Awards Ceremony – February 26, 2026
St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – The Ministry of Creative Industries, through the Department of Culture, is pleased to announce the official opening of nominations for the 2025 Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards (ABNMA) on January 6, 2026. This marks the second edition of the nation’s premier platform for celebrating excellence in music, creativity, and cultural expression.
The National Music Awards honours musicians, creators, educators, media professionals, producers, and cultural practitioners for their contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s musical heritage and entertainment industry. This platform serves as a national engine for cultural development raising artistic standards, inspiring innovation, and strengthening the identity of our twin-island state’s diverse music culture.
EXPANDED CATEGORIES FOR 2025
The 2025 edition introduces a broadened awards framework designed to recognize a wider range of creative and industry contributions. The full list of categories includes:
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR (MY AWARDS)
Recognizing contributions for the qualifying period December 2024 – November 2025 5063
Instrumental
• Instrumentalist of the Year
Steelpan
• Panist of the Year
• Arranger of the Year
• Steelband of the Year
• School Steelband of the Year
Vocal
• Soca Artist of the Year
• Calypsonian of the Year
• Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year
• Gospel Artist of the Year
• Choir of the Year
Best Recording Artist (People’s Choice)
• Recording Artist of the Year
Producer / Songwriter
• Producer of the Year
• Songwriter of the Year
Band & DJ (People’s Choice)
• Band of the Year
• Jam Band of the Year
• Disc Jockey of the Year
Song & Sound (People’s Choice)
• Song of the Year
• Sound of the Year (Sound Clash Group)
Events (People’s Choice)
• Large-Scale Event of the Year
• Niche Event of the Year
• MC of the Year
Emerging & Developing Artists
• Best New Artist of the Year
• Ricardo Drue Foundation Award (Youth Emerging Artist, age 25 & under)
• Chairman’s Award (Young Innovative Music Creative)
Special Recognition Awards
For musicians, organizations, and music support groups with 10+ years of contribution, including nationals who live outside Antigua & Barbuda
Lifetime Achievement Award
Honouring musicians or groups with 20+ years of significant national contribution to the development of music across any field.
NOMINATION PROCESS
Nominations open January 6, 2026, utilizing an accessible and transparent submission system designed to encourage broad participation
1. Online Submission
Submissions of the nomination form and materials can be made to nma@ab.gov.ag or by using the online platform
2. In-Person Submission
Forms available at the Ministry of Creative Industries Headquarters, Old Parham Road.
Who Can Nominate?
Anyone may nominate a music creative with the nominee’s permission.
This ensures accuracy and affirms the nominee’s willingness to participate.
Nominees should prepare:
• A biography tailored to the award,
• Images,
• Project summaries,
• Other relevant supporting materials to strengthen their application
Clear guidelines for each award category will be made available with the nomination forms.
The second edition of the Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards reflects a growing commitment to celebrating not just artistic excellence, but also innovation, education, cultural preservation, and industry development. This expanded framework strengthens the awards’ role as a unifying cultural force, one that inspires young creatives, highlights national talent, and enriches the cultural fabric of Antigua and Barbuda.
As we look toward 2026, the Ministry of Creative Industries extends best wishes for a successful, inspiring year filled with creativity, collaboration, and artistic achievement.
More will follow across official platforms.