New York:
For the third time in six years, North America's premier reggae festival - Irie Jamboree - won the award for "Concert of the Year" at the 28th Annual International Reggae & World Music Award (IRAWMA) that was held on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at the York College Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York, beating "Best of The Best" (Miami); "Moment In Time - Harmony House" (Jamaica); "Reggae Summerjam" (Germany) and "Reggae Sumfest" (Jamaica) for the top prize.

"We are elated to be honored again in our 6th year, particularly given the speed with which the festival has developed into North America's premier reggae festival" said Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Media - co-producers of Irie Jamboree - soon after accepting the award on stage.

"The festival is of true international standing and for our success we thank all the patrons who have consistently supported us over the years, we thank our sponsors and the hard working production team" he reiterated.

Irie Jamboree 2008 attracted well over 30,000 music lovers who were treated to a superb blend of Caribbean music served up by pioneers Yellow-man, Admiral Bailey, Coco Tea, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley - the leading vocalist in reggae, Caribbean soca Queen Allison Hinds, alongside rising stars Demarco, Serani, Mavado, Elvis D, Tanya Mullings and Bugle.

Also recognized at the IRAWMA was Irie Jam Radio host Roy "DJ Roy" Walter who was the recipient of an "Award of Appreciation" for his contribution to the entertainment industry.

photo caption
(L-R) Irie Jam radio host DJ Roy, recipient of an "Award of Appreciation," TV host Kamila Ann McDonald of CVM TV, Louie Grant, VP of Irie Jam Media and Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Media soon after collecting the award for "Concert of the Year" at the 2009 International Reggae & World Music Awards, which was held in New York recently.