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Kingston Jamaica – Concert of the Year and Promoter of the Year were two coveted awards won by Reggae Sumfest and Summerfest Productions at the 27th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) on Sunday, May 4 at the Apollo Theater in the historic Harlem, New York, beating out several large international Reggae concerts which also vied for this honour.

IRAWMA established in 1982, outlines its mission as that of acknowledging and honouring the accomplishments and contributions of entertainers in the categories of Reggae, Caribbean and other World music. Its intent ; to provide a forum for songwriters, performer and musicians to be recognised for their artistic efforts and achievements with the overall objective of promoting greater participation and acceptance of Reggae, Caribbean and World music globally. With 28 years under its belt, IRAWMA is well recognized as the industry’s oldest and most prestigious event in its chosen category. The ceremony has been staged in many major US cities as well as in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The public is able to vote for their favourite nominee in each category on the internet.

An ecstatic Johnny Gourzong, executive director of Summerfest Productions, commented on receiving the awards,” We are of course extremely proud to have been awarded Concert of the Year and Promoter of the Year. As you know Reggae Sumfest is now celebrating its 16th year, and over the years we have always put Jamaica’s finest performers on stage along with highly acclaimed international acts. Our production standards are also first class. We do extensive marketing and we have put together an excellent team to ensure that all the necessary elements are executed in the most effective way. We are therefore very happy to see our efforts recognized by our global audience and awarded by the International Reggae and World Music Awards”.

Entertainers from the reggae and soca worlds turned out in their fineries to mingle with media and industry friends, of course with the hope of winning one of the coveted awards. Over 40 awards were given out to various artistes

Machel Montano of Trinidad and Tobago copped three coveted awards; Bob Marley Entertainer of the Year, Most Outstanding Stage Personality of the Year and Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer awards. Beenie man emerged as Recording Artiste of the Year while Etana came away with the Best Female Vocalist and Tarrus Riley, the Best Male Vocalist of the Year.