Caribbean Music Awards 2024: Reggae Winners and Highlights

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Caribbean music has travelled far beyond the islands where its distinctive sounds first developed. From reggae’s messages of love, resistance and social consciousness to dancehall’s infectious rhythms and soca’s carnival energy, Caribbean artists continue to influence audiences worldwide. The 2024 Caribbean Music Awards provided another opportunity to celebrate that influence, bringing together established legends, emerging performers and music industry figures for a night dedicated to the region’s diverse musical heritage.

Held on August 29, 2024, at the historic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, the second annual ceremony celebrated achievements across reggae, dancehall, soca, bouyon, konpa and other Caribbean genres. The event was presented by Caribbean Elite Group and hosted by dancehall star Spice alongside comedian Majah Hype. Billboard’s coverage of the ceremony</a> highlighted the breadth of talent recognised during the evening.

For reggae fans, the awards delivered several important moments, from recognition for contemporary stars to tributes honouring the musicians whose work helped build Jamaica’s musical legacy.

Romain Virgo Takes Male Reggae Artist of the Year

One of the night’s standout reggae achievements belonged to Romain Virgo, who won Male Reggae Artist of the Year.

Known for his smooth vocals, soulful delivery and ability to blend traditional reggae with contemporary influences, Virgo has established himself as one of Jamaica’s prominent modern reggae singers. His victory recognised his continuing contribution to a genre that values both musical craftsmanship and emotional connection.

The award followed the release of his album The Gentle Man in March 2024, a project that showcased his development as a vocalist and songwriter. According to VP Records, the win came during a period of extensive touring and growing international exposure.

Virgo’s achievement also demonstrated how contemporary reggae artists continue to build on the genre’s melodic traditions while connecting with younger audiences.

Lila Iké Wins Female Reggae Artist of the Year

Lila Iké took home the Female Reggae Artist of the Year award, adding another important milestone to her growing career.

Recognised for her distinctive voice, thoughtful songwriting and contemporary approach to Jamaican music, Iké has become an influential figure among the new generation of reggae artists. Her music combines roots-reggae foundations with elements of soul and modern production, allowing her to explore personal experiences and wider social themes.

Her victory at the 2024 awards reflected the growing visibility of women shaping reggae’s contemporary sound.

It also reinforced the importance of recognising female artists whose creativity and individuality continue to expand the genre’s reach.

Ras-I Recognised as Best New Reggae Artist

Another important moment for reggae came when Ras-I received the Best New Artist award in the reggae category.

The recognition was significant for an artist whose musical journey began close to the heart of Jamaica’s recording culture. Having grown up around Tuff Gong Studios, Ras-I developed an appreciation for the country’s musical traditions while creating a sound that draws on roots reggae, soul and contemporary influences.

His award represented a notable career milestone and helped introduce his music to a wider Caribbean and international audience.

Ras-I’s subsequent releases, including his album Heart of Love in 2026, have continued to develop the artistic identity that helped establish him as a rising voice in Jamaican reggae.

For fans following the evolution of the genre, his 2024 win provides an important reference point in his journey.

Buju Banton Wins Reggae Album of the Year

Veteran Jamaican artist Buju Banton was recognised in the Reggae Album of the Year category for Born for Greatness.

Released in 2023, the album marked a significant chapter in Banton’s recording career, combining his commanding vocal style with reggae themes and contemporary production.

Banton’s career has spanned dancehall, roots reggae and spiritually conscious music. His influence on Jamaican popular music is reflected in his ability to move between energetic dancehall performances and more reflective songs addressing faith, identity and personal transformation.

The award for Born for Greatness highlighted the continuing relevance of established reggae artists in an industry where new sounds and younger performers are constantly emerging.

It was also a reminder that reggae’s development depends on both fresh voices and the continued creativity of artists who have helped shape its history.

Shaggy and Kes Win Reggae Collaboration of the Year

The award for Reggae Collaboration of the Year went to Shaggy and Kes for their song “Mood.”

The collaboration brought together two internationally recognised Caribbean artists with different but complementary musical backgrounds. Shaggy’s Jamaican dancehall and reggae heritage met Kes’s Trinidadian soca influences, producing a track that reflected the creative connections between Caribbean genres.

Their victory demonstrated how artists can work across national and musical boundaries while maintaining a recognisable Caribbean identity.

Collaborations of this kind also help introduce listeners to music outside their usual preferences. A reggae fan may discover more soca through Kes, while a soca listener may explore more of Shaggy’s reggae catalogue.

