The stars were truly aligned at this weekend’s 34th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), at Bailey Hall in Fort Lauderdale. Music stars showed up in style, while surprise dancehall guest Gully Bob thrilled the red carpet, eagerly attracting fans.
The show also displayed stellar performance from various nominees, including Etana, innovative Jamaican Dub group, No-Maddz, and the Kamutshima Dance Troupe. As for the big music winners, Etana dominated the female category for “Best Female Vocalist,” as well as winning the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award for her dedicated work with charity. Tarrus Riley secured the award for “Best Male Vocalist,” as well as “Most Cultural/Educational Entertainer” for his music’s ever prominent cultural consciousness. The “Entertainer of the Year” award went to reggae roots sensation, Chronixx, while Dexta Daps also won “Best New Entertainer.” Omi was also awarded “Best Crossover Song” for his summer hit, “Cheerleader,” while Machel Montano won for “Best Soca Entertainer.”
Honoring their host city, IRAWMA also awarded several local talents for their contribution to music. Code Red copped “Florida’s Entertainer of the Year,” Nu-Look won “Florida’s Haitian Entertainer of the Year,” and “Hold On” singer Sharon Wiles won “Florida’s Best Gospel Entertainer.” Young star Lejah also won “Florida’s Emerging Star” award and Bunjie copped the prize for “Florida’s most Popular Dance Party DJ.”
A.J. Brown and Ed Robinson, for their contribution to music, were also inducted to the IRAWMA’s Hall of Fame.
