The 42nd edition of the IRAWMA (International Reggae & World Music Awards) took place on Sunday March 30 at the Coral Springs Center for The Arts in Florida. Founded by Dr. Ephraim Martin, this prestigious awards ceremony aims to “showcase the rich musical heritage of Jamaica, Africa and the global community”, and to “honor and promote musical excellence, cultural diversity and artistic innovation”.
This year’s IRAWMA featured 41 categories, and over 200 selections had been made beforehand to find the lucky winners.
Emperor of Reggae & World Music – Hon. Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year
Buju Banton
Peter Tosh Award for Recording Artist of the Year
Vybz Kartel
Jacob Miller Award for Best Male Vocalist
Christopher Martin
Best Female Vocalist
Alaine
Best Song
“Happy Birthday” – Busy Signal
Best Album/CD
“Bob Marley – One Love” – Various Artists, Music Inspired by the Film
Best Crossover Song
“Commando” – Shatta Wale, featuring Bounty Killer
Hall of Justice Award for Best Gospel Entertainer
“Forever Grateful” – Richie Stephens, featuring Sanchez
Best EP (Extended Play) Recording
“Never Give Up” – Agent Sasco & Romain Virgo
Best Male DJ/Rapper
Buju Banton
Best Female DJ/Rapper
Shenseea
Best New Entertainer (Shared)
Nigy Boy, YG Marley
Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer
Patrice Roberts
Best Dancehall Stagecraft Entertainer
Beenie Man
Best Singjay Entertainer
Jah Vinci
Best African Dancehall Entertainer
Shatta Wale
Best Afrobeat Entertainer
Diamond Platnumz
Best African Entertainer
Burna Boy
Best R & B/Hip Hop Collab. Reggae Song
“Remix Hold You” – Gyptian featuring Minaj
Best Reggae Rock Entertainer
Collie Buddz
Best Reggaeton Entertainer
Bad Bunny
Mutabaruka Award for Best Poet/Spoken Word Entertainer
Marcia Jackson
Best Youth Entertainer (Under 19 years old)
Qing Madi
Best Music Video
“Killa Ji Mi” – Shatta Wale
Bunny Wailer Award for Most Cultural/Educational Entertainer
Capleton
Dennis Brown Award for Most Promising Entertainer
BLVK H3RO
Best Instrumentalist
Dean Fraser
Best Sound System/DJ
Soul Supreme
Most Outstanding Dance Group
Immortals
Best Caribbean Entertainer
Beenie Man
Jean B. P. DuSable Award for Best Haitian Entertainer
Kodack Black
Record Producer of the Year
DJ Chrome
Comedian of the Year
Julie Mango
Best IRAWMA Song 2025
(To be determined on the night of the event)
Concert of the Year
“Freedom Street” – Vybz Kartel & Producer DSE (Josef Bogdonovich), also competing against “Reggae Sumfest”
Best Song/Act Saluting VP Kamala Harris (Special)
“Jamerican Momala’s Story” – Ras Dean Jah
Most Active Reggae/Dancehall Social Media Entertainer (Shared)
Sean Paul, Sheenseea
Best Entertainment Media (TV/Podcast/Video) Influencer
Stleek Media
Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award
Bounty Killer
Florida Entertainer of the Year (local – reggae/world music)
Shuga
Florida Best Party DJs – 2024 (Shared)
DJ Tubbis aka DJ Rufus (Caribbean), DJ Jason Panton (Afrobeat)
