The Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) is rebranding. Starting in 2019 it will be televised on Network television nationwide and globally. As a result, the 36th IRAWMA winners and ceremony originally set for September 30th will be revealed in conjunction with the 37th Chicago Music Awards (CMA) in February 2018.
Nominations have begun
Currently through November, the reggae and world music experts are in the process of selecting the “Best of 2016/2017” nominees for the 36th IRAWMA. When the nominations ae completed, the nominees in will be released for the fans to vote for the best in all the categories.
Televised broadcast
The rebranding announcement was made last week during an IRAWMA planning committee meeting. The committee is allowing adequate planning time to make the first time National TV IRAWMA broadcast one of the most coveted Awards broadcast. As a result, the team is targeting the best venue for the 37th IRAWMA. Venues in Jamaica, NY and South Florida are in consideration. The official venue will be revealed soon.
Last year the event was held in the Ft Lauderdale area at The Coral Springs Center for The Arts. That landmark 35th Anniversary of IRAWMA was the 100th annual special event produced by founder – Ephraim Martin. Martin made history as the only person alive to have produced a 100th annual Event/Award/Festival.
Ephraim said “the time for IRAWMA to be televised nationally is past due. It is time for the Caribbean/African business community, and those who care about the music and culture to get involved and take it to the next level. This is now happening”. When these industry leaders and others are fully in place with their commitments to take the annual IRAWMA to a greater level, Martin said he’ll be ready to step aside and just enjoy the annual Awards.
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