While the Caribbean Music Awards has long prided itself on celebrating the region’s diverse musical talent, the 2025 nominations have sparked widespread controversy across the industry. The conspicuous absence of dancehall star Chronic Law, soca veteran Bunji Garlin, and cross-genre sensation Jada Kingdom has left fans and critics questioning the credibility of the prestigious event.
Chronic Law’s omission stands out as particularly jarring given his impressive 2024 catalog that dominated regional charts and garnered international attention. His fusion of traditional dancehall with contemporary elements earned him substantial airplay, yet not a single nomination materialized. Within hours of the announcement, #JusticeForChronicLaw began trending across social media platforms, with fans demanding explanations from CMA organizers.
Equally perplexing was the exclusion of Bunji Garlin from categories like Best Male Artist and Song of the Year. The soca pioneer, whose influence spans decades, delivered several standout performances during the Caribbean festival circuit in 2024. The event, hosted by Naomi Cowan and Specs, promises to address these controversies during the pre-recorded broadcast set to air on BET. Industry insiders suggest that the awards’ apparent pivot toward newer acts may have eclipsed recognition for established artists who continue to shape the region’s musical landscape.
The female representation gap became glaringly evident with Jada Kingdom’s complete absence from the nominations. Despite charting singles and high-profile collaborations throughout 2024-2025, her contributions went unacknowledged. This oversight has fueled speculation about potential gender bias in the selection process, particularly in the male-dominated reggae and dancehall categories. Many artists like Kingdom are now focusing on sync deals as alternative revenue streams beyond traditional industry recognition.
CMA organizers have remained conspicuously silent regarding these omissions, offering no public explanation for the controversial choices. Fans hoping to witness the drama unfold can purchase Voices of The Caribbean tickets directly through the event’s website. The lack of transparency has only intensified calls for reform in the nomination process, with prominent Caribbean music figures advocating for clearer selection criteria. Some artists have considered registering with alternative performance rights organizations to ensure better representation and royalty collection for their work.
As the February 2025 ceremony approaches, the debate continues about whether commercial success, artistic merit, or industry politics ultimately determine recognition. What remains clear is that these high-profile snubs have cast a shadow over what should be the Caribbean music industry’s most celebratory night.
