(Lauderhill, FL – May 13, 2026) — The countdown is officially on for the 43rd Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards, widely recognized as the premier awards celebration honoring reggae and world music excellence across the globe. This year’s spectacular event takes place this Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, with red carpet arrivals beginning at 6 PM.
Tickets are available now at www.irawma.com.
IRAWMA returns to Lauderhill for what is expected to be one of the most exciting and star-studded productions in the organization’s history, bringing together legendary icons, global superstars, emerging talent, dignitaries, influencers, and reggae lovers from around the world.
Leading this year’s nominations is dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel with an impressive 11 nominations across 9 categories, solidifying his continued dominance and influence on global dancehall culture. Other top nominees include Shaggy, Sean Paul, Spice, and Shenseea.
International music powerhouse DJ Khaled will serve as one of the evening’s presenters and is also nominated for the hit collaboration “You Remind Me,” featuring Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, Rory from Stone Love, Kaylan Arnold and Mavado an honoree.
One of the night’s most anticipated moments will be the honoring of dancehall megastar Mavado, who will receive a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his tremendous impact and contributions to dancehall music and Caribbean culture worldwide.
Reggae legend Burning Spear, also known as Winston Rodney, will receive the Lifetime and Master of Reggae and World Music Culture Award in recognition of an extraordinary 57 years of contribution to reggae music and global consciousness.
The evening will also honor the legendary Marcia Griffiths, widely celebrated as the Queen of Reggae, alongside acclaimed entertainers including Spragga Benz, Wayne Armond, Congolese music icon Awilo Longomba and Gramps Morgan.
Adding to the excitement, Gramps Morgan and gospel reggae pioneer Dr. Carlene Davis are among the featured performers expected to light up the IRAWMA stage with unforgettable performances celebrating the richness and diversity of Caribbean and world music.
The event will also recognize and celebrate countless international nominees spanning reggae, dancehall, Latin, Afrobeats, and world music, including global stars such as Daddy Yankee, Stick Figure, and Mariah Carey, collaborated song “Sugar Sweet”, featuring Shenseea and Kehtani.
“The excitement surrounding this year’s IRAWMA is at an all-time high,” said founder Dr. Ephraim Martin. “This celebration represents more than awards — it is a global cultural movement honoring the legends, pioneers, and future stars of reggae and world music.”
This year’s IRAWMA will feature its 4th annual Song Contest, which talks about what IRAWMA has been doing for the reggae and world music industries over the last 43 years. The four finalists are Jah Stone, Gospel Guerilla, Garfield Goulbourne, and Valeda Williams featuring Steve Cattose. You can visit Youtube.com/irawma to vote for your choice for IRAWMA Best Song 2026.
The event will be hosted by Comedian Dufton Shepherd, Poet/Dramatist Marcia Jackson, and the Jamaica Consulate General in South Florida, Oliver Mair.
Seats are limited and fans are encouraged to secure tickets now and prepare for a historic night of culture, music, fashion, celebration, and unforgettable performances.
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