Dancehall artists Sean Paul, Masicka, and Teejay have garnered significant recognition with seven nominations each, emerging as frontrunners in the lineup for the 41st Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). The unveiling of the nominees, which took place at the Chateau Mar Golf Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, featured a total of 150 nominees across 39 categories.
Following closely behind are Byron Messia, Burna Boy, and Popcaan, each receiving five nominations. Additionally, Dexta Daps, Spice, and Valiant secured four nods, while Beenie Man, Chronic Law, Koffee, D’Angel, Mavado, Davido, 450, and Pablo YG received three nominations each.
Scheduled to transpire on Friday, March 22, at the Lauderhill Performing Art Center (LPAC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the IRAWMA event will commence with celebrity red carpet arrivals starting at 7 p.m. EST. Dr. Ephraim Martin, the founder of the awards, expressed excitement about hosting the eighth IRAWMA in South Florida. He highlighted the event’s significance, emphasizing its 40-year tradition of honoring excellence in reggae and world music globally.
Martin disclosed plans to bestow special honors on more than 10 individuals within the music industry and/or involved in social justice activism. Notably, IRAWMA remains committed to maintaining its integrity in recognizing deserving individuals without compromise.
Announcing the nominees and special honorees were Martin, Copeland Forbes, Freddie McGregor, and Sharon Wiles. Public voting is open on irawma.com, with a limit of one vote per person to ensure fairness.
The 41st IRAWMA will mark Dr. Ephraim Martin’s 50-year anniversary in journalism, entertainment, and social justice activism. As a tribute, the event is dedicated to him and emphasizes health awareness. A free health advocacy seminar is scheduled for March 21 at the LPAC venue, beginning at 10 a.m. Free tickets for the seminar can be obtained at www.irawma.com.
In an appeal for sponsors, Martin emphasized the importance of support from the music industry, businesses, and individuals to strengthen IRAWMA’s production, fortify reggae and world music globally, and promote health advocacy and social justice activities. Potential sponsors are encouraged to become supporting partners, category sponsors, or make tax-deductible donations.
