Marcia Griffiths & Cedella Marley Receive Honorary Awards at 2024 Caribbean Music Awards: See Complete Winners List

Marcia Griffiths received a Lifetime Achievement Award Honor and Cedella Marley received a Legacy Award at the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards, which were presented on Thursday (Aug. 29) at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, N.Y. Dancehall artist Spice and comedian Majah Hype co-hosted the show, which streamed live on YouTube.

“I’m truly blessed to continue the legacy that my family built,” Marley said in accepting the award. “I’m filled with gratitude and honor to be acknowledged for my work. I want to express my sincere thanks to the committee members and the beautiful people of our Caribbean. Your support and inspiration drive my passion and motivate me to do things I was once told ‘you can’t do that.’”

Marley dedicated the award to her mother, Rita Marley, who she described as her “shero.” “[She is] a woman of extraordinary strength, compassion, wisdom and love. It is her unwavering dedication and selflessness that have led to this moment. I am both proud and humbled to have her as my mother. As I pay tribute to the Marley legacy tonight, I celebrate the woman who has laid the foundation. One love.” 

Reggae legend Bob Marley was Cedella Marley’s father. Skip Marley is her son. Cedella Marley won three Grammy Awards as a member of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.

Shaggy paid tribute to Griffiths, who is celebrating 60 years in music. Griffiths is a former member of the I-Threes, which supported Bob Marley with backing vocals. She was a Grammy nominee three years ago for best reggae album for One World. Closing out the show, Tosh Alexander, Aiesha, Alaine and Nadine Sutherland performed in tribute to Griffiths.

The night’s most nominated artist, Dexta Daps, won performer of the year (dancehall). The Jamaican dancehall and reggae performer also performed a medley of songs, including “Shabba Madda Pot” and “Call Me If.”

Other winners in competitive categories included Buju Banton, Romeo Santos, Shaggy & Kes and Burna Boy & Byron Messia.

Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, who has produced recordings by such varied artists as Sean Paul, Drake, John Legend, Vybz Kartel, John Legend, Shenseea and Jada Kingdom, received the producer award honor.

The Caribbean Music Awards recognizes artists, producers, and industry professionals who have significantly contributed to the Caribbean music landscape. This year’s nominations list included more than 40 categories spanning a diverse range of genres, including reggae, Soca and dancehall.

The awards are presented by the Caribbean Elite Group, which also produces Caribbean Elite Magazine – a print and digital publication which highlights Caribbean entertainers, artists, producers, promoters, cuisine, travel, fashion and entrepreneurs.

Here’s a complete list of winners in both competitive and honorary categories.

Competitive Categories

2023 Impact Award (Dancehall): 450

2023 Impact Award (Reggae): Mortimer

2023 Impact Award (Soca): Pumpa

Album of the Year (Reggae) Buju Banton, Born for Greatness

Album of the Year (Dancehall) Masicka, Generation of Kings

Artist of the Year (Bouyon): Mr. Ridge

Artist of the Year (French Caribbean): Kalash

Artist of the Year (Latin Caribbean): Romeo Santos

Artist of the Year Female (Dancehall): Shenseea

Artist of the Year Female (Reggae): Lila Iké

Artist of the Year Female (Soca): Patrice Roberts

Artist of the Year Male (Dancehall): Valiant

Artist of the Year Male (Reggae): Romain Virgo

Artist of the Year Male (Soca): Skinny Fabulous

Best New Artist (Dancehall): Rajah Wild

Best New Artist (Reggae): Ras-II

Best New Artist (Soca): Yung Bredda

Collaboration of the Year – Soca: Nailah Blackman & Skinny Fabulous, “Come Home”

Collaboration of the Year – Reggae: Shaggy & Kes, “Mood”

Collaboration of the Year – (Dancehall): Burna Boy & Byron Messia, Talibans II

Cruise Event of the Year: Uber Soca

Entertainer of the Year: Lee So Crazy

International DJ of the Year: DJ Puffy

Konpa Band of the Year: Zafem

Music Event of the Year: Stink & Dutty

People’s Choice (Powered by Spotify’s Frequency): Asa Bantan

Performer of the Year (Dancehall): Dexta Daps

Performer of the Year (Soca): Mr Killa

Song of the Year (Dancehall): Byron Messia, “Talibans”

Song of the Year (Soca): Bunji Garlin, “Hard Fete”

Video of the Year (Dancehall): Tee Jay, “Drift”

Video of the Year (Soca): Nailah Blackman & Skinny Fabulous, “Come Home”

Honorary Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award Honor: Marcia Griffiths

Elite Icon Award: Alison Hinds

Legacy Award: Cedella Marley

Artist of the Decade: Spice

Konpa Award Honor: Tabou Combo

Producer Award Honor: Di Genius

Chutney Award Honor: Ravi B

Gospel Award Honor: Sherwin Gardner

Calypso Award Honor: Mighty Sparrow