The Style & Vibes Podcast
The Style & Vibes Podcast
2025 Caribbean Music Awards Unpacked
The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards makes its television debut on BET, and we're breaking down every moment from our dual perspective as both live attendees and television viewers. This milestone broadcast marks a crucial step forward in recognizing Caribbean artists on mainstream platforms, delivering a carefully edited showcase of Caribbean excellence.
Dyschick joins me to compare our in-person experience at Brooklyn's King's Theater with the television broadcast, revealing what made the cut and what didn't. We dive into standout performances, particularly praising the energetic opening from Elephant Man and Ding Dong, and the dynamic staging of Full Blown, Machel & Ayetian and Good Spirits that transformed the stage into a Caribbean block party. Busta Rhymes' powerful acceptance speech emerges as a highlight, perfectly articulating why Brooklyn during Labor Day weekend serves as the ideal backdrop for celebrating Caribbean musical achievement.
Fashion takes center stage in our conversation as we celebrate the stunning looks that graced the red carpet. From Nyla Blackie's elegant dress paired with a carnival-inspired backpack to Lady Lava's structured ensemble, Caribbean artists showcased their distinctive style.
Looking toward future ceremonies, we advocate for broader representation across the entire Caribbean, including more French and Spanish-speaking artists, enhanced production values, and stronger participation from sponsors, particularly Caribbean tourism boards and brands who should recognize these musicians as their most powerful cultural ambassadors. Join us for this celebratory yet thoughtful analysis of a landmark moment for Caribbean music on the global stage.
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Produced by Breadfruit Media
Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of the Style and Vibes podcast with yours truly Makayla. If you are new here, welcome to the family. If you are returning, welcome back family. And today's guest is absolutely family for year by year. Now I gotta have this chick on for this episode of the Style and Vibes podcast because she was with me at the Caribbean Music Awards in Brooklyn. So this chick, aka Deanna, because I'm going to interchangeably say the two names. But welcome back, welcome back.
Speaker 2:Happy to be here, happy to get into it, happy to talk the things. Yes, there's so much to cover on these awards, so yeah.
Speaker 1:Yes, so we are recording this the day after the airing on BET. However, this episode will release a little bit later, in a couple weeks, so I want to caveat that, because there might be some things that we can't touch upon Commentary reactions from the people that might not be in here, but you will have our commentary, which is important Because not only did we watch it on television, but we also attended the filming at the King's Theater in Brooklyn on August 28th. What I think we should do is let's talk about the airing on BET first. So the Caribbean Music Awards this is its third staging and this is the first time, I believe, bet is airing it. They aired it on TV specifically, as well as through their online platform on YouTube. How did you?
Speaker 2:watch. I actually watched it on the website, oh okay, Just literally on BETcom hero image, everything. It was front and center.
Speaker 1:Okay, so that's good, and I think that that's important too, because it's the first time airing and it does air where BET is, in international locations as well, so hopefully we weren't the only ones here in the States watching it. And, like you said, it was available online, and there has been a lot of promotion for the actual event itself, as well as a lot of digital content leading up to the airing that we saw yesterday. So the airing itself was two hours. We were there for a lot longer, so we're going to go with how the viewing was yesterday. What were your initial thoughts? That was my first thought. Off the back is oh, this is a lot shorter than the length of time we were there. So what was your first impression?
Speaker 2:I thought it was really interesting because also online there was a lot of pre-show things, like you know, red carpet and interviews and all of that. But then what aired was very much edited, which is great because we were there for sort of the starts and stops and the different takes and, of course, it's production. You know things are going to go wrong, you're going to have to have redos, but I think it was actually well edited. I think they also sort of moved the order of some of the awards and some of the things that we saw in our real life. But I think if you're watching it and you weren't there live, it actually looked like a really well-produced show. So their third time doing it, that's pretty good, because we saw the other two years how that went.
