International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) ensures that music “Reggae/World Music Rise” despite monumental challenges of the pandemic.

Now in its 39th consecutive year, the event which celebrates the best of reggae and world music, will present a stellar virtual gala to honour musicians and industry professionals, for their creativity and contributions during 2020.

A year that unleashed unprecedented socio-economic challenges on the industry.

Its effects felt across the musical spectrum. Resulting in a halt on in person events and live concerts; travel and tour cancellations. Many who directly and indirectly rely on the industry, as an income source, narrowly able to eke a living.

“Despite the hurdles, some music creators birthed incredible works to uplift millions globally.

On Sunday, May 2, IRAWMA will celebrate and award them, under the theme, Reggae/World Music Rise.

The virtual fete will feature performances by international musicians and entertainers. 

With an audience across continents and isles-Africa, Europe, Asia, North and South America and of course the Caribbean, cheering on nominees and winners of various genres- reggae, dancehall, gospel, afro-beats, calypso, soca and latin music. It will be spectacular,” said Rosemary Duncan, Public Relations Manager at IRAWMA.

Nominations by music connoisseurs (artists, producers, promoters, songwriters, record labels, entertainment media bloggers, managers, agents, engineers) commenced on February 01, 2021 and ends on March 10, 2021.

Public voting runs from Monday, March 20, 2021 through midnight, Tuesday, April 20, 2021. 

Everyone is invited to be a part of this important process, by selecting the best, in each category, for 2020. At the 38th annual IRAWMA, super star Stonebwoy, won 'Best African Reggae/Dancehall Entertainer.’

The year prior international musician, Shatta Wale, emerged winner for the Best Music Video- ‘Gringo’ and Best Afro Beat Artist.

Two new categories have been added for this year’s event, the inaugural Toots Hibbert Award for Best Reggae Album/CD and the Best Virtual Showcase.

Voters are urged to consider the social relevance of materials, originality, sales, local/national/international virtual performances and social media activity. 

Votes should be cast at www.irawma.com A reputable accounting firm will tally votes to determine the winner for each category.

President of IRAWMA, Ephraim Martin, further emphasized, “One person, One vote. Vote for the best for the year 2020. Not because he or she is your artist or on your label. As one knows when an artist is on a ballot and should not be there.”

Mr. Martin further added, “This year, because of the Pandemic, we have reduced the number of categories for Awards to 32.  Plus the Special Awards of Honor, and we have added two new categories; namely: Virtual Entertainer of the Year and Best Virtual Showcase.  We have also, renamed the “Best Soukous Entertainer” to “Best Afrobeat Entertainer.”

The first ever Toots Hibbert Award for Best Album/CD will be sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports (MCGES).”

IRAWMA’s Operations Manager, Jacqueline Jackson, articulated, “Music affects our mood, and as such, people tend to listen to music that helps to put them in a better mood. 

In this time, that we are all experiencing, we thank all the artists, new and old, who continue to produce music/songs that inspire and uplift us as we navigate this reset that we are going through.”