One of the presenters of this year’s Caribbean Music Awards, Dominican Jael Joseph ,has expressed disappointment that her country’s Bouyon music was not recognized at the awards held over the weekend
The first awards show was held at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, where it aimed to honor the region’s leading artists.
She said, “I think Bouyon music dominated Carnival. I saw Spice shaking her pampalam in Sint Maarten. That was to Bouyon music, so I want to big up all of the Bouyon artists who didn’t make it this year, and I hope they are included next year.”
There is a growing demand for the Caribbean Music Awards to showcase more diverse music genres from the region.
However, some critics argue that the event is heavily biased towards Dancehall, Reggae, and Soca.
The event only recognized one other genre, Kompa, which was awarded once for Best Kompa Band and once for a tribute to the late Haitian singer Mikaben. During the event, the host, Wyclef Jean, promised to incorporate more genres in the future.
After the show, Trinidad and Tobago’s Chutney Soca artists criticized the event for not including their genre.
The show was a notable celebration of Caribbean unity, particularly noteworthy for many in attendance.
