On 3 May the 28th edition of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMAs), the oldest ceremony honouring the reggae industry, will be held in New York. Across nearly forty categories, Mavado takes the lion's share with 8 nominations, closely followed by Beres Hammond and Elephant Man (7 nominations), then Etana and Queen Ifrica (5 nominations) and Mr Vegas (4 nominations). Also nominated are Shaggy, Morgan Heritage, Duane Stephenson, Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Ziggy Marley, Wyclef Jean, Serani, Luciano, Tony Rebel and Tarrus Riley.
Who will succeed Beenie Man as artist of the year? Tarrus Riley as male vocalist of the year? Etana as female vocalist of the year? The answer comes on 3 May.