As the reggae world eagerly awaits the 41st International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC), all eyes are on the nominees, with Teejay, Spice and Masicka emerging as the frontrunners with an impressive number of nominations.
The glitz and glamour of the evening will commence with the Red Carpet arrival and VIP Reception at 7:00 pm EST, followed by the Awards showcase at 8:00 pm. The anticipation began to build during the press conference on January 25, 2024, where the Chateau Mar Golf Resort in Fort Lauderdale played host to the official revelation of special honourees and nominees in various categories.
This year, the esteemed Freddie McGregor and Clinton Lindsay, among others, will be honoured for their enduring contributions to the world of entertainment. However, the spotlight intensifies on the competitive categories and the exceptional talent vying for recognition. Spice and Teejay have emerged as the leaders in nominations, both showcasing their influence and impact on the reggae-dancehall and world music scene. The Queen of the Dancehall, Spice, has secured an impressive four nominations, solidifying her stature as a powerhouse in the industry. Her nominations include:
- Best Female Dancehall/Rap Artist
- Onstage TV Award for Best Dancehall Stagecraft Entertainer
- Dancehall Performer of the Year
- Best Social Media Content Creator Influencer
Masicka makes waves with his nominations across key categories, including the highly coveted:
- Peter Tosh Award for Artiste of the Year
- Gregory Isaacs Award for Best Song “Tyrant”
- Toots Hibbert Award for Best Album/CD (GOK)
- Best Dancehall Stagecraft Entertainer
Teejay’s six nominations include:
- Peter Tosh Award for Artiste of the Year
- Gregory Isaacs Award for Best Song “Tyrant”
- Uroy Award for Best Male Dancehall Deejay
- Best Dancehall Stagecraft Entertainer
- Dancehall Performer of the Year
- Best Crossover Song “Drift” remix featuring Davido
The IRAWMA nominations cover a wide range of categories, showcasing the depth and diversity of talent within the reggae and world music genres. Notable nominees include:
Peter Tosh Award for Artiste of the Year:
- Popcaan
- Masicka
- Sean Paul
- Teejay
- Valiant
Jacob Miller Award for Best Male Vocalist of the Year:
- Christopher Martin
- Chronixx
- Dexta Daps
- Romain Virgo
- Tarrus Riley
Best Female Vocalist:
- Etana
- Jada Kingdom
- Lila Ike
- Shaniel Muir
- Stalk Ashley
Gregory Isaacs Award for Best Song:
- “Tyrant” by Masicka
- “21 Psalm” by Mavado
- “Drift” by Teejay
- “Talibans” by Byron Messia
- “Mad Out” by Valiant
Toots Hibbert Award for Best Album/CD:
- “Destiny” by Alborosie
- “Simma” by Beenie Man
- “No Destroyer” by Burning Spear
- “Color of Royal” by Julian Marley
- “Generation of Kings” by Masicka
Best Crossover Song:
- “Talibans II” by Byron Messia and Burna Boy
- “Hallelujah Heaven” by Lil’ Wayne, Buju Banton, and Shabba Ranks
- “We Can’t Done” by Popcaan and Drake
- “Unavailable” by Sean Paul, Davido, and Ding Dong
- “Drift” by Teejay and Davido
Best EP Recording:
- “Time Bomb” by Bounty Killer and Baby Cham
- “Problem Child” by Holiday
- “Mad Love” by Sean Paul
- “In The Mood” by Shaggy
- “From Me To You” by Valiant
Uroy Award for Best Male Dancehall Deejay:
- Alkaline
- Chronic Law
- Masicka
- Sean Paul
- Teejay
Best Female Dancehall/Rap artist:
- D’Angel
- Jada Kingdom
- Shenseea
- Shaneil Muir
- Spice
- Stefflon Don
Best New Entertainer:
- 450
- Byron Messia
- Najeeriii
- Pablo YG
- Young Bredda
Best Dancehall Stagecraft Entertainer:
- Beenie Man
- Dexta Daps
- Masicka
- Teejay
- Spice
Best Singjay Entertainer:
- 450
- Alkaline
- Chronic Law
- Dexta Daps
Dancehall Performer of the Year:
- Mavado
- Masicka
- Spice
- Teejay
- Valiant
The 41st Annual IRAWMA Awards promise to be a night to remember, celebrating the best in reggae, dancehall and world music.
