Caribbean Music Awards criticised for not including more genres

Many people are calling for the Caribbean Music Awards to include more music genres from the region in the event.

The first awards show was held at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, where it aimed to honour the region’s leading artists.

However, some felt that the event was too heavily skewed towards Dancehall, Reggae, and Soca.

Although Kompa was the only other genre recognized, it was only once with a Best Kompa Band category and the other with a posthumous honor to the late Haitian singer Mikaben.

Jael Joseph, a Dominican who earned a spot as an interviewer for the show, expressed disappointment that her country’s Bouyon music was not recognized.

She said, “I think Bouyon music dominated Carnival. I saw Spice shaking her pampalam in Sint Maarten. That was to Bouyon music, so I want to big up all of the Bouyon artists who didn’t make it this year, and I hope they are included next year.”

Wyclef Jean, the host, gave her assurance that they would include more genres every year.

After the show, Trinidad and Tobago’s Chutney Soca artists criticized the event for not including their genre. Former Chutney Soca Monarch KI Persad expressed his disappointment in a now-deleted Facebook post.

Ravi B, a former Chutney Soca Monarch, reminded the Carib Music Awards that Chutney Soca Music is also a part of the Caribbean in a Facebook post.

The show was a notable celebration of Caribbean unity, which was particularly noteworthy for many in attendance.

Although the Caribbean talent showcase was impressive, it was unfortunately overshadowed by poor stage management. DJs played the wrong songs when announcing winners, and there was confusion among announcers about whether the artists were present to collect their awards. The order of the categories was also confusing, and some categories were not given the appropriate attention they deserved.

Wyclef Jean, the host, declared that the Caribbean was in charge. The showcase highlighted Caribbean talent and was a celebration of Caribbean culture.

 “They steal our culture, they change the name of it, they call it pop, they flip our food around and adjust it. Tonight, we’re taking everything back to the Caribbean, we want our just dues tonight,” he said