South Florida will once again welcome the vibrant rhythms of Reggae and world music as the 42nd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) takes center stage.
The event, set for March 30, 2025, will be held at Coral Springs Center for the Arts. This marks the 9th time in its history that the IRAWMA has chosen Florida as its host, a testament to the region’s deep connection to Caribbean and world music cultures.
This year’s awards will honor excellence across 34 categories, with special awards dedicated to individuals and entities making extraordinary contributions to the entertainment industry or championing humanitarian and social causes.
Jamaican entertainers are poised to dominate this year’s ceremony, led by Grammy Award-winning artiste Sean Paul, who has secured an impressive seven nominations. These include coveted categories such as Entertainer of the Year, Recording Artiste of the Year, Best Crossover Song, and Best Caribbean Entertainer.
Adding to the excitement is the recognition of emerging and established talent. YG Marley, grandson of Reggae legend Bob Marley, has earned five nominations, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Marley family. Meanwhile, Shenseea, who recently celebrated her first Grammy nomination for her album Never Gets Late Here, also boasts five IRAWMA nominations. Veteran performers Buju Banton and Spice remain at the forefront of the industry, each earning four nominations.
Breaking barriers and inspiring audiences, visually impaired breakout artist Nigy Boy has garnered three nominations, demonstrating that talent knows no boundaries. His nominated categories are Best New Entertainer, Best Song, and Best Singjay Entertainer.
The awards also highlight the broader Caribbean music scene, with Trinidadian Soca star Patrice Roberts among the noteworthy nominees.
IRAWMA nod to VP Kamala Harris
In a unique addition this year, IRAWMA introduced the VP Kamala Harris Best Song/Act Award – 2024, honoring songs that celebrate Jamaican-American VP Kamala Harris, the first Jamaican-American Vice President and U.S. Presidential nominee. The nominees for this special category include tracks like:
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“Jamerican Momala’s Story” by Ras Daan Jah
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“Big Up Kamala Harris” by Richie Stephens
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“Gimme Hope Kamala” by the Marsh Family
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“America Needs Kamala Harris” by Oded Kertes
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“Biden Step Down, Kamala Harris for President” by Gowam International
Dr. Ephraim Martin, IRAWMA’s President and Producer, emphasized the awards’ dedication to recognizing excellence. “For 42 consecutive years, IRAWMA has been the only organization honoring reggae and world music globally. We remain committed to upholding the integrity of these awards, honoring contributions without compromise,” he said.
The event will also celebrate Dr. Martin’s 50th anniversary in media, entertainment, and activism. Special honors will be presented to industry figures and activists who have made significant contributions to music and social justice.
Voting is now open at www.irawma.com. Fans can cast one vote per person, with duplicate votes automatically voided.
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