Marcia Griffiths received a Lifetime Achievement Award Honor and Cedella Marley received a Legacy Award at the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards, which were presented on Thursday (Aug. 29) at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, N.Y. Dancehall artist Spice and comedian Majah Hype co-hosted the show, which streamed live on YouTube.
“I’m truly blessed to continue the legacy that my family built,” Marley said in accepting the award. “I’m filled with gratitude and honor to be acknowledged for my work. I want to express my sincere thanks to the committee members and the beautiful people of our Caribbean. Your support and inspiration drive my passion and motivate me to do things I was once told ‘you can’t do that.’”
Marley dedicated the award to her mother, Rita Marley, who she described as her “shero.” “[She is] a woman of extraordinary strength, compassion, wisdom and love. It is her unwavering dedication and selflessness that have led to this moment. I am both proud and humbled to have her as my mother. As I pay tribute to the Marley legacy tonight, I celebrate the woman who has laid the foundation. One love.”
Reggae legend Bob Marley was Cedella Marley’s father. Skip Marley is her son. Cedella Marley won three Grammy Awards as a member of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.
Shaggy paid tribute to Griffiths, who is celebrating 60 years in music. Griffiths is a former member of the I-Threes, which supported Bob Marley with backing vocals. She was a Grammy nominee three years ago for best reggae album for One World. Closing out the show, Tosh Alexander, Aiesha, Alaine and Nadine Sutherland performed in tribute to Griffiths.
The night’s most nominated artist, Dexta Daps, won performer of the year (dancehall). The Jamaican dancehall and reggae performer also performed a medley of songs, including “Shabba Madda Pot” and “Call Me If.”
Other winners in competitive categories included Buju Banton, Romeo Santos, Shaggy & Kes and Burna Boy & Byron Messia.
Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, who has produced recordings by such varied artists as Sean Paul, Drake, John Legend, Vybz Kartel, John Legend, Shenseea and Jada Kingdom, received the producer award honor.
The Caribbean Music Awards recognizes artists, producers, and industry professionals who have significantly contributed to the Caribbean music landscape. This year’s nominations list included more than 40 categories spanning a diverse range of genres, including reggae, Soca and dancehall.
The awards are presented by the Caribbean Elite Group, which also produces Caribbean Elite Magazine – a print and digital publication which highlights Caribbean entertainers, artists, producers, promoters, cuisine, travel, fashion and entrepreneurs.
Here’s a complete list of winners in both competitive and honorary categories.
Competitive Categories
2023 Impact Award (Dancehall): 450
2023 Impact Award (Reggae): Mortimer
2023 Impact Award (Soca): Pumpa
Album of the Year (Reggae) Buju Banton, Born for Greatness
Album of the Year (Dancehall) Masicka, Generation of Kings
Artist of the Year (Bouyon): Mr. Ridge
Artist of the Year (French Caribbean): Kalash
Artist of the Year (Latin Caribbean): Romeo Santos
Artist of the Year Female (Dancehall): Shenseea
Artist of the Year Female (Reggae): Lila Iké
Artist of the Year Female (Soca): Patrice Roberts
Artist of the Year Male (Dancehall): Valiant
Artist of the Year Male (Reggae): Romain Virgo
Artist of the Year Male (Soca): Skinny Fabulous
Best New Artist (Dancehall): Rajah Wild
Best New Artist (Reggae): Ras-II
Best New Artist (Soca): Yung Bredda
Collaboration of the Year – Soca: Nailah Blackman & Skinny Fabulous, “Come Home”
Collaboration of the Year – Reggae: Shaggy & Kes, “Mood”
Collaboration of the Year – (Dancehall): Burna Boy & Byron Messia, Talibans II
Cruise Event of the Year: Uber Soca
Entertainer of the Year: Lee So Crazy
International DJ of the Year: DJ Puffy
Konpa Band of the Year: Zafem
Music Event of the Year: Stink & Dutty
People’s Choice (Powered by Spotify’s Frequency): Asa Bantan
Performer of the Year (Dancehall): Dexta Daps
Performer of the Year (Soca): Mr Killa
Song of the Year (Dancehall): Byron Messia, “Talibans”
Song of the Year (Soca): Bunji Garlin, “Hard Fete”
Video of the Year (Dancehall): Tee Jay, “Drift”
Video of the Year (Soca): Nailah Blackman & Skinny Fabulous, “Come Home”
Honorary Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award Honor: Marcia Griffiths
Elite Icon Award: Alison Hinds
Legacy Award: Cedella Marley
Artist of the Decade: Spice
Konpa Award Honor: Tabou Combo
Producer Award Honor: Di Genius
Chutney Award Honor: Ravi B
Gospel Award Honor: Sherwin Gardner
Calypso Award Honor: Mighty Sparrow