Antigua and Barbuda to host inaugural National Music Awards

Antigua and Barbuda has officially announced to host the inaugural National Music Awards on 2^nd February, 2025, a celebration of musical art and the entertainment industry. This first-ever National Music Awards underscores the commitment of the authorities towards promoting local talent and shaping the identity of the country as a regional cultural giant.

The hosting of a National Music Awards in Antigua and Barbuda is expected to play a significant role in the development of the country. These awards are likely to positively impact the standard of music, music performance, music creation and the development and innovation of music culture within the twin-island nation.

The Antigua and Barbuda National Music Award is a grand celebration of musicians and practitioners that are expected to contribute to the development of the musical art form in the country.

As per the details, this edition of the Antigua and Barbuda National Music Award will feature awards across 3 macro categories including, MY Awards (Musician of the Year Awards), Special Recognition Awards and Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Musician of the Year Awards

This award will be presented to the outstanding musicians from various category for their valuable contribution to the music industry in the period of December 2023 – November 2024.

The categories in MY Awards include

1. Instrumental
2. Steelpan
3. Vocal
4. Best Recording Artist
5. Disc Jockey of the Year
6. Jam Band of the Year
7. Sound of the Year
8. Producer of the Year

Special Recognition Awards

This Special Recognition Award will be given to those musicians, music organizations and music support groups who have contributed to the industry with the period of more than 10 years.

Lifetime Achievement Awards

The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to a musician or group that have made immense contribution and a larger impact to music in Antigua and Barbuda throughout their tenure. As per the details, the nominees for this category of Lifetime Achievement Award must have given at least 20 years of their service to music.

Nomination process of Awards

As per the rules, the process of nomination will be in the form of application submission. All the nominees must be selected by their respective and relevant associations who have been asked to submit at least 3 finalists for each category.

This initiative taken by the Ministry of the Creative Industries of Antigua and Barbuda has been highly appreciated by the netizens. The hosting of the first-ever National Music Awards in Antigua and Barbuda will play a significant role in recognizing and fostering the local talent of the country.

With the hosting of the National Music Award, the authorities aim to ensure that every voice and talent is celebrated in the country who have been entertaining the audiences since years and decades.