ARIWMA MUSIC AWARDS 2010
29th IRAWMA Top Nominees Julian Marley, Gramps Morgan, Queen Ifrica and Tarrus Riley Follow Musical Footsteps of Famous Dads |
The black-tie-red-carpet celebration of music royalty takes place May 2, 2010 at York College Performing Arts Center, at 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd in Jamaica, New York. Reggae singer-songwriter Julian “Ju Ju” Marley has been nominated for four International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA). “I give thanks to the IRAWMA award staff and to all the fans that continue to show their love and support,” says Marley. JuJu’s IRAWMA nominations comes on the heels of a Grammy nod for Best Reggae Album the talented artist received for his third studio album entitled, “Awake” that was co-produced with his brothers Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Stephen Marley, on Ghetto Youths/Universal Records. Rising reggae star Gramps Morgan, Mojo Morgan and the group Morgan Heritage, the children of Denroy Morgan have amassed a great body of work over the last 12 years.
Gramps, fresh from smashing performances in Trinidad & Tobago is up for five IRAWMA nominations. He shares a “Best Crossover Song” nomination with India.Arie for their duet on “Therapy.” Passionate about his latest recording project, Gramps is putting the finishing touches on a Country and R&B album that is set to hit stores later this year. Jamaica’s sing/jay Queen Ifrica captured nine nominations and set an IRAWMA record for most nominations in a single year for a female artist. The daughter of Ska pioneer, Derrick Morgan, Queen Ifrica is described as a “lioness on the rise.” A versatile performer Queen can sing the sweet melodies of traditional reggae and rock the mic dancehall style like a seasoned veteran. Tarrus Riley has been surrounded by music from an early age as the son of Jimmy Riley. His third album, Contagious is up for “Best Album/CD” and his single, “Good Girl Gone Bad” a duet with Konshens received a “Best Song” nod. Tarrus is also up for “Entertainer of the Year”, “Best Male Vocalist” “Recording Artist of the Year”, and “Most Culture/Educational Entertainer”.
Reggae veteran Freddie McGregor is nominated for “Most Consistent Entertainer,” while his sons Stephen(Producer of the Year) and Chino(Most Improved Entertainer) are nominated as well. Daville, son of Jah Thomas is nominated for “Best Male Vocalist”. Junior Reid’s sons, Andrew and Wadada Blood received a nod in “Most Improved Entertainer”. Femi Kuti, son of Nigerian legend Fela Kuti is nominated for the “Best African Entertainer.” Other leading IRAWMA contenders: Machel Montano (five nominations); Sean Paul and Macka Diamond (four nods each); Barbee, Beenieman and Vybz Kartel with three nominations each. Among the performers for the 29th IRAWMA, are: Julian Marley, Machel Montano, Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel, Alison Hinds, Gramps Morgan, Barbee, Dean Fraser, Winsome Benjamin, Tarrus Riley, New Kingston Band, Mutabaruka, Dean Fraser, Brigadier Jerry, Awilo Longomba and a host of other international reggae, and world music superstars. In addition to accolades to Reggae music, the IRAWMAs recognizes artists in Gospel, Salsa, Latin, Reggaeton, Calypso, Soca, African, Soukous, Compas, Racine and Hip Hop. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to honor those who have made their mark globally in the Reggae and World Music industry,” says Ephraim Martin, president of Martin’s International and Associates. Julian Marley, Queen Ifrica, Dean Fraser and Tarrus Riley among Performers at 29th IRAWMA in New York on May 2nd
Star-studded event dedicated to “health awareness” and the “people of Haiti”
New York, NY – April 1, 2010 – The son of legendary singer/songwriter Bob Marley, Julian “Ju Ju” Marley will perform at the 29th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) at York College: Performing Arts Center in New York on May 2nd, together with a number of Reggae and World Music’s most popular performing artists. Wyclef Jean and Rev. Al Sharpton to Receive Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award at 29th IRAWMA Star-studded event dedicated to “health awareness” and the “people of Haiti”
Marley’s return to the stage, behind is third album “Awake”, will be just one of the highlights of this prestigious award ceremony that will also feature performances by Dean Fraser, Queen Ifrica, Tarrus Riley, Gramps Morgan, Machel Montano, Barbee, Alison Hinds, Winsome Benjamin, Tony Rebel and others.
Book cheap hotel in New York.
