Lights! Cameras! Action and red carpet arrivals are set for a live stream broadcast of the 42nd annual International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) on March 30.
With glitz and glamor poised for online and Pay-per-view access available to a global audience, the acclaimed oldest awards show dedicated to rewarding Caribbean and African genres promises “all the charms of the Grammy Awards, the most irie red-carpet fashion display, and a lot more ripeness.”
According to Ephraim Martin, founder of the most consistent music-rewarding showcase devoted to reputed niche music genres, “the biggest music event of the year” is ready for a southern exposure of some of the most diverse talents from the two continents.
Slated for month end, acts billed to perform include reggae singer Everton Blender, Marcus Garvey Award nominee Richie Stephens, Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award nominee D’Angel, and Best New Entertainer nominee Nigy Boy.
The Chicago-based promoter, who also helms a company called Martin’s International, promises a feast of cultural and dancehall reggae, soca, calypso, jazz, hip-hop, Afro-beat, spoken word, gospel, and hybrid fusions.
According to the promoter, “the variety of music styles” will satiate the appetites of immigrants and others ignored by previous nationally televised showcases this year.
“Imagine reggae is still not recognized worthy of prime-time broadcast on the Grammys.”
As if insinuating a perception of token inclusion on the part of mainstream producers, Martin claims his annual spotlights deserving contributors of under-recognized music forms.
“Our intent is to bring nations together through music and culture.”
Reportedly, a global voting audience of over 3,000 voters decides the finalists.
On the big night, special honors will be presented to DJ Khaled, the “One Love” movie, Lord Rhaburn, singer Wayne Wonder, Caribbean News Weekly, Jamaica’s Consul General Oliver Muir, Audley Rollen, Joanna Marie Robinson, Nonini and Blender.
Because choices for voting in the Grammy competition remain limited to a single Reggae Album category and another devoted to Best Global Music Album, Martin seems convinced “we have to have our own.”
Earlier this year, – Grammy presenters – the National Association of Recording Arts & Sciences – introduced a new world-beat category, Best African Music Performance.
Martin’s event enables 40 categories with 160 nominees to choose the best female artist, best male, best dancehall, best concert, best social media entertainer, most cultural artist, and many under-recognized distinguishing genres.
For example, this year marks the third time, a best song contest is being considered for commendation. While lyrics factor in the competition, the 2025 nominees in the category feature last year’s hotly contested political election in America.
Contenders who named former Vice President Kamala Harris the winning candidate appear as the predominant finalists.
More than a few Jamaicans concluded that tagging the name of the bi-cultural female might increase the novelty of their entry, favorably increasing their odds of winning.
After all, some assumed pride might influence votes for the first woman nominated for president of the United States.
Harris seemed a formidable rival when she made the bid as the choice of Democrats to challenge Republican Donald Trump.
Although she lost the White House, she found favor with recorder Ras Daan Jah’ who submitted “Jamerican Momala’s Story.”
“Big Up Kamala Harris,” by Richie Stephens is also in contention with “Gimme Hope Kamala,” a song adapted from Eddy Grant by the Marsh Family, “America Needs A Smile, America Needs Hope, America Needs Kamala Harris” by Oded Kertes, and an early submission before the incumbent president decided to reconsider a second term in office — “Biden Step Down, Kamala Harris For President” by Gowam International.
The 42nd annual and ninth South Florida offering promises numerous other treats, too.
Along with top-ranking performers, African and Caribbean recording favorites, dignitaries, cultural ambassadors, and future stars, a galaxy grows to include the nominees.
Sean Paul tops the list, garnering the most votes in seven categories.
YG Marley and Shensea captured five nominations. Dancehall darlings Buju Banton and Spice commanded four.
The most congested category with three IRAWMAs includes Gramps Morgan, Beenie Man, Nigy Boy, Damian Marley, Vybz Kartel, Shatta Wale, Jada Kingdom, Collie Buddz, Chronic Law, and Agent Sasco.
Co-hosted by Jamaican funnyman Oliver Samuels and Panamanian actress/poet Judith Falloon Reid, Martin explained that this year’s fete will also honor the comedian for being the Caribbean King of Comedy. Samuels will also receive the Golden Lifetime Achievement award for 55 years in the entertainment industry.
Another bonus fashion-forward patrons might appreciate is the six-foot-by-100-foot red carpet path to the entrance of the Coral Springs Center for the Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Designated for VIP and V-VIP access to the gala, a runway to ogle and envy could surpass previous outings.
Needless to say, more than a few daring designs showcased would-be runway models.
Incidentally, a proliferation of votes originated in the USA and Jamaica.
However, nominations from Ghana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone registered interest in the Afro-beats categories.
If Martin had his way, on March 30, all roads would have led to the Sunshine State.
Catch You On The Inside!Center
