The Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), is an Official Sponsor of the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards’ Bouyon Award Categories.
According to a DDA press release, the partnership celebrates the genre’s Dominican origins while promoting the Nature Island to regional and international audiences.
The awards take place Saturday, September 19, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Dominican nominees are Asa Bantan, Dirty Dawg Pudaz, Mr. Ridge, Reo, Shelly & Signal Band, Trilla G, Shiloh and Khallion. They are competing in the Bouyon Artist of the Year and Bouyon Song of the Year categories.
“Bouyon is distinctly Dominican, and its continued growth across the Caribbean and internationally creates important opportunities for our artistes, our creative sector and our country,” said Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton, Minister for Tourism. “The Government of Dominica is committed to supporting platforms that elevate Dominican talent, expand the reach of our cultural products and strengthen the contribution of our creative industries to tourism and economic development. Our partnership with the Caribbean Music Awards is an investment in the continued growth and international visibility of a genre that was created right here in Dominica.”
Caribbean Music Awards Co-Founder Prince Forde said the collaboration will help amplify Dominica’s sound and story across the Caribbean and internationally.
“We’re proud of the work Dominica is committed to around music, culture and community, and we share a similar vision for how these powerful forces can connect people, celebrate identity and create opportunities. We’re proud to amplify Dominica’s sound and its story, bringing them to audiences across the Caribbean and around the world,” said Forde.
The release said that the partnership includes pre-event promotions and the “Experience Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival” Giveaway.
One winner will receive a vacation package including round-trip airfare, accommodation, ground transportation, and WCMF tickets.
The giveaway precedes the 26th World Creole Music Festival, scheduled for October 23-25 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium, featuring Dominican, Caribbean and international music including Bouyon, cadence-lypso, konpa, soca, reggae and dancehall. Mas Domnik, the Real Mas, follows February 8-9, 2027.
The DDA stated that it will also pursue destination marketing, media relations, stakeholder engagement and promotional activations around the awards, seeking to convert Bouyon’s growing visibility into greater awareness of and travel interest in Dominica.
The Caribbean Music Awards recognizes artistes and music professionals contributing to Caribbean music.
Listen to Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton:
