Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel added to his global resurgence on Sunday night after receiving the Jimmy Cliff Award and the Best Caribbean Entertainer Award at the 43rd annual International Reggae and World Music Awards in Lauderhill.
The Best Caribbean Entertainer Award was presented to Kartel by reggae artist Ky-Mani Marley during the ceremony held at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center on May 17.
The recognition comes following Kartel’s widely publicized 2025 Worl’ Boss Tour, which saw the entertainer perform across multiple international markets after his return to the global stage.
Kartel also entered this year’s IRAWMA ceremony as the leading nominee, securing 11 nominations across nine categories. Other major nominees included Shaggy, Sean Paul, Spice and Shenseea. Among the major honors handed out during the evening was a Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Mavado for his contribution to dancehall and Caribbean culture.
Reggae icon Burning Spear, whose real name is Winston Rodney, received the Lifetime and Master of Reggae and World Music Culture Award in recognition of his 57 years of contribution to reggae music and global consciousness.
The ceremony also recognized reggae legend Marcia Griffiths, often referred to as the “Queen of Reggae,” alongside entertainers including Spragga Benz, Wayne Armond, Awilo Longomba and Gramps Morgan.
Featured performances came from Gramps Morgan and gospel reggae pioneer Dr. Carlene Davis as organizers showcased reggae, dancehall, Afrobeats, Latin and world music genres.
Following his win, Kartel shared an extensive message on Instagram thanking the International Reggae and World Music Awards and supporters around the world.
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“Tonight, I give thanks to the International Reggae And World Music Awards for this incredible honor,” Kartel wrote.
“Awards like these do more than celebrate individuals — they help preserve the heartbeat of our culture. They remind the world that reggae and dancehall are not just music… they are history, struggle, triumph, spirit, and identity. To be recognized by your peers is one of the highest honors an artist can receive, because greatness means more when it is acknowledged by those who truly understand the journey.”
He continued: “As we say, ‘Legends don’t live forever through fame alone… they live forever through the people they inspire.’”
Kartel also thanked the event organizers and members of the music industry for continuing to elevate Caribbean culture globally.
“Big respect to the organizers, the entire IRAWMA team, every selector, producer, artist, media house, and supporter who continues to push Caribbean culture forward on the world stage,” he said.
The entertainer also paid tribute to his supporters worldwide.
“To my fans worldwide — Gaza nation — thank you for standing with me through every chapter. This moment belongs to you as much as it belongs to me.”
Kartel ended the statement by expressing gratitude to God.
“And last but certainly never least… thank you GOD. For the strength, the lessons, the purpose, and the blessings. Without Him, none of this is possible.
“Humbled. Grateful. Still working.
– Vybz Kartel.”
