PICS: Great Music and Performances at 32nd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA)

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Performers join Calypso Rose on Stage to close out the 32nd Annual IRAWAMA Awards
Performers join Calypso Rose on Stage to close out the 32nd Annual IRAWAMA Awards
Mr. Vegas Takes Home Two IRAWMA Awards
Mr. Vegas Takes Home Two IRAWMA Awards

Red Carpet Shelley was on the red carpet at the 32nd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held on May 4 (yes I’m a bit late — get over it I’m busy!!!). This year’s IRAWMA was held at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts in Coral Springs, Florida. This year’s IRAWMA awards was hosted by Etana and Audley Rollen, (substituting for an ill Freddie McGregor) . McGregor made an appearance even though he was feeling under the weather. Along with the hosts, the Dean Fraser All Stars kept the music and the audience feeling irie all night long!

Performers join Calypso Rose on Stage to close out the 32nd Annual IRAWAMA Awards
Performers come on stage to close out the 32nd Annual IRAWAMA Awards

Reggae, Soca, Gospel, Zouk and World music celebrities, awardees and nominee’s came out to celebrate and be celebrated at Reggae and world music’s  version of the Grammy awards.   Performances of the evening included  Macka Diamond, Half Pint, Romaine Virgo, Mr. Vegas and the host Etana.

Calypso Rose Closes Out 32nd Annual IRAWMA
Calypso Rose Closes Out 32nd Annual IRAWMA

Most memorable performers for me included Kenyan Reggae artist Wyre who taught everyone a new dance (I think its called the picky picky).  Romaine Virgo’s energy level and pristine vocals reminded everyone why he won Most Promising Entertainer.  In my opinion, he is already signed, sealed and delivered baby!

My favorite performer for the night however, was Calypso Rose!!!  She had the audience under her spell as she wined to the ground and, at one point, hoisted up her dress and pulled an unsuspecting audience member underneath her flowing garments!!  After her performance, everyone joined Calypso Rose on stage to close out the show.  It was a memorable to say the least!

Romaine Virgo Performs at IRAWMA
Romaine Virgo Performs at IRAWMA

The night’s big winners included recording artist Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley who appropriately won the Bob Marley  Award for Entertainer of the Year.  Tarrus Riley and Mr. Vegas each won two awards.  Marley won for Entertainer of the Year and Best Crossover Song for his collab with Skrillex. Riley was voted the Best Male Vocalist and Most Cultural/Educational Entertainer, while Mr. Vegas secured the Best Song for his hit “Sweet Jamaica” and also Best Music Video for megahit song ‘Bruk It Down.

IRAWMA Host, Etana Speaks with Red Carpet Shelley
IRAWMA Host, Etana Speaks with Red Carpet Shelley

Biggups to Mr. Martin for another successful IRAWMA and a big THANK YOU to the RCS Team!!  Enjoy the pics and see below for a full list of winners!!

AND THE WINNERS ARE:
Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year – Damian Marley
Best Male Vocalist – Taurus Riley
Best Female Vocalist – Etana
Best Song – Mr.Vegas “Sweet Jamaica”
Most Outstanding Show Band/Group – Morgan Heritage
Best Album – Jimmy Cliff (Rebirth)
Best Crossover Song – Skrillex & Damian Marley (“Make It Bun Dem)
Best Gospel Oriented Song – Richie Stephens (“God Is On My Side”)
Best Male DJ/Rapper – Konshens
Best Female DJ/Rapper – Lady Saw
Best New Entertainer – Wyre
Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer – Alison Hinds
Best Latin Entertainer – Pitbull
Best African Entertainer – P Square
Best Soukous Entertainer – Papa Wemba
Best R&B – Hip Hop Entertainer – Jay Z
Best Reggae Rock Entertainer – Collie Buddz & New Kingston
Best Chutney Entertainer – Rikki Jai
Best Music Video – Mr.Vegas (“Bruk It Down”)
Best Poet/Spoken Words – Mutaburuka
Most Cultural/Educational ENtertainer – Tarrus Riley
Most Consistent Entertainer – Freddie McGregor
Most Promising Entertainer – Romain Virgo
Best Instrumental – Dean Fraser
Most Popular Sound System – Heavy Hammer (Italy)
Concert of the Year – Reggae Sumfest
Most Outstanding Dance group – X Klusiv Dancers
Best Haitian Compas/World Music Entertainer – Tropicana
Best Caribbean Entertainer – Third World
Recording Studio Producer of the Year – Steven “Di Genius” McGregor
Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award – Capleton
Royal Ambassador of Reggae World Music – Marley Family

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