Swiss-based Reggae and Dancehall singer Samora wins the Caribbean Music Award in the category “Best New Artist Reggae” 2023. This award recognizes the development of the Surinam-born Dutch woman from an up-and-coming talent to an established, internationally active artist and performer.

Her second album “Chameleon,” released in 2022 and received extremely well by critics as well as numerous convincing and energetic live shows at festivals such as Rototom Sunsplash (Spain), Summerjam Festival (Germany), and Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland) have contributed to this.

While the 2022 album produced in Switzerland by Res Staudenmann and Ludovic Hoarau was still under consideration for the Grammys as best reggae album, a growing fan base now helped Samora win her first major international music award.

The award not only puts Samora’s adopted home of Switzerland and its vibrant music scene in the spotlight, but also puts her country of origin, Suriname, on the map and should pave the way for the versatile and accomplished young singer to pursue bigger projects with artists and at venues around the globe.

Samora accepted the award, determined by fans in an audience vote, on August 31 at a glamorous gala event in the sold-out auditorium of the legendary Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, gaining her first experience and impressions on the red carpet alongside music greats such as Spice, Kabaka Pyramid, Jada Kingdom, Nailah Blackman, and Romain Virgo.

Taking place for the first time in 2023, the Caribbean Music Awards celebrates the Caribbean community’s culture and recognizes the great influence of styles such as Reggae, Dancehall, Soca and Kompa on the music scene worldwide.

Highlights of the evening were the recognition of Beres Hammond (Elite Icon Award), Spice (Female Artist Of The Year – Dancehall) and Machel Montano (Lifetime Achievement Award) as well as a great Wyclef Jean, leading through the evening with a lot of humor.

(Photos contributed by Samora & Res Staudenmann)