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February 22, 2007
The IRAWMA returns to world famous Apollo Theater - May 5th
Sean Paul & Buju Banton topping the list of nominees - Oprah Winfrey will be given the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award
The 26th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), by Martin's International and Associates returns to Harlem's World Famous Apollo Theatre, in New York City on Saturday, May 5th, 2007, commencing at 8:00 pm for general admission, 7:00 pm for VIP ticket holders, and 6:00 pm for the nominees, performers, sponsors and other participants to walk the red carpet.
The official announcement and the releasing of the nominees were made on Tuesday, February 20th at a Press Conference, held at the Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston, Jamaica by Martin's International and Associates.
Chairman Ephraim Martin, Directors, Clifton Edwards and Austin McBean; along with several entertainers, nominees and media celebrities, such as: Tanto Metro, Cecile, Macka Diamond, Winford Williams, Daville, Tarrus Riley, Tessanne Chin and Loyal Hayley announced nominees for all 41 categories.
More than one hundred and fifty entertainers and music industry professionals were nominated and selected for special awards by music industry experts through out the globe.
Among the leading nominees for 2006 are: Sean Paul and Buju Banton with nine (9) nominations each. Baby Cham with six (6) nods, and Gyptian, Tanya Stephens and Tony Matterhorn with five (5) each.
Media Mogul Oprah Winfrey and International Pop/Rock Star Bono will be given the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award for their contributions to humanity worldwide, especially in continent of Africa. Inductees to the IRAWMA Hall of Fame will be Boris Gardner and B.B. Seaton & the Gaylads.
Special Martin's International and Associates Award of Honor will be given to: King Jammy's Edmond "Bunny" Lee, Ed Robinson (E2 Recordings) and Don One Records. Special Producer's Respect Award will be given to Dougie Fresh, Gregory Isaacs and Half Pint. Special Award of Appreciation will be awarded to the following: Winston "Niney" Holiness, Jerome Hamilton, Dahved Levy of WBLS 107.5 FM, Lorna Wainwright of Tuff Gong, Bobby Culture and Friends of Reggae Dave Clark.
Other nominees include: Capleton, Damian Marley, Beenie Man, Luciano, Beres Hammond, Freddy McGregor, Daville, Richie Spice, Dean Fraser, Chuck Fenda, Marcia Griffiths, Cecile, Alaine, Jah Cure and Bounty Killa. Plus: Sly and Robbie, Vybz Kartel, Akon, Wyclef Jean, Sizzla, Macka Diamond, Machel Mantano, Rhianna, Daddy Yankee, Youssou N'Dour, Toots and the Maytels, Rupee, Third World, Burning Spear, Tarrus Riley, Daville, Malachi Smith, Voicemail, Mutabaruka and Dean Fraser, among others.
Each year, the experts in the reggae and world music industry select the nominees for IRAWMA, after which reggae and world music fans and the general public then vote for the winners. To participate in the process and help to select the winners in the various categories, you may vote online www.irawma.com, or mail in your ballot to: IRAWMA-c/o: Martin's International and Associates, P.O. Box 5836, Chicago , Illinois 60680. Ballots are available in various newspapers, restaurants and record stores. Ballots may be requested by sending your request by e-mail to: irawma@aol.com
The International Reggae and World Music Awards annually honours the best in reggae and world beat music at the global level, has been expanded in terms of organizers, and is produced by Martin's International and Associates, LLC whose directors include: Ephraim Martin, Clifton Edwards, Austin McBean and Carlton Muldrow.