As plans unfold for the staging of the 30th anniversary of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in Trinidad and Tobago anticipation is at an all time high. Music fans and industry insiders are eagerly awaiting the host of performances for the renowned awards show as well as the major concert event Reggae meets Soca/Chutney.
The prestigious IRAWMA ceremony which will be held at the National Academy for Performing Arts on Saturday May 28th will offer the very best in regional talent such as Trinidad & Tobago’s own Machel Montano (pictured here, performing at a past IRAWMA celebration), Shes Royal singer Taurus Riley, and Jamaican music legends Freddie McGregor and Dean Fraser. Patrons can also look forward to dynamic performances by dancehall divas Macka Diamond and Tifa, Denise ‘Saucy Wow’ Belfon, Queen Ifrica and St. Maartens leading pannist and calypsonian The Mighty Dow. Reggae icons Shaggy and Tony Rebel will serve as MCs for this fun-filled evening.
Shaggy (pictured at right) will work double duty during this upcoming weekend as he will transition from the role of host to performer at the Sunday 29th May event Reggae meets Soca/Chutney at the Queens Park Savannah. At this concert spectacular Shaggy will display his Grammy Award winning talent alongside longtime cohort Rayvon and will share the stage with the cream of the Caribbean music crop including the King of the Dancehall Beenie Man (pictured below), reggae crooner Jah Cure, Gramps Morgan (of Morgan Heritage fame), The Roy Cape All Stars with Blaxx and several chutney and soca artistes.
Attendees of these events can expect 2 world class productions complete with multi-genre all star casts and memorable surprises. As the IRAWMA weekend approaches more artistes will be announced.
The 30th IRAWMA anniversary is sponsored by Blink/Bmobile, Angostura Bitters, the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, T&T Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC), Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Tobago Department of Tourism (TDT), Direct Music TV America, Soca 91.9 FM, M.O.R.E. 104.7 FM, Boom Champions 94.1FM, Caribbean Rumour Mill, Jlehsiek and TrinJam Foods.
For information on IRAWMA, tickets and travel, log onto www.irawma.com or call 312-427-0266 (North America) OR 868-475-1000 (Caribbean).
