Ministry of Creative Industries Congratulates Winners and Nominees of National Music Awards

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’sMinistry 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.

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