The International Reggae & World Music Awards 2011 to be held in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago will be hosting the 2011 International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA). While speaking at a news conference at the House of Angostura, Laventille, on Wednesday, Producer/President, Ephraim Martin said T&T was chosen over 30 countries including Jamaica, Ghana, Nigeria and Guadeloupe, as both soca and chutney music were gaining international recognition.

The IRAWMA founded in 1982 acknowledges and honours the accomplishments and contributions of reggae and world music artists, including: songwriters, performers, promoters and musicians. Produced by Martin's International & Associates, the IRAWMA has been staged in many major cities induding: Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New Orleans, New York, as well as both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The impetus behind the IRAWMA is it's commitment to promoting greater participation and acceptance of Reggae, Caribbean and World Music, internationally. (irawma.com)

American Hip-Hop stars Drake and Rick Ross, US singer Alicia Keys and Barbadian R&B songstress Rhianna are among the large crop of artistes nominated for the 30th annual International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) to be held at The National Academy For the Performing Arts (NAPA) on May 28. Several local and regional performers such as JW and Blaze, Nigel Lewis, Iwer George, Beenie Man and Queen Ifrica are also vying for awards in various categories.(guardian.co.tt)