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Caribbean Music Awards Makes Historic Move to Trinidad & Tobago for 2026 Ceremony — Here’s When They’re Happening
The Caribbean Music Awards will relocate from Brooklyn's Kings Theatre to Trinidad and Tobago for its fourth annual ceremony, marking a symbolic homecoming for the event after three years based in one of the world's largest Caribbean diaspora communities. Organiser Caribbean Elite Group announced the move on 28 July, expanding what was previously a single-night event into a full "Elite Weekend Experience" featuring cultural events, a steelpan showcase, and an official afterparty, reflecting the strong year Trinidadian artists have had across genres.
The main ceremony takes place on Saturday 19 September at the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Port of Spain, as part of a weekend running from 18 to 20 September, co-hosted by soca star Nailah Blackman and comedian Majah Hype. Trinidadian artist Lady Lava leads this year's nominations with nine nods, followed by Machel Montano, V'ghn and Ayetian with seven each, among more than 250 nominees across over 40 categories spanning reggae, soca, dancehall, calypso, R&B and gospel, including several new categories added for 2026.
In short
- Caribbean Music Awards moves from Brooklyn to Trinidad & Tobago for 2026.
- Ceremony set for 19 September in Port of Spain, expanded to a full weekend.
- Trinidadian artist Lady Lava leads nominations with nine nods.
Explained simply
The Caribbean Music Awards is an annual ceremony celebrating music from across the Caribbean and its diaspora communities. For its first three years, the event has been held in Brooklyn, New York, a city with one of the world's largest Caribbean diaspora populations.
The 2026 ceremony will be held in Trinidad and Tobago, the first time the awards will take place in the Caribbean region rather than in a diaspora community. Organisers are expanding the event into a full weekend experience with additional cultural programming, performances and social events.
The awards cover multiple genres including reggae, dancehall, soca, calypso and gospel, recognising artists from across the Caribbean region. The 2026 ceremony will feature over 40 award categories, with several new ones introduced this year.