International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA)

The IRAWMA (International Reggae and World Music Awards) had their press conference this week where the update person on their plans for the big awards in Jamaica this weekend. 

Public Relations Manager, Rosemary Duncan who opened the press conference said that this Sunday, May 16, at 8:00 pm EST,  live from Jamaica, the 39th IRAWMA will celebrate and honour  the best musicians and industry professionals for 2020. The hosts will be, Grammy award winner/multi IRAWMA winner, Gramps Morgan along with D’Angel."

Rosemary added, "There will be great performances by international entertainers  Ziggy Marley, Beenie Man, Papa Michigan, Flourgan, Master KG with Nomcebo Zikode(South Africa), Shatta Wale(Ghana), Dynamq Int’l (South Sudan), Ras Takura, D’Yani (rising Downsound Records artiste). The event will be broadcast  on IRAWMA’s YouTube channel, Onstage TV,  IRIE FM and PBCJ. We especially thank our presenting sponsors, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Downsound Entertainment, R Hotel and IRIE FM."

Rosemary mentioned the forerunners and categories, "Buju Banton 11 nominations; Bounty Killer, Popcaan and Koffee with six nods each; Skip Marley, Protoje and Beenie Man with five nominations; Gramps Morgan and Tarrus Riley with four; and Sean Paul, Shenseea and Russian with three each.

 The awards has 30 categories that were open to public voting at  www.irawma.com.  Voting commenced on March 23, and closed on April 20. Over 100,000 persons across the globe voted. Votes were tallied by an independent and reputable accounting firm. There are also three special awards(not open to public voting). The recipients are Josef Bogdanvich (Special Philanthropist Award); Ziggy Marley(IRAWMA Hall of Fame/ Lifetime Achievement Award) for over forty years contribution to reggae music and Papa Michigan( IRAWMA Award of Honour)."

Ephraim Martin

Mr. Ephraim Martin, IRAWMA President/Founder, in his presentation said, "Over 500,000 persons are expected to view the virtual showcase. The vast majority of voters are from continental Africa. Persons in continental Africa voted in far greater numbers  for their favourite entertainers and musicians in each category. Reggae music works. It brings us together to fight injustices. There is a strong connection between Africa and Jamaica. For this reason, the Africans are always supportive and vote. But this year they did so in greater numbers. One female Jamaican artiste obtained 22,000 votes in one category. That is extraordinary. The public will know who she is during the virtual broadcast, on March 16."

Ephraim Martin also emphasized, "Additional sponsors are needed for next year's 40th celebration. We say we love our music and culture. Support is needed from organizations and individuals for the success of such events. We call on those who can, to do so to contact irawmasponsor@gmail.com or 876-593-4274."

Grammy award and multi IRAWMA winner, Gramps Morgan, who has also been appointed IRAWMA ambassador, said,  "IRAWMA is our BET Awards and Grammy Awards. It has been recognizing musicians for their contributions for almost forty years.  We must applaud Mr. Epharim Martin and his wife, Justice Hall for their commitment and contributions. Let us support IRAWMA. I am proud to be a part of the IRAWMA."

 

Jacqueline Jackson, operations manager at IRAWMA,
stated" IRAWMA has reached a large audience. It is our objective to reach as far as we can. We must try to get our local artists involved as much as possible."

Click here to watch the show.