2025 Caribbean Music Awards

August 28, 2025 | Brooklyn, NY

Written and Photographed Jezebelle “Jzb” Mossong (@cntrlnshift)

On August 28th, 2025, I opened the window of my hotel room across the street from King’s Theatre in Brooklyn, New York. While I got ready to take photos on the red carpet, I heard DJ AG’s dubplates from what seemed like every top reggae and dancehall artist. He was outside King’s Theatre opening for the Caribbean Music Awards. Part of the street was transformed into a red carpet. I watched journalists and camera crew milling onto the CMAs red carpet, and guests forming a line outside the doors. The energy on Flatbush Ave was high right before Labour Day Weekend. This was my first red carpet, so I didn’t know what to expect. I just knew I was ready to capture some great photos.

It was golden hour when I arrived on the red carpet. Interviewers were practicing their questions, camera crews were making sure they had everything perfect, I was meeting people from around the world that came to Brooklyn just for the CMAs. I found my spot near some established photographers, at the entrance of the red carpet.

As the sun started to set, celebrities started to slowly come out for their photos. Ridge and Elephant Man were among the first few to cross the carpet. Elephant Man the Energy God was booming, doing what he needed to do on the red carpet to enter the venue since he was the opening act. As more artists rolled in, I found a flow to taking photos. Seeing artists I have listened to for so long stand infront of me so I can take their photo was cool. Everyone came dressed to the occasion. I was surprised to see Spice, representing herself in a red dress instead of her usual blue to represent her artist persona. When she stepped on the red carpet, she immediately got swarmed by people that seemed to come out of nowhere to get her photo. A similar energy came with DJ Khaled who even had a street team advertising his next single to all the onlookers on Flatbush Ave.

As the red carpet came to a close, organizers rushed everyone into the venue and into their seats so the show could begin. It was being taped to be later broadcasted on BET, so it was clear that the awards wanted to get every single detail right.

The show started on a high note with a captivating performance from Elephant Man and Ding Dong. The whole theatre was on their feet dancing to their dancehall hits. As the show progressed, large gaps were taken between announcements of awards and performances. However, the energy in the room stayed high with the DJs playing an instrumental role in keeping the vibes going. The Caribbean pride was felt and it was a beautiful night to remember.

My favourite part of it all was the instrumental percussion performance in the foyer of the theatre on the way out. The infectious rhythm filled the room and I felt something deep in my spirit. I watched a couple dance and stepped to the beat in the crowd as we slowly made their way out of the venue. Ironically, that moment felt like the most authentic and successful representation of Caribbean culture. When the music flows, spirits elevate.

Overall, I am grateful to have been there to take photos and witness the day. I am grateful to celebrate and be immersed in a culture that is not my heritage. I hope that the CMAs continue successfully for years to come. I am so glad that I was able to attend on behalf of Media Pass Toronto to authentically capture the awards through my lens.

Highlights

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