The 28th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) returns to New York City on Sunday, May 3, 2009. The ceremony will host the top names in [wiki:reggae], [wiki:Soca] and world music at its new venue— the York College Performing Arts Center, located at 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd in Jamaica, Queens, New York. The celebration kicks off at 6:00pm for VIP ticket holders and 7:30pm for general admission.
Performing live will be top nominees Etana and Queen Ifrica, joined by Beenie Man, Cocoa Tea, Mighty Sparrow, Alison Hinds, Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser, Calypso Rose, Tony Rebel, Gramps Morgan, Lt. Stitchie, Awilo-Soukous Band, Barbee, Mutabaruka, D’Angel, Duane Stephenson and poet, Malachi.
The official press conference, which took place on March 31 at swanky BLVD in Manhattan, revealed the nominees, led by dancehall deejay Mavado with nods in eight categories.
He’s followed by Beres Hammond and Elephant Man with seven nominations, Etana and Queen Ifrica each grabbing five nods, and Mr. Vegas with four nominations. Other nominees include Shaggy, Machel Montano, Morgan Heritage, Duane Stephenson, Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Ziggy Marley, Wyclef Jean, Serani, Jazmine Sullivan, Luciano, Tony Rebel, Tarrus Riley and Stitchie, among others.
"We are very pleased with the response we are now receiving from the Caribbean and the rest of the world, and the respect that IRAWMA has been getting," states Ephraim Martin, President of Martin’s International and Associates. "When we think back 28 years ago, there was no form of recognition for reggae or world music entertainers. Today, from all corners of the globe, world beat music entertainers now have their special awards to look forward to each year."
Tickets for this celebration of music are now on sale at ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000, and also from IRAWMA at 877-9-REGGAE, and the York College Performing Arts Center box office at 718-262-2840. Advance VIP tickets are $150 and general admission tickets $75, with more at the door. Tickets are also available from selected sponsors’ locations.
For general information: Phone: 877-9-REGGAE (877-973-4423)
Vote for your favorite nominees by clicking the following link: www.martinsinterculture.com/irawma-nominees.php
28) Best African Entertainer
Alpha Blondy
Angelique Kidjo
Chiwoniso
P. Square
Youssou N’dour
29) Best Soukous Entertainer
Awilo Longomba
JB Mpiana
Kanda Bongo Man
Koffi Olomide
30) Outstanding Contribution to World Music
Gilberto Gil
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Toumani Diabate
Wyclef Jean
Youssou N’dour
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
