The 2009 IRAWMA Honors the Best in Caribbean & World Music

NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - 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
Beres Hammond

Recording Artist of the Year
Mavado

Best Male Vocalist
Tarrus Riley

Best Female Vocalist
Queen Ifrica & Etana (TIE)

Best Song
Mavado - "So Special" 

Best Album
Etana - Strong One

Best Crossover Song
John Legend & Buju - "Can't Be My Lover"

Best Gospel Song
Stitchie & Elephant Man - "What A Mighty God"

Best Female D.J./Rapper
Queen Ifrica

Best Male D.J./Rapper
Beenie Man

Best New Entertainer
Serani

Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer
Alison Hinds

Best Reggaeton Entertainer
Daddy Yankee

Best Latin Entertainer
Shakira

Best Compas Entertainer
Nu-Look

Best African Entertainer
Alpha Blondy

Best Soukous Entertainer
Awilo Longomba

Best Hip Hop/R&B Entertainer
Lil Wayne

Outstanding Contribution to World Music
Wyclef Jean

Most Outstanding Stage Personality
Machel Montano

Best Music Video
Stephen & Damian Marley - "The Mission"

Best Poet
Mutabaruka

Most Educational Entertainer
Morgan Heritage

Most Outstanding Show Band
Machel & HD Band

Most Consistent Entertainer
Calypso Rose

Most Promising Entertainer
Lutan Fyah

Most Improved Entertainer
Tanya Mullings

Best Instrumentalist
Dean Fraser 

Best Backing Band
New Kingston Band

Most Popular Selector
Stone Love

Concert of the Year
Irie Jamboree

Promoter of the Year
Sumfest

Producer of the Year
Steven McGregor

Songwriter of the Year
Beres Hammond

Award for Spiritual Service through Music
Lutan Fyah

Community Service Award
Ziggy Marley, U.R.G.E.

Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award
Shaggy    

Best Song in Tribute to Barack Obama
Cocoa Tea - "Barack Obama"

SPECIAL: Int'l Reggae & World Music Hall of Fame/Lifetime Inductee
Clive Hunt, King Short Shirt, Sweet Honey in the Rock

SPECIAL: Master of the Caribbean Award
Mighty Sparrow

SPECIAL: Martin's International/Inter-Culture Award of Honor
Granville Straker

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.