Chicago/NY- March 2007- American Airlines, the international carrier that has served the Caribbean region for more than 30 years, is the sponsor of the prestigious Caribbean-oriented annual event: the coveted 26th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), produced by Martin’s International and Associates.
The 26th IRAWMA returns to Harlem at the world famous Apollo Theater located at 253 West 125 Street. The event will take place on Saturday, May 5th, at 8:00 pm (general admission), 7:00 pm (VIP ticket holders), and 6:00 pm for nominees, performers, sponsors and other participants walking the red carpet.
The official announcement and the names of the nominees were released recently during a press conference held at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica by Martin’s International and Associates directors: Ephraim Martin, Clifton Edwards and Austin McBean. The performers and other participants for the IRAWMA will be announced in early April during another press conference to be held in New York City.
Martin’s International and Associates warmly welcomes American Airlines on board as the official carrier for national and international travel to the 26th IRAWMA. American Airlines first inaugurated service in the Caribbean in March 1971 flying between New York and five Caribbean destinations. Today, American and its regional affiliate, American Eagle, fly from more than 13 North American cities to more than 36 destinations in the Caribbean and to the Bahamas and Bermuda in the Atlantic. Visit www.aa.com!
More than 150 entertainers and music industry professionals are nominated for the coveted IRAWMA, while others have been selected for special awards by music industry experts across the globe. Among the leading nominees are: Sean Paul and Buju Banton with nine (9) nominations each; Baby Cham six (6); Gyptian, Tanya Stephens and sound selector turned performer Tony Matterhorn with five (5) each; and Luciano four nods.
The Queen of talk shows Oprah Winfrey and International Pop/Rock Star Bono will be given the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award for their worldwide contributions to humanity, especially in countries like Africa. Inductees to the IRAWMA Hall of Fame will be Boris Gardner and B.B. Seaton & the Gaylads.
Special Martin’s International and Associates Award of Honor will be given to:
Edmond “Bunny” Lee (King Jammy’s), Ed Robinson (E2 Recordings) and Don One Records. Special Producer’s Respect Award will be given to: Doug E. Fresh, Gregory Isaacs and Half Pint. Special Award of Appreciation will be awarded to: Winston “Niney” Holiness, Jerome Hamilton, WBLS 107.5 FM with Dahved Levy, Lorna Wainwright (Tuff Gong), Bobby (Culture Jam WVIP 93.5FM), and Dave Clark (Friends of Reggae).
Tickets for this star-studded, made-for-television event are now on sale at the Apollo Theater box office (212) 531-5305 and thru Ticketmaster.com, 212/307-7171 and all Ticketmaster outlets!
VIP Diamond box tickets are available only from Martin’s International and Associates at 877/9-REGGAE (973-4423). Prices are: General Admission $58, VIP Gold $102, VIP Platinum $128, VIP Diamond Box $1000/seat or $5000/Box for five persons.
Each year, the experts in the Reggae and world music industry select the nominees for the IRAWMA. Then, Reggae, world music fans, and the general public vote for the winners! To participate in the process and help to select the winners in the various categories, you may vote online at www.IRAWMA.com or www.InternationalMusicAwards.com, or mail in your ballot to: IRAWMA-c/o: Martin’s International and Associates, P.O. Box 5836, Chicago, Illinois 60680. Ballots are available in various newspapers, restaurants and record stores, too! Ballots may also be requested by sending your request to [email protected], according to Awards organizer, Ephraim Martin.
Among the sponsors are: American Airlines (AA), Strength of Nature PROFECTIV,
DJ Steve’s Tax Services, C. Sea Perkins and Cyberwize Powered by Tunguska Blast; Sam Ash Music Company, Dennis Shipping, Caribbean Food Delights; CVM TV, Sams24-7.com, Linkup Media for Linkup Radio (WVIP-93.5), Jam Rock Magazine, Plush TV and Caribbean Link Newspaper; Dahved Levy’s Rockin’ You and Caribbean Fever (WBLS 107.5), Irie Jam Media; Trans Continental Express Shippers, The Eye Collection Clothing Co., Jamroppo, Bennett/World Class Limo, Atlas Vacation, Ruff Stuff Studio, Liberty Star Newspaper.
For general info, to participate as a sponsor/category sponsor, or to advertise in the annual Awards magazine, call 877/9-REGGAE (973-4423), 312/427-0266, 718-398-2833 or visit our website at www.IRAWMA.com!
PRESS CONTACTS:
For Caribbean/UK:
Odessa Chambers Media
[email protected]
International: 876 646/358-4482
Jamaica: 876/332-1651
For United States:
Martin’s International & Associates
[email protected]
Chicago: 312/427-0266
New York: 718/398-2770
Anthony Turner:
New York: 845/206-5906