Speaker 2:So they're definitely learning. They're definitely learning staging formatting, making sure that you know the artists are clear and you have different angles with the speeches. I thought it was actually pretty well done because I remember the first show, so this is a major improvement.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. I saw one comment, I think it was from Reggae Music Forever, sean. Yes, he said I almost forgot about it, I don't know why they didn't have it live and I thought about it. I'm like you didn't want to see it live and when it was live, when it was live the first year, it streamed, I believe, on YouTube and, like you, saw everything and it was long and drawn out and you kind of like. So I think, not having it aired live because it took us a good 45 minutes just for everybody to sit down. From the time they initially announced everybody to sit down. Caribbean people don't like to sit down. From the time they initially announced everybody to sit down. Caribbean people not like to sit on and on because even when the show was thought, there was people on the side in the aisles still standing up. You know, bad man on sit down type of energy, and so I think you know having it edited was really really great and I think that, like you said, they did a really good job editing.
Speaker 1:But I want to go back to what you said about the pre-show. I didn't catch the pre-show, so talk to me a little bit about I'm sure it was like red carpet interviews, who they had, what they were talking about. Because you initially text me, I'm like I don't know what you're talking about. Because I'm like don't know what you're talking about because I'm like they spliced them into the award show as well. So you were referring to the pre-show interviews that you were seeing online at the time, so this is like 7, 7, 30.
Speaker 2:Yes, yeah, so they had posted some of them definitely on BET networks, on YouTube, um, and some of it was a little bit just very drawn out. You know, west Indians like to stand and talk and going back and forth and talking over each other and things like that. So it was a little bit more chaotic, especially when you think about what we saw in real life with the way the red carpet was. You know, people moving around and you kind of have to, it's a narrow space. So they just sort of had people coming around and you kind of have to. It's a narrow space. Uh, so they just sort of had people coming across and oh, we should move and we have to go inside and all of that like they're telling us way too much.
Speaker 2:And it was specs, the boss from canada, and then, uh, naomi, sorry, I'm forgetting yes, um, I thought they did really well with just like having a presence on the red carpet um specs stuff, leaning on people, so like.
Speaker 2:But I think they did a really well with just like having a presence on the red carpet, specs, stuff, leaning on people so like. But I think they did a really good job with like asking questions and making sure that it was relevant to what was happening that night. I don't know if it was impromptu or spontaneous, but Alison Hines and Spice ended up speaking to them at the same time and it was just a big long affair. It was just a lot of I love your stuff.
Speaker 2:I love your stuff. I love your stuff. I love what you're doing. I love what you're doing, so that to me I was like, okay, maybe this doesn't have to air and it doesn't seem like it made it to the actual show, which is great, but it was a lot of just like we'll see you in a long time.
Speaker 1:But I do think that that happens at a lot of pre-show engagement. So I think it's on par. I think the other thing why the timing is pretty good is that's when the artists are all together and in town, and so the event is not only a celebration of their artistry but it's a time for a lot of artists across the Caribbean to get together and see one another. So they get caught up in just talking to each other and catching up and what you're doing and yada yada. So like that on the red carpet, yes, but they're doing it on the red carpet and as people are trying to get interviews and but it was like as an outsider just kind of looking at. It was lovely to kind of see them interacting in that way. I almost think that the artists themselves need this like pre award moment, brunch, dinner, breakfast, fit men on all, so that they can kind of network with each other beforehand, because then it would go a little bit more smoothly on the red carpet, because they're not necessarily catching up, they're just taking pictures and interviews and they have the opportunity so that I don't know now I'm going out of order, because that was like a live show thing but you're thinking of having, like the catch-up, maybe a day or two before, because you do not want it the same day no, no no, no, no yes, yes you could tell there was there, there was some like environment yes
Speaker 1:yes yeah, that was not. I wouldn't do it the same day because, you know, getting dressed like it takes a while, and so I think that would be ideal, but I did like the airing. I like how they clipped it. Um, I think there was just a lot that didn't make it on air. I know it's normal with, like the Grammys, but I don't know that that is a normal occurrence across, like other award shows. So there were some things that weren't aired that we saw in person. That was there, but I do think that the flow of it on air was a lot better than what we saw live. So I think kudos to the team on not doing it live and ensuring that the editing was really, really good for the TV viewer.