The win was therefore significant beyond the individual song: it illustrated the value of collaboration in promoting Caribbean music to a broader audience.

Marcia Griffiths Receives a Lifetime Achievement Honour

One of the ceremony’s most meaningful tributes celebrated Marcia Griffiths, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award Honour.

Griffiths is one of Jamaica’s most enduring musical figures, with a career spanning decades. Her work as a solo artist and her involvement in the I-Threes, the vocal group that supported Bob Marley and the Wailers, have made her an important part of reggae history.

Her contribution extends from classic recordings to international performances, demonstrating the lasting influence of Jamaican vocalists on the global music landscape.

The ceremony also included a tribute performance in her honour, featuring Tosh Alexander, Aiesha, Alaine and Nadine Sutherland.

Recognising Griffiths was especially fitting because reggae’s history is not built solely around headline acts. The genre’s development also reflects the contributions of vocalists, backing singers, instrumentalists and other professionals whose work has shaped its sound over generations.

Cedella Marley and Alison Hinds Also Honoured

The 2024 ceremony celebrated several other influential Caribbean figures.

Cedella Marley received the Legacy Award, recognising her contribution to preserving and extending the Marley family’s cultural and musical heritage. Through music, business and cultural initiatives, she has helped keep the family’s legacy connected to new audiences.

Alison Hinds received the Elite Icon Award. The Barbadian singer is widely recognised for her influence on soca music and her long-standing role in Caribbean entertainment.

Their honours highlighted the range of contributions that sustain Caribbean music, from the preservation of historic legacies to the development of genres and the emergence of new cultural influences.

The ceremony also honoured Spice as Artist of the Decade, while other awards recognised prominent contributors to gospel, calypso, chutney and konpa music.

A Night That Celebrated the Wider Caribbean

Although reggae remained a major focus for Jamaican audiences, the Caribbean Music Awards recognised the region’s musical diversity.

Other notable winners included Masicka, whose Generation of Kings won Album of the Year in dancehall; Valiant, recognised as Male Dancehall Artist of the Year; and Dexta Daps, who won Performer of the Year in dancehall.

In soca, Nailah Blackman and Skinny Fabulous won Collaboration of the Year for “Come Home,” while Bunji Garlin received Song of the Year for “Hard Fete.”

The ceremony also celebrated artists and contributors from bouyon, Latin Caribbean music, French Caribbean music, konpa, gospel and calypso.

This breadth matters because Caribbean music is not a single sound. It is a collection of interconnected traditions shaped by different islands, languages, histories and cultural experiences.

By placing these genres within the same celebration, the awards created a platform for audiences to recognise the region’s shared musical influence without overlooking its diversity.

Why the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards Matter to Reggae

The significance of the 2024 awards extends beyond the list of winners.

Romain Virgo’s victory highlighted the strength of contemporary Jamaican reggae. Lila Iké’s award recognised the contributions of a new generation of female artists. Ras-I’s achievement marked the emergence of another promising voice, while Buju Banton’s win demonstrated the continued relevance of established performers.

Meanwhile, Shaggy and Kes illustrated how collaboration can connect reggae with other Caribbean styles, and the honours presented to Marcia Griffiths and Cedella Marley recognised the importance of preserving musical heritage.

Together, these achievements reflect a genre that continues to evolve without losing its cultural foundations.

Reggae has always been more than entertainment. Its history is tied to Jamaica’s identity, social commentary, spirituality and international cultural influence. Recognising the artists who carry that tradition forward helps ensure their contributions remain visible to existing fans and new listeners alike.

The Caribbean Music Awards provide one platform for that recognition, bringing artists and audiences together around a shared appreciation of Caribbean creativity.

Looking Back at the Winners

The 2024 Caribbean Music Awards offered reggae fans several reasons to celebrate, from established stars receiving major honours to emerging artists earning wider recognition.

Romain Virgo, Lila Iké, Ras-I, Buju Banton and Shaggy all featured prominently in the reggae results, while the tributes to Marcia Griffiths and Cedella Marley acknowledged the lasting importance of Jamaica’s musical heritage.

The ceremony also reminded audiences that reggae does not exist in isolation. Its relationship with soca, dancehall and other Caribbean genres remains an important part of the region’s musical story.

As new artists continue to emerge and established performers explore new creative directions, the future of Caribbean music will depend on both innovation and an appreciation of the traditions that came before.

Which moment from the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards stood out most to you? Was it Romain Virgo’s win, Lila Iké’s recognition, Ras-I’s breakthrough, or the tribute to reggae legend Marcia Griffiths?

Share your thoughts with Reggae Memories.

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