 The 2009 IRAWMA saw a star-studded affair at the York College Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York on Sunday, May 3, 2009. – Photography by Khayyam Pitts – Rainy weather and cold temps did not put a damper on the 28th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards, which took place at the state-of-the-art York College Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York on Sunday, May 3, 2009. Celebrities filed into the venue hours before the show began, to walk the red carpet and give media their undivided attention. Then the curtains went up and the show was first emceed by Copeland Forbes, pinch hitting for Tony Rebel, who later turned up to take over his hosting duties. The audience was entertained all night with exciting performances from some of the top names in Caribbean music, including Tarrus Riley, Calypso Rose, Beenie Man, Machel Montano, Alison Hinds,Tony Rebel, D’Angel, Gramps Morgan, Duane Stephenson and Barbee, all backed by the Dean Fraser Band. The awards presentation saw some funny moments as fans screamed their choices and awardees teased each other. Beres Hammond, Mavado, Machel Montano, Queen Ifrica and Etana all walked away with two trophies each. Tarrus Riley won “Best Male Vocalist,” Beenie Man took away the “Best Male Deejay” prize, Alison Hinds scored “Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer,” Stephen McGregor nabbed “Producer of the Year,” and Shaggy was honored with the “Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award.” “I first want to extend a note of thanks to each and everyone for your hard work,” stated Ephraim Martin, president of Martin’s International & Associates and producer of the IRAWMA. “I value and appreciate all of your hard work and effort in making the 28th IRAWMA a success.” As the curtains closed on the 28th IRAWMA, everyone present at the awards applauded, paying respect to one of the longest running awards ceremony in the world that honors reggae and world beat music. 2009 IRAWMA Winners
Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year Recording Artist of the Year Best Male Vocalist Best Female Vocalist Best Song Best Album Best Crossover Song Best Gospel Song Best Female D.J./Rapper Best Male D.J./Rapper Best New Entertainer Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer Best Reggaeton Entertainer Best Latin Entertainer Best Compas Entertainer Best African Entertainer Best Soukous Entertainer Best Hip Hop/R&B Entertainer Outstanding Contribution to World Music Most Outstanding Stage Personality Best Music Video Best Poet Most Educational Entertainer Most Outstanding Show Band Most Consistent Entertainer Most Promising Entertainer Most Improved Entertainer Best Instrumentalist Best Backing Band Most Popular Selector Concert of the Year Promoter of the Year Producer of the Year Songwriter of the Year Award for Spiritual Service through Music Community Service Award Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award Best Song in Tribute to Barack Obama SPECIAL: Int’l Reggae & World Music Hall of Fame/Lifetime Inductee SPECIAL: Master of the Caribbean Award SPECIAL: Martin’s International/Inter-Culture Award of Honor SPECIAL: Award for Contributions to Music, Arts & Culture
Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange SPECIAL: Producer’s “Respect” Award
Usain Bolt
SPECIAL: Awards of Appreciation for Contributions to Music Industry
Owen Dalhouse, Brigadier Jerry, Road Int’l, Heavy D |
| For more information, please log on to www.irawma.com |
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