On the heels of Bob Marley’s biopic premiere,’ Bob Marley: One Love‘ now in theatres worldwide. Rita Marley, an esteemed figure in the realm of reggae music and widow of the late reggae icon, is set to receive the prestigious Philanthropist Honour at the 41st International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in South Florida on March 22, 2024.
Dr. Ephraim Martin, president of Martin’s International and IRAWMA, highlighted Rita Marley’s longstanding involvement with the awards, dating back to 1982, emphasizing her numerous contributions and victories over the years. Notably, in 2019, she was honoured with the Reggae 50 Award for her five decades of dedication to Jamaican music, alongside accepting the Emperor of Reggae and World Music honour on behalf of her late husband, Bob Marley.
Rita Marley’s philanthropic endeavours have left an indelible mark on communities in Ghana and Jamaica. Through the establishment of the Rita Marley Foundation, she has focused on addressing poverty, hunger, and education in these regions. Veteran journalist Vinnette Price lauds Rita Marley’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes, highlighting her generosity and impact on various communities, from Jamaica to Ghana. Price’s personal anecdotes underscore Rita Marley’s genuine dedication and influence in uplifting those in need.
Dr. Ephraim Martin, celebrating his Golden 50th Anniversary in media, entertainment, and social justice activism, reaffirms IRAWMA’s commitment to recognizing excellence in reggae and world music. With fifteen special honours and forty nominated categories to be awarded, the integrity of the awards remains paramount. Martin emphasizes the importance of continued support for IRAWMA’s mission, encouraging financial contributions to sustain its endeavours. Moreover, the 41st IRAWMA holds a special dedication to Health Awareness, marked by a free Health Advocacy Seminar on March 21, underscoring the event’s broader impact beyond music.
As voting for the nominated categories remains open to the public until March 5, Dr. Martin encourages participation through various platforms, including YouTube, the Martin’s International Events app, and the IRAWMA website. The public’s engagement is crucial in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding talents within the reggae and world music community.
