L’IRAWMA or the International Reggae and World Music Awards is a flagship event showcasing excellence in reggae and world music. For the 2025 edition, Sean Paul, an iconic figure in reggae music, has received a total of seven nominations, testifying to his continued impact on the global music scene. The ceremony will take place on March 30 at the Coral Springs Center For The Arts, promising an evening rich in emotion and performance.
Sean Paul's key appointments
Grammy winner Sean Paul, 52, is up for several prestigious awards, including:
- Entertainer of The Year
- Recording Artist of The Year
- Best Crossover Song (for “Ba Ba Bad” with Busy Signal and Kybba)
- Best Caribbean Entertainer
- Most Active Reggae/Dancehall Social Media Entertainer
- Best Music Video (for “Unavailable”) with Davido, Ding Dong and Musa Keys
Sean Paul’s commitment to reggae music is undeniable. His unique style and his collaborations with other renowned artists contribute to strengthening his position on the world stage.
Artists in competition
Other outstanding artists such as YG Marley and Shenseea are also competing in several categories. YG Marley, son of the famous Lauryn Hill and grandson of Bob Marley, is nominated for :
- Best Male Vocalist
- Best Song (“Praise Jah in The Moonlight”)
- Best Crossover Song (“Awuke” with Davido)
- Best New Entertainer
- Best Music Video (“Praise Jah in The Moonlight”)
Shenseea, meanwhile, is in the running for :
- Best Album/CD (Never Gets Late Here)
- Best Crossover Song (“Work me Out” with Davido)
- Best Female Dancehall/Rap Artist
- Most Popular Collaborated Song (“Lick” with Megan Thee Stallion)
- Most Active Reggae/Dancehall Social Media Entertainer
The competition is fierce, and these artists each bring their own style and innovation to reggae music.
Honorary award
A special award will be presented to Audley Rollen, who will receive the Special Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award for his 65-year career in the music industry. Audley began his career in 1957 on the famous Jamaican talent show Vere Johns Opportunity Hour. He has been a member of influential groups such as The Hippy Boys and Youth Professionals.
Other recipients include Belize’s Lord Rhaburn, Jamaican actor Oliver Samuels and Jamaican roots singer Everton Blender, who will be honored for their careers of 70, 55 and 40 years respectively. These distinctions underline the importance of these artists’ contributions to reggae and world music.
Importance of IRAWMA
The International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) play an essential role in the promotion and recognition of reggae and world music artists. IRAWMA founder Ephraim Martin worked as a journalist in the U.S. and Jamaica for over 50 years before launching the event in Chicago in 1982. The event highlights not only established artists, but also new talent emerging on the music scene.
The IRAWMA are a springboard for artists, giving them international exposure. By celebrating the successes of reggae music, the IRAWMAs also contribute to the longevity of this rich and varied musical genre.
A celebration of cultural diversity
The International Reggae and World Music Awards 2025 (IRAWMA) promises to be a memorable event, showcasing outstanding reggae and world music talent. With an impressive list of nominees including Sean Paul, YG Marley and Shenseea, this event underlines the continuing importance of reggae in global music culture. The cultural diversity of the islands of the Greater Caribbean further enriches this musical celebration.
For fans of Caribbean music, this event is an ideal opportunity to discover the artists shaping the future of reggae, while honoring those who paved the way. The IRAWMA are not only a celebration of past successes, but also a springboard for new voices emerging in this rich musical tradition.
The International Reggae and World Music Awards 2025 (IRAWMA) promises to be a must-attend event for all reggae music fans. Whether you’re a Caribbean expert or a novice, this event will give you the opportunity to appreciate the richness and diversity of reggae and world music.
The commitment of iconic figures such as Sean Paul and new generations of artists like YG Marley and Shenseea bear witness to the ongoing evolution of this musical genre. By celebrating these artists, IRAWMA reinforces their role in preserving and promoting Caribbean musical culture.
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