IRAWMA Awards was a night of Glitz and Glamor with Stellar Performances

The 32nd IRAWMA International Reggae and World Music Awards was held at the Center for the Arts Coral Springs, Florida this past Saturday (May 4), which was hosted by Etana and Audley Rollen. Freddie McGregor was originally slated to host along side Etana but last minutes changes were made because he had the flu.

The star studded red carpet event was a night of Glitz, Glamor and Grandeur, where celebrities, nominees and Platinum VIP ticket holders enjoyed a night to remember, with over a thousand people in attendance.

Mr. Vegas receiving one of his two
IRAWMA trophies won

Notable winners for the night were Mr Vegas, who walked away with two IRAWMAs, Best Song, Sweet Jamaica and Best Music Video. Tarrus Riley also won two IRAWMAs for Best Male Vocalist and Most Cultural/Educational Entertainer. Romain Virgo received a trophy for Most Promising Entertainer, while veteran Entertainer Freddie McGregor was named Most Consistent Entertainer.  

The complete list of winners and honorees is listed on www.irawma.com

Performances included Dean Frasier who started the evening with a fiery instrumental selection, led by Frasier on saxophone. Mr. Vegas, Romain Virgo, Calypso Rose, who had the audience on their feet, Half Pint, Richie Stephens and Macka Diamond. African Soukous Star, Top One Frisson received an enthusiastic applause after his performance, was not to be outdone by his counterpart Wyre from Kenya who also received a rousing reception. Poet Mutabaruka, and Haitian Gospel group Jonathan Laurince and True Worshipper were engaging. Florida's rising stars Sons of Mystro, as well as Gospel's popular performer, Second Chance's performance were well-received by the audience as well as Etana's performance as both host and songstress. There was a video presentation and special tribute to Jacob Miller from Inner Circle, whose birthday was actually on May 4th.

The 2013 Lifetime/Hall of Fame awards were presented to Derrick "Ducky" Simpson of Black Uhuru, Denver "JAMUSA" Silvera, Lloyd "Joe Fraser" Campbell and Inner Circle. Martin's International-IRAWMA Award of Honor were presented to producer Donovan Germain, event marketing specialist C. "Eddy" Edwards, and radio host Bevan "Duke of Earle" Earle.

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