ABOUT DMA

The Dominica Music Awards was founded by Creole Heartbeat to honor and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Dominican musicians, producers, songwriters, engineers, poets, radio and TV personalities, and cultural ambassadors who have made a lasting contribution to the island's musical and cultural landscape.
Established
in 2020, Creole Heartbeat has become one of Dominica's leading cultural
institutions—dedicated to preserving, promoting, and advancing the island's
creative industries through media, music, and cultural exchange.
The creation of the Dominica Music Awards represents a continuation of that
mission: to give national and regional recognition to the artists and
professionals shaping Dominica's sound and creative identity.
Organized by the Dominica Music Association under the leadership of Creole Heartbeat, the Awards stand as the nation's most prestigious recognition of musical excellence—a credible, peer-recognized honor celebrating talent across genres such as Bouyon, Cadence-Lypso, Calypso, Reggae, Gospel, Jazz, and Contemporary Fusion.
Beyond celebration, the Awards serve as a catalyst for professional growth, education, and cultural development—ensuring that music remains a driving force in Dominica's creative economy and a proud symbol of national identity.
Each year, awardees are selected across multiple categories and recognized for their remarkable impact on Dominica's music and culture. The winners are honored at the grand Dominica Music Awards Ceremony, an elegant showcase of rhythm, pride, and excellence.
Vision
To establish the Dominica Music Awards as the premier platform for celebrating and elevating Dominican music, culture, and creativity—inspiring national pride, unity, and global recognition for the island's musical excellence.
The Dominica Music Awards 2025 stands as a landmark celebration—a grand showcase of rhythm, heritage, and excellence. This prestigious cultural event unites artists, producers, musicians, and fans from across Dominica and the diaspora in one unforgettable evening dedicated to honoring Dominican music in all its forms.
Hosted at the elegant InterContinental Hotel, Dominica, the ceremony transforms the venue into a stage of national pride and artistic brilliance, echoing the vibrant sounds that define the island's soul.
Held annually on the first Saturday in December, the Dominica Music Awards officially marks the opening of the Creative Season, inspiring, encouraging, and recognizing the invaluable contributions of stakeholders within Dominica's creative industry.
From Carnival to Jazz 'n Creole to the World Creole Music Festival, we come together to celebrate, honor, and highlight our rich creative culture—and the Dominica Music Awards stands proudly at the heart of this continuum, paying tribute to the rhythm and resilience of our people.
Mission
The Dominica Music Awards exists to recognize and reward outstanding contributions within Dominica's music industry—celebrating excellence across genres such as Bouyon, Cadence-Lypso, Calypso, Reggae, Gospel, and Contemporary Music.
It serves as a dynamic platform to showcase the depth, diversity, and creativity of Dominican musicians, composers, and producers who have shaped the island's soundscape and influenced the region's musical evolution.
Through acknowledgment, education, and exposure, the Awards aim to empower artists, encourage innovation, and strengthen the creative ecosystem that drives Dominica's cultural and economic growth.
Cultural Context & Impact
Dominica's creative sector is the lifeblood of its national identity—a vibrant force that tells our stories, preserves our language, and strengthens our cultural economy. From the pulsating rhythms of Bouyon to the timeless melodies of Cadence-Lypso, our music continues to bridge generations and connect Dominicans at home and abroad.
The Dominica Music Awards serves as both a mirror and a catalyst—reflecting the artistic excellence within our nation while propelling new talent, innovation, and industry growth.
By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of our artists, producers, and cultural entrepreneurs, the Awards contribute to the wider goal of developing a sustainable creative economy, aligned with Dominica's vision of cultural preservation, tourism expansion, and youth empowerment.
It stands as a proud testament that music and culture are not just forms of expression—they are engines of development, unity, and national pride.
Key Objectives
- Expand the professional visibility, revenue, and market access of Dominican artists in the French Antilles.
- Equip artists with tools to own, license, and monetize their music and brand globally.
- Support emerging and veteran talent equally — ensuring sustainability and dignity in their creative careers.
Our Mandate:
- Develop a governing structure and long-term roadmap for the DMA.
- Ensure balanced recognition — popular, emerging, and veteran artists are equally supported.
- Embed educational programming on rights management, branding, and market preparation.
- Prepare the platform and infrastructure for the eventual launch of the Creole Music Awards (CMA).
