Pumpa, Mr. Ridge, Skinny Fabulous and Others Shine at 2024 Caribbean Music Awards

“Big up the whole VI massive!” said Dennis Liburd, as he collected his 2023 Impact Award for Soca during Thursday’s Caribbean Music Awards Ceremony, the organization's second annually celebrated recognition of Caribbean musical talent and achievements.

Mr. Liburd, better known by his stage name “Pumpa”, also thanked “all of the A-List gyal dem”, a reference to last year’s massive hit song. The small islands of the OECS received an honorable mention, as did Trinidad & Tobago, the island Pumpa credited with “bussing me to the world.”‌

The 2024 Caribbean Music Awards took place at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York. Apart from Pumpa, a slew of Caribbean musical royalty was nominated for, and received awards during the glitzy event.

Skinny Fabulous, given name Gamal Doyle, picked up the award for Male Soca Artist of the Year, while Patrice Roberts won the award for Female Soca Artist of the Year. The best soca collaboration for the year was “Come Home”, by Nailah Blackman and Skinny Fabulous, while the song’s music video was deemed the soca video of the year.

Dominica’s Boyoun genre was well-represented this year, with Mr. Ridge capturing the Bouyon Artist of the Year award, while “Bouyon Boss” Asa Banton was voted the People’s Choice for this year’s award ceremony.

The 2024 Caribbean Music Awards also presented a Gospel Award to genre-spanning artist Sherwin Gardner, whose uplifting song of gratitude “Find me Here” grounded fetes across the region this Carnival season.

‌Organizers also honored Cedella Marley with the Legacy Award, and presented Marcia Griffiths with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Meanwhile, Alison Hinds was honored with an Elite Icon award for her long career in the industry. “The recognition of women in this year’s awards underscores the importance of their contributions to our culture and heritage.” said a statement from Caribbean Elite Group, organizers of the Caribbean Music Awards. “Their voices are vital to the vibrancy of Caribbean music.”