Trinidad & Tobago’s “Queen of Zess” continues her reign with a historic night at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards
Trinbagonian powerhouse Keisha “Lady Lava” Harris has once again cemented her place among the Caribbean’s leading musical voices, emerging as one of the biggest winners at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, where she took home four (4) awards.
The milestone night unfolded on Saturday, September 19, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, as the Caribbean Music Awards made its historic move from Brooklyn, New York to Trinidad & Tobago for the first time.
Entering the ceremony as the most-nominated artiste of the 2026 awards, with nine (9) nominations across seven (7) categories, Lady Lava delivered on the night with a commanding sweep that further solidifies her influence across the Caribbean music landscape.
Among her confirmed victories were Zess Artiste of the Year, Zess Song of the Year with “Bob D Builder,” Female Soca Artiste of the Year, and Chutney Soca Song of the Year for her collaboration with Ravi B on “Cyah Pick.”
These wins add another chapter to Lady Lava’s rapidly expanding list of accolades. Her Zess victory also sees her retaining the Zess Artist of the Year title, following her 2025 win in the category.
“To be recognised across different spaces within Caribbean music shows that taking a chance on yourself and your talent matters. It represents the work, the risks and the evolution and I am thankful that I never gave up and that I am surrounded by the love and support of the right people and the best team ever!” said Lady Lava. She added that “This recognition means so much to me as it is a reminder that God rewards us for our efforts.”
Lady Lava’s success comes at a significant moment for Caribbean music and for the growing global recognition of Trinidad & Tobago’s distinctive sounds. Her nominations this year spanned Soca, Zess and Chutney Soca, reflecting the versatility that has become a defining feature of her artistry.
Her nine nominations included People’s Choice, Soca Performer of the Year, Female Soca Artist of the Year, Zess Artist of the Year, Soca Impact Award, two Chutney Soca Song of the Year nominations and two Zess Song of the Year nominations.
The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards marked a landmark moment for the region, the first time the awards were staged in the Caribbean. The ceremony brought together artistes and industry figures from across the region and diaspora.
For Lady Lava, the achievement is bigger than four trophies; it is another indication of the expanding reach of an artiste who continues to challenge genre boundaries while placing Trinidad & Tobago’s music and culture firmly within the wider Caribbean and international conversation.
As Lady Lava continues her upward trajectory, her latest Caribbean Music Awards haul positions her as a formidable force in the region’s evolving musical landscape.
