26th IRAWMA To Be Televised On CVM TV- Jamaica this Saturday December 8th, at 10:00 pm

SEE WHO CAPTURED THE IRAWMAs AT THE APOLLO!

Chicago/NY- December 2007- The official broadcasting of the 26th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) will be aired this Saturday night at 10:00pm on CVM TV in Jamaica. Shortly, thereafter, the 26th IRAWMA is expected to be televised throughout the Caribbean and other parts of the globe.

Produced by Martin’s International and Associates, and sponsored by American Airlines the 26th International Reggae & World Music Awards, took place at the world famous Apollo Theater located at 253 West 125 Street, New York City, in May of this year.

More than 150 entertainers and music industry professionals are nominated in this coveted IRAWMA’s broadcast, 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. 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, 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).

Hip Hop legend Doug E. Fresh will be the host of the 26th International Reggae & World Music Awards, while the Nab Tri International African Dancers will entertain the crowd with vibrant movements and colorful traditional attire during the VIP reception.

Top celebrities walking the red carpet will include Congressman Charles Rangel, Congresswoman Una Clarke, Congresswoman Yvette Clark, Sean Paul, Doug E. Fresh, Chevelle Franklyn, Machel Montano, Luciano, Ce’Cile, Lady G, Tarrus Riley, Leon & The Peoples, Half Pint, B.B. Seaton & the Gaylads, Alaine, Dean Fraser, Da’Ville, Ruff Stuff, Katalys Crew, Mutabaruka, Ed Robinson, Winsome Benjamin, among others.

In this year’s event Martin’s Inter-Culture joined forces with individual partners: Austin McBean, Clifton Edwards and Carlton Muldrow as Martin’s International & Associates, LLC, along with CVM TV Winford Williams and Crew to produce this made for television 26th IRAWMA.

The 26th IRAWMA is made possible through generous contributions from the following sponsors: American Airlines (AA), Strength of Nature PROFECTIV, Uptown Juice Bar, Café Veg, Gleaner/Star Newspaper, CaribNews, DJ Steve’s Tax Services, Linkup Media for Linkup Radio (WVIP-93.5), Jam Rock Magazine, Plush TV and Caribbean Link Newspaper; Carib News, Dahved Levy’s Rockin’ You and Caribbean Fever (WBLS 107.5), Irie Jam Media; Trans Continental Express Shippers, The Eye Collection Clothing Co., Jamroppo, Atlas Vacation, Bennett/World Class Limo, A D. Wilshire Tuxedo Rental & Limo Service, C. Sea Perkins and Cyberwize Powered by Tunguska Blast; Sam Ash Music Company, Dennis Shipping, Caribbean Food Delights; CVM TV, Sams24-7.com, Atlas Vacation, Ruff Stuff Studio, Liberty Star Newspaper, Keeling Records, Golden Krust, Moodie’s Records and Liberty Star Newspaper.

For general info, to participate as a 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 United States:

Martin’s International & Assoc.
Chicago: 312/427-0266
New York: 718/398-2770
[email protected]

Anthony Turner:
New York: 845/206-5906
[email protected]