Quan and Trilla G from the hit “Someone Else” in the race for “Bouyon Artist of the Year”, for which Triple Kay Band, Mr. Ridge, Kenny G, Asa Bantan, Pudaz and Shelly & Signal Band are also nominated.

Kassav' continues to influence the non-French-speaking Caribbean communities, without promoting any new albums. As the group embarks on its international “Sé'w Nou Enmé” tour in tribute to Jacob Desvarieux, its name was the only French-speaking representative nominated in the “Artist of the Decade” category. The Caribbean Music Awards may have dropped the Zouk category that was presented during its launch edition in 2023 [#streamcaribbean interview with CEO Dane Taylor], but this awards ceremony still finds a way to include the exceptional contribution of these artists from Guadeloupe and Martinique who, by creating this musical genre, have been inspiring and charming the world for over 40 years. Perhaps Kassav' will win an Impact Award or a Life Achievement Award?

While we await the results, you have until May 31st to vote for your favorite artists by clicking on caribmusicawards.com. See you on August 28th, 2025 for the ceremony that will be held live in Brooklyn. What are your predictions?