On Tuesday, March 19, 2019, all roads lead to the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica where Martin’s International returns for the fourth time in its 37 year history to host the official launch of the 37th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in recognition of Reggae 50, celebrating fifty years of reggae music.
“It is not just to honor the best of 2018” states Founder and President of IRAWMA, Ephraim Martin. “But to salute and honor some of reggae’s foundation members, who are still making a difference in the world of reggae from 1968 to present. This year we had an overwhelming amount of nominations which is a testimony to not only the need for Artistes to be recognized for their work, but is evidence of the amount of excellent Reggae and world music makers in Jamaica and around the globe”. Some other nominees are Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Chronixx, Damion Marley and Vybz Kartel.
Established in 1982 to acknowledge and honor the accomplishments and contributions of reggae and world music artistes, including: songwriters, performers, promoters and musicians, the IRAWMA has been staged in many major cities including Atlanta, Chicago,
Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New Orleans, New York as well as Port of Spain, Trinidad and both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios in Jamaica.
This exciting 37th staging confirms Martin International’s commitment to promoting greater participation and acceptance of Reggae, Caribbean and World Music, Internationally and will award 161 nominees in 41 categories and 9 special awards including the Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year, Best Crossover Song, Mutabaruka Award for Best Poet/Spoken Word entertainer and the coveted Martin’s International/IRAWMA Award of Honor.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, IRIE FM, Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, VP Records, Onstage TV, IrieJam 360, International Festival of Life, Jsvfest.com, Trade Works, 25th Century Radio, Down Marie & Wiz- WAVS AM, African Spectrum & Rockers Jamaica.
VOTE NOW online at www.irawma.com
