Caribbean Music Round-up October 2025

October has been a landmark month for Caribbean music …

Filled with milestones, recognition, and renewed global influence. From Rihanna’s continued domination of streaming platforms to major cross-cultural collaborations between the Caribbean and Africa, the region’s artists are proving once again that their sound and spirit transcend borders. Awards, honours, and industry debates further highlight the Caribbean’s dynamic evolution, blending legacy, innovation, and cultural pride.

Rihanna Becomes The Most-streamed Black Female Artist In Spotify History

The unofficial Queen of Barbados has hit another milestone in her epic 20-year career. Despite not releasing a full studio album since Anti (2016), Rihanna continues to scale new heights and break records with her unique music and popualr sound. She recently became the most-streamed Black female artist on Spotify, surpassing 100 million monthly listeners, a remarkable feat given the absence of new material in nearly a decade. It ‘s a clear signal to new artists that consumers still cherish genuine talent and music with real replay value.

The achievement underscores the enduring power of her extensive catalog and limitless cultural impact, as she continues to dominate global playlists with timeless hits such as Umbrella, We Found Love, Diamonds, Work, and more.

Rihanna has enjoyed global fame since releasing her debut album in 2005 but, in recent years, has focussed on entrepreneurship with her Fenty brand of clothing, hair and skincare products and on motherhood. She and her partner A$AP Rocky, (also of Bajan heritage), now shears three children: sons RZA and Riot, and their newest addition, daughter Rock Irish.

Even in a streaming era awash with new releases, Rihanna’s brand, legacy, and musical imprint remain as potent as ever, a standing testament to the staying power of the Caribbean-born superstars on the global stage.

Sizzla & Christopher Martin to Headline Sierra Leone’s Inaugural One Nation Reggae Festival

In a move that aid in cementing the cultural bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, Jamaican artists Sizzla Kalonji and Christopher Martin have been confirmed as headliners for Sierra Leone’s inaugural One Nation Reggae Festival, taking place from November 25–30. 

The festival, organised by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, positions itself not just as a concert series, but as a cross-continental cultural exchange, pairing international reggae legends with Sierra Leone’s own talents through performances, workshops, heritage tours, and dialogue sessions. 

Alongside Sizzla and Christopher Martin, the lineup includes names such as Jah Thunder and Senegal’s Didier Awadi. 

For Caribbean music lovers, it’s a welcome development, one that sees reggae’s global reach gain a main stage in a West African country which is often left out of music conversations, reinforcing the history and bond that have long tied Jamaica and their African ancestral rhythms.

Six Jamaican Artists earn nominations at 2025 African Entertainment Awards (AEAUSA)

Jamaican artists are making a strong showing on the African entertainment stage. Six artists have been nominated for the 2025 African Entertainment Awards USA (AEAUSA).

The lucky half-dozen are Masicka, Shenseea, Spice (each with two nods), plus Popcaan, Skillibeng, and Shaneil Muir (one nomination each). 

The nominations reflect the deepening crossover appeal of Dancehall, Reggae, and the continued close relationships being formed between the Caribbean and African entertainment industries.

Garnett Silk Honoured With Order of Distinction in Jamaica

In Jamaica’s 2025 National Honours, reggae icon Garnett Silk was posthumously awarded the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for his enduring contribution to Jamaican music. 

Other entertainment recipients include reggae singer Etana and gospel artist Kevin Downswell, while producer Lloyd “King Jammy” James was elevated to Commander class for his studio innovations. 

Garnett Silk’s rich catalogue still resonates with reggae fans worldwide more than 30yrs after his untimely death. Tracks like Hello Africa, Mama and It’s Growing remain staples with lovers of conscious reggae. This national recognition reaffirms his influence in Jamaica’s musical legacy.

Calls to Slit Reggae & Dancehall Grammys Gain Momentum

The debate over whether reggae and dancehall should be separated into their own Grammy Award categories is gaining traction again among industry stakeholders and artists. While the Recording Academy currently groups them under Best Reggae Album / Reggae & Alternative, critics argue that dancehall’s evolution and commercial profile warrant its own category.

Proponents point to dancehall’s global crossover success, the rise of subgenres (e.g., dancehall-trap, afrodancehall), and the risk of marginalising hybrid releases when judged under broad reggae standards. Some reggae purists counter that separation might dilute the unity of Jamaican musical traditions.

As conversations heat up ahead of future Grammy cycles, the split could reshape how Caribbean artists are recognised at the world’s biggest music awards.

From Rihanna’s record-shattering achievements to the cross-continental celebrations of reggae and dancehall, October has been a vibrant showcase of Caribbean excellence. Whether through global award nominations, national honours, or cultural debates, one thing remains clear, Caribbean music continues to set the rhythm for the world, reminding us that its influence, innovation, and identity remain unmatched.