Speaker 2:Yes, absolutely. It made it more seamless and we were there for some speeches that we were like, oh boy. So I do think they properly edited down some of those speeches, which was great. What I loved seeing and you see it a lot clearer when it's edited and clipped together is how seriously the artists took the night. You know the speeches, their, you know their gratitude for the award, because this is coming from your people as well, like this is not just you know a major industry saying, oh, we know about five songs and you're the best of the five. These are people who actually know your music, know your history, and they're giving you the award, and I think that that actually made the artists kind of step up and be like, yes, important, we should really think this through. And of course, it's airing on BET. So they definitely came and we'll get into the style. We're talking about the vibes. I know we're gonna get into the style.
Speaker 1:They definitely came for the night they were, yes, yes, they were definitely ready. And what did you think of the performances? Which one was your favorite?
Speaker 2:Oh, my favorite. I'm biased. Right, you put Marshall on a stage and I'm probably going to think that's the best one. I like the whole energy of the FBE, the Good Spirits, and then Marshall. And then, you know, young Bridal wasn't there, but they of course honored the song, the Bridal Spin Over, which is major right now. So that whole rhythm, that time that they took to do all the songs on the rhythm, and then, of course, the the producers are there. So it was. It was a good vibe, it was good energy. I kind of liked all the little bimmy x on the stage. You had double dutching, you had people playing dominoes, you had like. It just seemed like, yeah, if you go to a family reunion or something, that's probably all the things you're going to see. So I thought that was really nice. I love that they sort of took up the stage with that moment.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, yeah, same. It was a time between that and, of course, elephant man and Ding Dong Wow, you know the opener. Like I love how they came to the crowd and made it to the stage and they made it an entire experience and like the energy that you guys saw at home, that energy was even further up when they started and then at first it was like who's that? But then when you heard and you saw them coming down the aisle and then they made it to the stage and then I think the artist, they forgot that they were like being recorded for a, a televised show, because they're like looking for the call and response and we're like, no, just record the song, like the people that, yes, they can't, they can't hear us, they weren't gonna be, and I think that happened a couple of times throughout the show.
Speaker 1:I think, like romaine vir, he was like trying to and the crowd was there, so the fans were there, but like any award show, we're in the back or up at the top, so you're visibly just seeing like the artists on the camera for the most part. So the energy in terms of the people, um, like the fan wise were weren't as close to the stage and so I think that that also kind of played a part in just like understanding that dynamic. So, artists, remember for next year you're also performing for the people at home, so sing the songs all the way through. I don't think that the backing track and the artists lined up, so either kill the vocals on the backing track and let the artists do their songs or just lip sync the whole thing, because we don't know any better. Just bring the energy. Yeah, I like the live singing. So, yeah, go ahead.
Speaker 2:Sorry, no, I think for full blown entertainment. I think for Marshall they did that. They had the song in the track and so every now and then, of course you know marshall's gonna, you gotta do it for the crowd. So it's like, okay, you need them to bring the energy to those of us who are in the room. But it definitely translated well to the show. But yeah, I mean, elephant man ding dong, that's how you start a caribbean show. Being young, yeah yeah, um, awards.
Speaker 1:I there were a lot of awards, a lot why'd you say it like that? A lot? I think that too much, but it's a lot. Um that. That was one thing that I I definitely noticed is there were so many categories and so many people in those categories that it was just a lot of awards for the night, a lot for reggae and soca and dancehall, and that was what was primarily aired. I think my favorite moment was Busta Rhymes' speech.
Speaker 2:I really I feel like they might have edited that. Did you feel like they edited that? I feel like-.
Speaker 1:I felt it might have been longer but I think they, if they did edit it, I think they did it well because they captured the entire essence of his speech and particularly a lot of people you know question why Brooklyn? Why this time of year? And I think that Busta's speech really epitomizes why the Caribbean Music Awards is in Brooklyn, why it's at that time and why it is important. So I hope that they continue to kind of capture that energy and, like he really spoke about his upbringing and how his Jamaican roots really catapulted his career in terms of his style and impacted how much of an artist he is, even though he is a hip hop artist, and I like that he was there to really like I love the presence of the artists really being there. So I really miss Karimi not being there because I know how big they are for the compa community. But I loved, loved, loved their acceptance speech.
Speaker 1:That was in the recording that we didn't get to see. So we didn't see that live. They were probably traveling or doing whatever, but they did get to do their individual thank yous and they included that in the show. So I thought that that was because it's such a big moment. Like I know reggae and dancehall and soca are like a big part, but I like that they opened up the categories and had French speaking. They had awards for compa artists. I really do think Bad Bunny got gypped.
