Tian Winter and Ge’Eve Phillip Dominates 2026 National Music Awards

Tian Winter was the big winner at last night’s 2025 Music Awards, taking home two of the evening’s most coveted titles — Recording Artist of the Year, as voted by the public, and Soca Artist of the Year — cementing his place as the standout name in Antigua’s music scene.

Ge’Eve Philip also had a memorable night, walking away with two awards — the Bright Light Award, named in honour of the late Ricardo Drue, and Calypsonian of the Year.

The ceremony, held at the John E. St. Luce Conference Centre, was an evening that balanced celebration with reflection, honouring the industry’s brightest current stars while pausing to pay tribute to some of its most legendary figures.

Three icons of Antiguan music received Lifetime Achievement honours, with Junior “Jagger” Martin, Roland Prince and Sir Rupert “The Mighty Swallow” Philo all being recognised for their extraordinary contributions to the local music landscape. Both Roland Prince and Sir Rupert “The Mighty Swallow” Philo received their awards posthumously.

The Chairman’s Award, one of the evening’s was presented to young Enoch Thomas.

In the other People’s Choice categories, decided entirely by public vote, Kutting Edge Band was named Band of the Year while Kaution Band took Jam Band of the Year. Drastic was honoured as Songwriter of the Year, DJ Quest claimed DJ of the Year, and King Warriors took the Sound of the Year title. Steve ‘Ibis’ Freeland was named MC of the Year. Heaven was awarded Niche Event of the Year, while Rise, produced by DJ Jime Events, claimed Large Scale Event of the Year. Soca Villain rounded out the People’s Choice awards by taking Song of the Year with BB Service.

The Steel Pan Awards saw Maurisha Potter named Pannist of the Year and Dr. Zahra Lake recognised as Arranger of the Year. Hells Gate Steel Orchestra was crowned Steel Band of the Year, while PMS Serenaders from Princess Margaret School took the Schools’ Steel Band of the Year award.

The Vocal Awards recognised Rashid Walker as Gospel Artist of the Year, Niqko Wyld West as Dancehall Artist of the Year, and Andrew Dorsett as Producer of the Year.

The Special Recognition category honoured a wide cross-section of contributors to the local music industry, with awards going to Patrick Johnny Gomes, Just Soul, Veron Henry, Dalma Boogie George, Dr. Renee Smith, Sir Ogliver Jacob, Vince McCoy, Patrick Edwards and James “Sly J” Simon.
It was a night that captured the full spectrum of Antigua and Barbuda’s vibrant music culture — celebrating its legends, its hitmakers and the dedicated individuals who keep the industry alive behind the scenes.