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Jamaican Music Awards and Recognitions
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By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
With music being such an integral part of who we are as a people and an island, it should come as no surprise that we have several Jamaican music awards and recognitions. These awards not only recognize the talent and artistry within Jamaica but also serve as platforms for promoting the country's rich musical heritage to a global audience.
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While we regularly have artists being nominated for international awards such as the Grammy’s there is something special about having awards of our very own.
IRAWMA
IRAWMA stands for the International Reggae and World Music Awards. It is an annual awards ceremony that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of artists in the reggae and world music genres. The event was founded by Ephraim Martin, a Jamaican entrepreneur and radio personality, in 1982.
The IRAWMA honours various categories, including Best Male Vocalist, Best Female Vocalist, Best Song, Best Album, Best Dancehall Entertainer, and Best New Entertainer, among others. The awards cover a wide range of musical styles, including reggae, dancehall, soca, calypso, reggaeton, and other world music genres.
The ceremony takes place in different locations each year, with previous venues including Jamaica, the United States, and other countries with a significant reggae and world music influence. The event attracts a diverse audience, including musicians, industry professionals, fans, and media representatives.
The winners of the IRAWMA are determined through a combination of public voting and the votes of a panel of experts. The awards not only recognize established artists but also provide a platform for emerging talent to gain exposure and recognition in the global music industry.
The International Reggae and World Music Awards play a significant role in promoting reggae and world music around the world, acknowledging the contributions of artists, producers, songwriters, and other individuals involved in the genres.
JaRIA (Jamaica Reggae Industry Association) Honour Awards
The Honour Awards is a glittering, celebrity-studded gala event where special attention is given to business leaders who have played a significant role in the amazing international spread of Jamaican music culture. It is intended to celebrate noteworthy accomplishments in red carpet fashion, utilizing the main components of a concert format with performances sandwiched in between the announcement of the award recipients.
The awards, which were given out for the first time in 2009, honour people, organizations, and institutions who have made significant contributions to the establishment, growth, mentoring, and development of the local music scene. There are 28 prizes in total from 18 categories, and they all recognize excellence in local music. Awardees over the years have included Spice, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Earl “Chinna” Smith and Hopeton Lewis.
Irie FM Music Awards
The IRIE FM Music Awards recognizes the top performers and most well-liked aspects of our music and culture from the previous calendar year. It all started on February 14, 2006. Senior radio host Ainsworth 'Big A' Higgins, a longtime supporter of the awards, was the one who came up with the idea. There are three tiers to the voting process, including a panel of business experts and an auditing agency to assure fairness and openness. Past awardees include Spice, Yaksta, and Dexta Daps.
The Grammy’s
Jamaican artists have received recognition in different Grammy categories, most notably in the reggae category. Since 1985, the Grammy Awards have included a separate category for Best Reggae Album, highlighting the genre's global impact. Numerous Jamaican reggae artists and bands have earned Grammy recognition and have become synonymous with the award. Notable Jamaican artists who have won Grammy Awards include Bob Marley and the Wailers, Jimmy Cliff, Burning Spear, Shaggy, and Damian Marley. These artists have not only made significant contributions to reggae but have also helped to popularize Jamaican music worldwide. So while the Grammy Awards are not specific to Jamaican music, they have played a significant role in recognizing and honouring Jamaican artists who have made major contributions to the music industry.
The Jamaican music industry has produced legendary artists and influential genres that have captivated audiences worldwide. The various music awards in Jamaica serve as beacons of recognition and celebration, elevating the achievements of artists, musicians, and industry professionals who have contributed to the country's musical legacy. These awards continue to honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of Jamaican music.
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References & Sources For Jamaican Music Awards and Recognitions
- About The Music Awards - IrieFm. (n.d.). IrieFm. https://www.iriefm.net/about-the-music-awards/
- JaRIA names awardees. (2023, July 14). Jamaica Observer. https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/jaria-names-awardees/
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