Speaker 2:They knew Bad Bunny wasn't coming nowhere near.
Speaker 1:I think he wasn't coming, but coming off of the year that he's at. But I think one thing I forgot to mention is the timing of the awards. So it's 2025, but this is a reflective of 2024, 2023 to 2024 years. I think that that's important to kind of keep in mind because, yes, bad Bunny is having a really good year this year and I think he had a good year.
Speaker 2:Last year too, he's Bad.
Speaker 1:Bunny. Yeah, so I get it, but they could have given him a little look of satan. You know what I mean. They could have given him a little, you know, intro or proper, like real or something like you're just bad. Bunny won best latin artist of the year. Oh, where were the other nominees who like so there was that, right.
Speaker 2:I definitely do think there was a lot of attention paid to the Anglophonic Caribbean. I do think I mean compa, haitian music in general. Just look at the Labor Day Parade okay, haitian music is huge. I think there could have been more opportunity for having more categories there Best new artists doing any tributes, things like that. I think the same is true for the Latin Caribbean, right, they could have done more for that. I will say that this is also Labor Day weekend, which is the time that they're having this.
Speaker 2:The artists that are primarily here are for the Anglophonic Caribbean, so it makes sense that they did it this way. I do hope in future you said we were going to, you know, just give some notes for how they can improve. I think they should definitely open this up a little bit more so we get more people coming in, more recognition. I do think it was a lot of awards, but I think that also speaks to just the breadth of the music, right. We have so much music that people don't know about, and having that many categories on a BET stage to be like look at all the different things y'all don't know about, I think that might actually be a good thing. Granted, sitting through it was tough, but I do think showing just like how many artists there are, how much music there is, it says a lot.
Speaker 1:But like, I'm looking at the list, right, so it's Artist of the Year Female Dental Artist of the Year. Female Reggae Artist of the Year. Female dance hall artist of the year. Female reggae artist of the year female soka. Those same, those same awards, but for male that's six. Six by itself, right? Best new artist dance hall. Best new artist reggae. Best new artist soka. Collaboration of the year soka. Collaboration of the year reggae. Collaboration of the year dance hall. Collaboration of the Year Reggae Collaboration of the Year Dance Off. And then we didn't even really get to DJ of the Year. Music Event of the Year. Yeah, we did get to the People's Choice Award. We didn't stay for some of like we missed Song of the Year, all the Song of the Year Performer of the Years Like we left before all of those were even given out and I felt so bad for the artists because they had to stay until the end.
Speaker 2:And that's the thing with production right, they should definitely make it clear to the artists when their categories are coming up. It is Labor Day, weekend. Artists are booked for other things. They want to be there, they want to support, but they also have other shows and other responsibilities, things that are actually paying them a lot and the whole reason they're here. More spelled out so that people have an idea of how long they're going to be there, or if they can dip in, dip out which other award shows do. Some people are not sick. You have sick pillars, right. You're not there for the entire show. So I do think communicating that to the artists would be really helpful. But yeah, there, there are a lot of categories. It's also, let's be real, if artists are up for a category they're going to promote, hey, vote for me for this category and watch the show to see if I win in this category. So it kind of makes sense for viewership.
Speaker 1:You make a very good point. That is a very good point. Okay, so I might be in the middle about there's too many categories now that you said that, because I think it's good, there's not a lot of awards for us. So I I guess my thing is is like make that a little bit tighter, because the artist speeches weren't that long. I think Busta Rhymes had the longest speech of the night the transitions as we were watching them in the actual theater. That took a really long time and that really changed the energy of the room too, because we kind of had to sit there while they kind of made their transitional moments and that took up a lot of space. Because we were there, we sat down maybe around like after nine and we left around after midnight and they weren't done yet, like we saw.
Speaker 2:You know other people leaving, artists leaving, et cetera. So I do think, yes, at least give them a heads up, because if you do have another show remember other performances are happening that weekend they can say, hey, do that one first and then come here, or do this first and then go there, and they can, or even do the pre-show and give the awards in the pre-show.
