Amidst the Coronavirus sweeping the world, the scaled down to YouTube live broadcast of the 39th IRAWMA (International Reggae and World Music Awards), on Sunday night, May 16th from Jamaica, was an unbelievable success, without public audience. ” The show must go on,” said the Producer, Ephraim Martin.
In compliance with and observation of Jamaica’s Government, and other world health organization’s, social distancing request and no gathering of more than 20 persons; Martin’s International President, Ephraim Martin took his 39th IRAWMA to his official YouTube to reveal and honor reggae and world music’s best of 2020.
Ghanaian recording and performing artiste, Shatta Wale, was crowned the Best Virtual Entertainer of the Year. The Shatta Movement boss defied all odds to beat a stiff competition from other talented Jamaican competitors, including, Agent Sasco, Beenie Man & Bounty Killer (Verzuz Battle), Buju Banton, Capleton to emerge winner of the category.
On the awards night, Shatta Wale took his enviable catalogue of afrobeats, highlife, reggae and dancehall to the 2021 edition of the award’s scheme, as the award-winning Ghanaian recording and performing artiste joined the galaxy of entertainers who served a classical performance. The night also featured performances from the Best of Reggae and World Music’s Entertainers, such as Ziggy Marley, Beenie Man, Gramps Morgan, Master KG, featuring Nomcebo, Papa Michigan, Flourgan, Dynamq Int’l, Ras Takura, D’Yani, and more.
The impetus behind the IRAWMA is its commitment to promoting greater participation and acceptance of Reggae, Caribbean and World Music, Internationally.
At the 37th edition of th IRAWMA in 2019, Shatta Wale also made Ghana proud after grabbing two awards at the just ended 2019 IRAWMA Awards in Jamaica beating Sean Paul and others. He won two awards including ‘Best Video of the Year’ with his hit song ‘Gringo’ and Afro Beats Artist of the Year respectively. He took to social media to announce the good news to his fans.
