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Three of the Caribbean’s biggest international music stars — Vybz Kartel, Sean Paul and Shaggy — were snubbed at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards despite collecting a combined nine nominations.
The full list of winners was revealed following the fourth staging of the Caribbean Music Awards, held September 19 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
For Jamaica, the results produced some major victories, but three of the island’s most globally recognized entertainers were notably absent from the winners’ circle.
Vybz Kartel led the trio with five nominations, while Shaggy earned three and Sean Paul received one alongside South African superstar Tyla.
Vybz Kartel on The Breakfast ClubVybz Kartel Goes 0-for-5
Vybz Kartel entered the awards with five nominations spanning some of dancehall’s biggest categories, but the “Worl’ Boss” failed to convert any of them into a victory.
In Male Dancehall Artist of the Year, Kartel lost to Valiant, who emerged victorious in a field that also included 450, Alkaline, Armanii, Ayetian, Masicka and Popcaan.
Kartel’s Viking (Vybz Is King): 10th Anniversary Edition was nominated for Dancehall Album of the Year, but that trophy went to Trinidad and Tobago dancehall artist Prince Swanny for Saint.
The Jamaican star was also nominated for Dancehall Song of the Year with “God Is the Greatest.” That category was won by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng and Shenseea for “Shake It to the Max (FLY) [Remix].”
Kartel had another opportunity through his Skillibeng collaboration “New Gear,” which was nominated for Dancehall Collaboration of the Year. Once again, “Shake It to the Max (FLY) [Remix]” proved unbeatable, giving MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng and Shenseea the award.
His fifth nomination came in the fan-voted People’s Choice Award, where Kartel faced Alkaline, Dexta Daps, Kes, Lady Lava, Shenseea, Voice and Yung Bredda.
Alkaline won the People’s Choice Award, completing Kartel’s 0-for-5 night.
The shutout was particularly notable considering the massive resurgence Kartel has experienced since returning to the stage last year. The eligibility period for the awards is January 1- December 31. After years away from live performances, the dancehall heavyweight re-established himself as a major touring and recording force, generating attention across Jamaica, the Caribbean and international markets.
Yet that momentum did not translate into a Caribbean Music Award in 2026.
ShaggyShaggy Misses Out on All Three Awards
Grammy-winning reggae superstar Shaggy also went home without a trophy despite securing three nominations.
Shaggy was nominated for Male Reggae Artist of the Year, but the award went to reggae and dancehall veteran Buju Banton.
The category featured a formidable field comprising Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Christopher Martin, Chronixx, Damian Marley, Romain Virgo, Shaggy and Tarrus Riley.
Shaggy’s collaboration with Sting, “Til A Mawnin,” gave him two more opportunities.
The song was nominated for Reggae Song of the Year, but Protoje’s “BIG 45” claimed the award.
“Til A Mawnin” was also nominated for Reggae Collaboration of the Year, where Shaggy and Sting lost to Lila Iké featuring Masicka for “Romantic.”
That left Shaggy with three nominations and no victories.
With a career spanning more than three decades and global hits including “It Wasn’t Me,” “Angel” and “Boombastic,” Shaggy remains one of Jamaica’s most commercially successful recording artists.
The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, however, belonged to a different group of reggae winners, with Buju Banton taking Male Reggae Artist, Protoje winning Reggae Song and Lila Iké and Masicka securing the collaboration trophy.
Sean Paul and Tyla Lose to Lila Iké and Masicka
Sean Paul was another Jamaican global star who failed to make it into the winners’ circle.
Sean Paul The Grammy-winning dancehall artist was nominated alongside South African superstar Tyla for “Push 2 Start (Remix)” in the Reggae Collaboration of the Year category.
The high-profile collaboration was unable to take the trophy, which instead went to Lila Iké featuring Masicka for “Romantic.”
The category also included Shaggy and Sting’s “Til A Mawnin,” meaning two of Jamaica’s most internationally successful artists were defeated in the same race.
Sean Paul and Tyla’s nomination nevertheless reflected the continuing crossover between Caribbean and African popular music, with the South African singer joining forces with one of dancehall’s most internationally recognizable voices.
Kartel went 0-for-5, losing to Valiant, Prince Swanny, MOLIY and her “Shake It to the Max” collaborators, and Alkaline across his five categories.
Shaggy went 0-for-3, with Buju Banton, Protoje, and Lila Iké and Masicka taking the awards in his respective categories.
Sean Paul’s sole nomination, alongside Tyla, was also denied by Lila Iké and Masicka’s “Romantic.”
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