Speaker 1:That way you have it on film. I've seen that before, but you know, I think production is really hard, like as viewers and as attendees. Staging this is a big ordeal, and so we are giving feedback as critical but thoughtful as possible, because I think you know we both understand what it means to produce an event of this caliber. So, speaking of that, the sponsorship like come through JetBlue Kia by Team Central Like I like that Kia by Team Central. I like that they had so many really good advertisers in the programming that we saw on television and the ones that they shouted out throughout the night. I think they could have had more.
Speaker 1:I'm personally very Jamaica tourist board where are you like? Trinidad tourist board we're like jamaica and trinidad were all over that award show. So for those two tourist boards to not, or or brands in those sectors to not be participating and giving your money to this award show is very problematic, very problematic, and I'm going to call you out. I want the people to have to clip this. I want them to send it to the people that are in need for Pia Fidas Pia instead, because those are your number one ambassadors. Caribbean music brands are your number one ambassador for the country. So on a Pia P, the money, please, and thanks, that's what we want to see. But pick up everybody else who saw the investment and actually invested in buying spots or securing spots. It's not easy, especially in this time, to garner sponsorship, so I think the team did a really good job at sourcing those and you know that's part of awards process that a lot of the times doesn't get talked about.
Speaker 2:Yeah, but also, I think, if you do have brands and you do have tourism boards coming through, you give them a moment to to big up what they have coming up. You know, I do think it would have been a great opportunity for and this is to any tourism board, right, because it's a good time to be like wow, you love this artist, you love this thing. Make sure you come at this time where we have this event, this festival, this jazz festival, whatever it is, so that you can promote people coming to your island, there was one, st Lucia.
Speaker 1:St Lucia, pick up yourself you are the only tourist board on this little partner's team. Pick up yourself St Lucia, Because you're the only one investing other people in.
Speaker 2:I want to see Barbados on there next time. I want to see Hello, diana, we got oil money. Why are we not doing it? I want to see Fenty Beauty, where you at Like hello, it's our 20th year, right? They kept mentioning Rihanna through everything.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yes, fenty.
Speaker 2:Beauty, hell, savage, fenty, everything, all of it.
Speaker 1:More brands, more sponsors, the whole suite.
Speaker 2:More sponsors. I do think that's really great. It's such an achievement, so big up to the actual organizers to be able to get those kind of brands to see the vision and to invest. Because this is a relatively new award show, you know and you're still learning, you still have growing pains and for only three years in for it to come off that well, as I mean we saw, we saw where they came from. I think this really was very well done, considering the amount of time it takes to map something like this, making sure that all the artists take it seriously and show up. You could have had a lot of seat fillers there, but people came. I was waiting for them to say Buju couldn't be here tonight, shamsia couldn't be here tonight, and I was like wait they're here.
Speaker 1:Okay, they were there, they were there. And that's what I think was also great is, like, the artists are there, you know, to collect their awards. And that is what made it just as exciting for the audience there and for the viewing audience, because we caught the tail end of um the red carpet and people going into the building, and so everyone was kind of um in the the lounge area grabbing drinks and, you know, chatting among one another, taking pictures and stuff like that, so we're able to kind of capture a few of those moments. Um, deanna, you caught all of mine for me, thank you.
Speaker 2:I was just about to say yes, yes, yes, yes. You were just like hey, girl, okay, we'll talk later. Yeah, we'll chat, yeah, we'll do lunch.
Speaker 1:We'll do lunch. Yes, yes, yes. So I mean, growing up in this industry, that's what kind of happens. You collect people that you know and you know you have good relationships with, so I think that that's really important. So we can't talk about an award show and not talk about what the people then was wearing. So who is your favorite best dressed?
Speaker 2:male, female- oh, that's a good one. Okay, so, female, I already know, right, because I saw her pull up to the venue. I saw Nyla Blackie come out of the vehicle and I was like, oh, that's a cute dress. And then, in proper carnival fashion, my girl had a backpack. Stunning, stunning, she had a backpack, stunning, stunning, she had a backpack. One thing about nyla she is always going to bring you that kind of soca, that caribbean, that carnival, stylish wear. I think that people don't really recognize how much of her branding and her fashion is carnival wigs. She does it so well. She does it so well. Yes, an elegant black tie event and my girl has a backpack. Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
Speaker 2:I was like you just can't stop being carnival, can you?
