IRAWMA 2026 in Lauderhill salutes reggae greats as Kartel leads nomination tally

The 43rd International Reggae and World Music Awards will unfold this Sunday at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in South Florida, drawing marquee talent from reggae, dancehall and world music for a programme billed as especially packed with star power.

Known widely as IRAWMA, the gala is dated May 17, with the red carpet from 6 p.m. Organisers say the lineup spans veteran acts, overseas headliners, rising voices, business figures and supporters from many countries.

Dancehall figure Vybz Kartel sits at the front of the field with 11 nominations spread across nine classes, underscoring his pull on the worldwide dancehall circuit. Shaggy, Sean Paul, Spice and Shenseea are also named among the leading contenders.

U.S. hitmaker and performer DJ Khaled is slated to take a presenter role and is in the running for the joint single “You Remind Me,” which credits Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, Rory from Stone Love, Kaylan Arnold and Mavado.

Organisers expect a standout moment when Mavado accepts a Lifetime Achievement Award for his mark on dancehall and wider Caribbean culture.

Burning Spear, born Winston Rodney, will pick up the Lifetime and Master of Reggae and World Music Culture Award after 57 years shaping reggae and raising global awareness through the music.

The night will also pay tribute to Marcia Griffiths, often called the “Queen of Reggae,” together with Spragga Benz, Wayne Armond, Congolese star Awilo Longomba and Gramps Morgan.

Gramps Morgan and gospel-reggae trailblazer Dr. Carlene Davis are lined up to perform, part of a bill pitched as a cross-section of styles and the worldwide footprint of reggae and world music.

Voting categories stretch across reggae, dancehall, Latin, Afrobeats and world music, with Daddy Yankee, Stick Figure and Mariah Carey cited for the collaboration “Sugar Sweet,” which lists Shenseea and Kehtani.

“This celebration represents more than awards — it is a global cultural movement honoring the legends, pioneers, and future stars of reggae and world music,” said IRAWMA founder Dr. Ephraim Martin in a statement.

The fourth IRAWMA Song Contest returns with finalists Jah Stone, Gospel Guerilla, Garfield Goulbourne and Valeda Williams featuring Steve Cattose.

Officials are urging the public to buy tickets promptly, noting that capacity for the yearly Caribbean-and-world-music gathering is tight.