(February 9, 2026, Jamaica • South Florida • Chicago)
As the expert nomination process to select reggae and world music’s Best of 2025 for the 43rd Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) comes to a close, a press conference to officially reveal the nominees in all categories will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the R Hotel Rooftop Restaurant in Kingston, Jamaica (media and invited participants only). The event will also be streamed live on www.youtube.com/IRAWMA.
During the press conference, a charitable donation from Martin’s International Foundation, the Jamaica–American Association of Illinois, and more than forty additional donors will be presented to the Black River Hospital Foundation. The donation will support healthcare initiatives focused on diabetes care, kidney disease treatment, and the maternity ward at the hospital in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.
Following the official announcement of nominees, IRAWMA subscribers and music fans worldwide are encouraged to subscribe to www.youtube.com/IRAWMA and visit www.irawma.com to cast their votes. Voting is limited to one vote per person; any attempt to vote more than once will automatically be discarded. Voting will remain open until midnight on May 5, 2026.
Winners will be announced and presented on Sunday, May 17, 2026, during the 43rd IRAWMA Awards Ceremony at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC) in Lauderhill, South Florida.
A limited number of 50% off General Admission and VIP promotional tickets are now available at www.irawma.com and www.lpacfl.com. V-VIP ticket holders will enjoy red carpet access, entry to the VIP reception, and premium seating during the showcase.
Dr. Ephraim Martin, President of IRAWMA, who recently lost his wife, partner, and co-executive producer, Hon. Justice Shelvin L. M. Hall, announced that the 43rd Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards is dedicated in her honor. The 2026 theme, “JAMAICA RISE,” salutes members of the music industry and others who, in unity, made—and continue to make—outstanding contributions toward relief and rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Melissa.
A Pre-Health Care Seminar is also in development and is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, one day prior to the awards ceremony.
IRAWMA extends sincere thanks to its long-standing partners and supporters, including the Broward County Florida Cultural Division, VP Records, Downsound Entertainment (DSE), Reggae Festival Guide, JAMUSA, 25th Century Radio, and Masterpiece Events, among others.
To become a sponsor, make a tax-deductible donation, purchase tickets, or advertise in the official IRAWMA magazine, email irawma@gmail.com, visit www.irawma.com, or call 877-9-REGGAE (877-973-4423) for more information.
MEDIA / SPONSOR CONTACTS:
Terrel Blackett – terrel.martinsinternational@gmail.com | 718-427-1079
Jamaica Contact – daina.touchstone@gmail.com
ABOUT IRAWMA
The International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) is the longest-running awards event of its kind, honoring the achievements and contributions of the world’s top reggae and world music entertainers. Established to promote global recognition and appreciation of Reggae, Caribbean, African, and World Music, IRAWMA continues to celebrate excellence, culture, and international unity through music.