Speaker 1:She was my favorite of the night, absolutely, I think. Next one, which we didn't see but I saw pictures of later, was Tash Alexander. She had like this snake top with this. I was just like good money. Y'all left it old Okay.
Speaker 2:I mean, nobody didn't serve. I will give honorable mention to Lady Lava for being just fashion crazy. Yes, I love her dress.
Speaker 1:Yes, I loved how it was customized to fit her, but I did not like her performance fit. I think it was in her way and I couldn't see her face and I feel like it just it just blocked all of that beauty.
Speaker 1:It was just I love the color, but I think the color is up at the top, like to see her in, in her all of her vibrancy. But she was able to move in it on the stage, which I really loved. Um, I love the color, but I just thought it was too goofy up at the top it definitely I wanted to see budja and that suit. He usually gives the suit.
Speaker 2:I'm like hello I don't know, I don't know what happened that night. Like I mean, you know men's clothing can be, they don't know what happened that night. Like I mean, you know men's clothing can be, they don't really have to do too much. I loved Puffy's fit.
Speaker 1:They don't but like. Yes, I liked his fit. I also liked conscience was simple, just all black but very well tailored. Like those were like the best Romaine.
Speaker 2:Virgo.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I feel like I see Romaine Virgo in a suit all the time and so it was just very traditional. I wanted to see him in something a little vibes-y-a, but, yeah, I guess because you don't see conscience in a suit very often. So him putting on that suit and it being so well-tailored, it looked really really nice on him. And it being so well tailored, it looked really really nice on him. Um and but romaine virgo is always in a jacket a tie, uh a blazer.
Speaker 1:He's a crew nerd, yes, and so I I wanted, but yeah, I wanted to see more of the men get a little bit dressed up like the ladies was bringing it, and spice wasn't wearing blue, she was wearing red, which was surprising because, you know, blue is her color.
Speaker 2:But I did love it, though, on her she said that that's because she was showing up as grace, oh, and so she wasn't doing spice, she was grace hamilton. That yeah. But I'm like girl, first of all you're gonna rock anything, but yes, yes we wanted to see the Spice.
Speaker 1:She looked good. She looked good. She's always in blue, so I'll give her a night. I'll give her a night off. I'll give her a night.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I had to do a double take because I was like, oh, that's her. Oh right, we didn't get to see him on stage. At least I don't remember. Skinny Fabulous had a nice fit on as well, um, but you know people were in and out. Yeah, yeah but I I mean the ladies were definitely come on safe calendar.
Speaker 1:Yaddy, yaddy, come on. Maya in the orange and that orange with the the side braid, oh, she looked good. Now, all naomi cohen, she had, she looked good. Oh, naomi Cohen, she had, she look good, she did look good.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Who else May I look fine?
Speaker 2:Shun-Sia's dress was very nice. I have seen her in something similar. Yeah, so it wasn't wow, but she's Shun-Sia, she's going to look good. But no, if we had to pick my top female, it had to be Nyla.
Speaker 1:I mean, I love Lady if we had to pick my top female, it had to be nyla, I mean, I love lady lava's red carpet look or structure.
Speaker 2:Yes, yes, who did this? Because you're yes a lot. Yes, her red carpet look was stunning absolutely, it was very yeah and it's memorable. It was memorable, but I gotta give it to nyla, because my girl came with a backpack just yeah, I, I love that too.
Speaker 1:I really love that. And then I really liked Lila Ike how simple her outfit was and then she had her natural curls, like just popping, and like for me Lila always comes with something. It's very it's always surprising to kind of see, like you don't know what you're going to get. It's braids, it's dreads, it's, you know, cornrows or you know what I mean. Like she's always changing it up. So I was excited to kind of just see her. It was simple but not basic, you know what I mean. So I like that. So the ladies was bringing it, but you know, the men we did like a handful, but next year it will come with a little bit more Please. Next year it would look a bit more Please, zantans, for real, for real. What are you kind of looking forward to, or what would you think is your key recommendation for next year and what are you looking forward?
Speaker 2:to. I would say, definitely opening up the categories to the entire Caribbean. I would love to see some other artists. You know, if we're doing this for Unity of Caribbean, then I would love to see more Haitian acts. I would love to see more French-speaking Caribbean, more Spanish-speaking Caribbean included in the lineup. I mean, who knows where Bad Bunny will be next year? But imagine, right, Imagine you get him on a stage big enough, the Caribbean.
