Caribbean musicians Rihanna, KES, Machel, Nicki Minaj, Vybz Kartel & Movado pick up Soul Train nods

Though calypso and soca have both made a few “breakthroughs” on to the international musical radar, and reggae has long been part of the Grammy category breakdown, it’s been a refreshing change to see the Soul Train Awards change their “Best Reggae Performance” category to a “Best Caribbean Performance” category.

This year, five popular Caribbean artists from Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados have received nominations in that category:

• “Man Down” – Rihanna (Barbados)
• “Summer Time” – Vybz Kartel (Jamaica)
• “Wotless” – KES The Band (Trinidad & Tobago)
• “Bend Over” – Machel Montano (Trinidad & Tobago)
• “Delilah” – Movado (Jamaica)

But that’s not the only place that Caribbean stars are shining. Trinidad-born Nicki Minaj also picks up a nomination for Best Hip Hop Song of the Year for “Moment for Life”, alongside Barbadian colleague Rihanna for “All of the Lights” with Kanye West. Rihanna’s also nominated for Best Dance Performance for “Only Girl in the World”/”What’s My Name”.

In a few weeks, we’ll know who the winners are. This year’s show will tape in Atlanta on November 17, but will air in simulcast on both Centric and BET on November 27 at 9pm/8c. Check the videos and songs out below!