Celebrating Excellence at the Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards 2025
St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda —The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, and the organizers of the Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards 2025 proudly extend heartfelt congratulations to the winners, special awardees, and nominees who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the nation’s vibrant music industry.
Last evening awards event served as a powerful celebration of the immense talent, creativity, and dedication that continue to shape the soundscape of Antigua and Barbuda. From seasoned musicians and arrangers to emerging artist, cultural ambassadors and contributors to the development of the industry, the 2025 honourees represent the very best of the island’s musical excellence, we are proud of your contributions.
We salute the award winners whose artistry and commitment to their craft have set new standards within the industry. As most of our awardees share, their achievements is a reflection countless hour of dedication and a passion for music that inspires both locally and beyond.
Special Congratulations to:
Gospel Artiste of the Y ear- Rashid Walker
Dancehall/Reggae Artiste of the Y ear- Niqko Wyld West
Calypsonian of the Y ear- Ge’Eve Philip
Producer of the Y ear- Andrew Smilius Dorsette
Soca Artiste of the Y ear presented by Caribbean Union Bank- Tian Winter
Panist of the Y ear- Maurisha Potter
Arranger of the Y ear- Dr. Zahra Lake
Steelband of the Y ear presented by State Insurance Company Ltd. – Hellsgate Steel Orchestra
School Steelband of the Y ear presented by ECAB- PMS Serenaders (Princess Margaret School)
Instrumentalist of the Y ear- Dwight Laviscount
Band of the Y ear presented by Rovier Surgical Suites– Kutting Eddge Band
Jam Band of the Y ear presented by KFC – Kaution Band
Recording Artiste of the Y ear presented by ACB Caribbean- Tian Winter
Song Writer of the Y ear presented by KOSCAB – Art Drastic Philip
MC of the Y ear presented by KOSCAB- Steve “Ibis the Livest” Freeland
Disc Jockey of the Y ear presented by Cool & Smooth- DJ Quest
Sound of the Y ear- King Warrior Sound
Niche Event of the Y ear- Heaven – RnB Experience
Large Scale Event of the Y ear presented by Autocraze- Rise – DJ Jime Events
Song of the Y ear Presented by Ship to Shore – BB Service, Soca Villian
**268-562-9606 | Ministry of Creative Industries,**
**Old Parham Road, St. John’s** Ministry of Education, Sports and the Creative Industries.
Antigua and Barbuda
Special Recognition Awards
Patrick Johnny Gomes
Just Soul
Veron Henry
Dalma Boogie George
Dr. Renee Smith
Ogliver “Destroyer Snr” Jacobs
Vince McCoy
Patrick Edwards
James “Sly J” Simon
2025 Ricardo Drue Foundation Award
Ge’Eve Philip
Chairman’s Awards
Enoch Thomas
Lifetime Achievement Award
(Presented by Community First Coorperative Credit Union) Mr. Roland Prince
Rupert “King Swallow” Philo
Junior Jagger Martin
We are equally congratulating all the nominees, whose remarkable talent and hard work earned them a place among the nation’s finest. Being nominated is itself a testament to the excellence and influence everyone brings to the musical community.
The Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards remain an important platform for recognizing artistic achievement while promoting the continued growth and sustainability of the country’s music industry. The event also highlights the critical role music plays in preserving culture, telling our stories, and uniting our people with vibes and rhythms.
To our sponsors, ACB Caribbean, Community First Cooperative Credit Union(CFCCU), KOSCAB, KFC, Rovier Surgical Suites, ECAB, State Insurance Company Ltd., Caribbean Union Bank (CUB), Ship to Shore, we say a hearty thank you and looking forward to continued partnership for years to come.
To everyone who continues to support the musical artform, we look forward to your continued involvement in the 2026 nomination process, and witnessing the ever changing, ever continuous evolution of Antigua and Barbuda’s music scene and the incredible impact our artists will undoubtedly continue to make.
Once again, congratulations to all winners, awardees, nominees and sponsors for contributing to a truly memorable and successful Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards 2025.