Speaker 2:I do think that would make it feel more like a unity fest, make it seem like it's just, you know, one. It will. Of course, you know I'm all about marketing and engagement, the visibility, opening that up, telling people to tune in, but then also just showing just how vast our culture is and how many artists we have, and just the artistry, the musicality. I would also love to see more artistic features. We have a lot of carnivals and we have a lot of, you know, spectacle and larger showcasing and to see it a little toned down on stage, I would have loved to see you know, similar to artists who do silk monarch, and they bring out their whole you know like a really good backdrop design.
Speaker 1:Wise, artistic design of the set years.
Speaker 2:You have masqueraders, you have like a whole big thing. I would love to see something like that. I don't know if theater can accommodate, but I would definitely love to see a little bit more artistry in the performances, instead of just like handing you a mic and there's a track in the back.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I agree, I think a band would have made a huge difference in the sound and I do like your recommendation. I agree with the set design. I think where they could kind of really amp up the set they did but I think that's probably one of the biggest rooms for improvement is that creativity of the performances themselves, and I know that that definitely takes a lot of work. I would have loved to see more tribute to historical artists, more tribute to historical artists, so like Superblue was there, but bring that next generation along to his catalog and the importance of him being there.
Speaker 1:You know, corinne Dubois got an award for production and we really didn't get like a sizzle reel of what he's produced. You know what I mean. So I wanted to see more of the, the artistry come through, like you said. I think we kind of have similar feedback but um, slightly different um angles in terms of how to bridge it together. Um, and then, like you said, like the performances, not just handing them a mic and letting them do a quick song, like I wanted that build-up moment like so I want, you know, lila with the smoke and she appear upon steer janet dark on moana on a full production in front of people. That I'm like, you know what I mean like, and they did that with some of the performances. So like full blown and with elephant man and ding dong, we got that energetic.
Speaker 2:But I think the other you got that through the people, not really through the set. Like they just had a lot of people on the stage, they didn't really have a set that is that that's a good listen.
Speaker 1:Come in with the. I was there, yes, yes, that that that is true. So I think, if maybe that has to do with rehearsal time, production time, so totally understand. So that's why we need these sponsors, though, because that is what pays for the quality increase of the show. So I want to make sure I'm sponsoring people and things so that we can kind of improve all of these things.
Speaker 1:So big up to everyone who watched the Caribbean Music Awards, big up to organizers. Thank you for having us. We enjoyed ourselves and hopefully you enjoy watching it. Watch the reruns, make sure you share and talk about it and let us know what your thoughts on the Caribbean Music Awards and, if you caught it, what were your thoughts. So any last thoughts, deanna, to take the people them true.
Speaker 2:You know, in 2026, assuming there will be another Caribbean Music Awards. Look out for the Dish Chick Style and Vibes after party.
Speaker 1:Back side, back side.
Speaker 2:Hello, you can call that many.
Speaker 1:Caribbean people, caribbean artists, and there's no after party, no pressure, but yes after party. Yes for the people, then For the people, then For the people then. But that's going to mean that this is going to need to end by 12. We're doing like sunrise party, why not? That might be the thing. Let's go Clearly, clearly.
Speaker 2:We're doing like sunrise party. Why not? Let's go Clearly.
Speaker 2:Clearly no I think it was really great, it was so good to see. You know, this started out very tenuous, this whole idea of the Caribbean Music Awards. A lot of people, I'm sure, told the organizers this probably isn't going to work out, things aren't going to go well, but love to see that they're just the tenacity isn't going to work out, things aren't going to go well, but love to see that they're just the tenacity. They're continuing to push the culture this way, to have these awards, to hand the awards to the artists at the time yeah, that's a huge improvement, if you know. You know, but I do think that, going forward, I would love to see this get bigger and better. I would love for them to have us back. Hey, maybe we do red carpet interviews, that would be amazing. But I do love that this is continuing to grow and I really would love to continue to see the trajectory and shout out to all the artists who showed up, who were honored who understand the importance of us celebrating us.
Speaker 1:And with that, leah tell my peeps.