2010 [http://www.irawma.com/], produced by Martin’s International & Assoc., LLC has a record in nominations led by Queen Ifrica with nine nominations, followed by Tarrus Riley with (6) nominations, Machel Montano and Gramps Morgan, with (5) each, and Julian Marley, Sean Paul and Macka Diamond with (4), and followed by Barbee, Beenieman and Vybz Kartel with (3) nominations each. India.Arie and fellow IRAWMA nominee Gramps Morgan share a Best Crossover Song nomination for their duet on the single “Therapy”.
The event also sees a passing of the torch with a number of the nominee and performers following in the footsteps of their parents, along with Julian Marley (son of Bob Marley), Gramps Morgan (son of Denroy Morgan), Queen Ifrica (daughter of Derrick Morgan) and Tarrus Riley(son of Derrick Riley) among them.
In addition to accolades to Reggae music, the IRAWMAs recognize artists in Gospel, Salsa, Latin, Reggaeton, Calypso, Soca, African, Soukous, Compas, Racine and Hip Hop. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to honor those who have made their mark globally in the Reggae and World Music industry,” said Ephraim Martin, president of Martin’s International and Associates.
For further information, ticket info, voting and a list of sponsors (American Airlines, Western Union, MD-TV etc.) visit: http://www.irawma.com/
About IRAWMA:
In 1981, Jamaican photo-journalist Ephraim Martin staged the “Reggae Awards” in Chicago. Over the last 29 years the annual event has travelled to Miami, Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale, New Orleans, New York and Jamaica. IRAWMA honors Reggae and World Beat entertainers for their outstanding contribution to the international music community. Reggae and World Music industry experts select the top entertainers for more than 40 categories. Music fans across the globe are then given the opportunity to vote for their favorites, the nominee with the most votes takes home the coveted trophy. IRAWMA has grown into the oldest and longest running annual Reggae and World Music event..
Wyclef Jean and Rev. Al Sharpton to Receive Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award at 29th IRAWMA
Star-studded event dedicated to “health awareness” and the “people of Haiti”
New York, NY – April 6, 2010 – Multi-platinum record artist Wyclef Jean and civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton will be honored with the “Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award” at the 29th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), Sunday May 2nd at York College Performing Arts Center in New York.
The Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award is the most esteemed award given at the IRAWMA’s, with Haitian-American Jean and Rev. Sharpton, president of National Action Network (NAN) and a tireless civil rights activist, being this year’s worthy recipients. “The Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award is given each year to individuals who exemplify through their work, assistance, and a voice for the disenfranchised and needy.” Said event producer Ephraim Martin, president of Martin’s International, “Reverend Sharpton continues to be a voice for the poor, seeking social justice where it is due and Wyclef has done a remarkable job in his efforts for Haiti.”
In fact, Jean, through his Yéle Haiti organization has reportedly raised over $9 million since the January earthquakes in Haiti. Reverend Sharpton whose organization holds their annual conference next week voices concern daily through his radio show and rallies across the country.
The 29th IRAWMA [http://www.irawma.com] is the longest running reggae and world music event in the country, continuing the trend of celebrating the most popular performing artists in the music genres. Performers and nominees for IRAWMA 2010 include Julian Marley, Dean Fraser, Queen Ifrica, Tarrus Riley, Gramps Morgan, Machel Montano, Barbee, Alison Hinds, Winsome Benjamin, Tony Rebel, Sean Paul, Beenieman and Vybz Kartel among others.
IRAWMA also recognize artists in Gospel, Salsa, Latin, Reggaeton, Calypso, Soca, African, Soukous, Compas, Racine and Hip Hop. For further information, ticket info, voting and a list of all sponsors (American Airlines, Western Union, MD-TV etc.) visit: http://www.irawma.com/.
About IRAWMA:
In 1981, Jamaican photo-journalist Ephraim Martin staged the “Reggae Awards” in Chicago. Over the last 29 years the annual event has travelled to Miami, Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale, New Orleans, New York and Jamaica. IRAWMA honors Reggae and World Beat entertainers for their outstanding contribution to the international music community. Reggae and World Music industry experts select the top entertainers for more than 40 categories. Music fans across the globe are then given the opportunity to vote for their favorites, the nominee with the most votes takes home the coveted trophy. IRAWMA has grown into the oldest and longest running annual Reggae and World Music event.
Media Relations Contact:
ACM PR: A.C. McLean
TEL: (312) 373-1778 (USA)
TEL: (0)207 078-4335 (UK)
Electronic Mail: acm@acmpr.com