Ephraim Martin (2nd left) of Martin's International is flanked by Macka Diamond (left) and Tessanne Chin (3rd left) at the launch of the 2007 International Reggae & World Music Awards, at the Jamaica Pegasus on Tuesday evening. Also present are Ce'cile and Tarrus Riley. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Kingston, Jamaica --
The 26th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), by Martin's International and Associates returns to Harlem's World Famous Apollo Theater, in New York City on Saturday, May 5, 2007, commencing at 8:00 pm for general admission, 7:00 pm for VIP ticket holders, and 6:00 pm for the nominees, performers, sponsors and other participants to walk the red carpet.

The official announcement and the releasing of the nominees were made on Tuesday, February 20 at a press conference, held at the Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston, Jamaica by Martin's International and Associates.

Chairman Ephraim Martin, Directors, Clifton Edwards and Austin McBean; along with several entertainers, nominees and media celebrities, including: Tanto Metro, Ce'cile, Macka Diamond, Winford Williams, Daville, Tarrus Riley, Tessanne Chin and Loyal Hayley announced nominees for all 41 categories.

More than one hundred and fifty entertainers and music industry professionals were nominated and selected for special awards by music industry experts throughout the globe.

Among the leading nominees for 2006 are: Sean Paul and Buju Banton with nine (9) nominations each; Baby Cham with six (6) nods and Gyptian, Tanya Stephens and Tony Matterhorn with five
(5) each.

Media Mogul Oprah Winfrey and International Pop/Rock Star Bono will be given the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award for their contributions to humanity worldwide, especially in the continent of Africa. Inductees to the IRAWMA Hall of Fame will be Boris Gardner and BB Seaton & the Gaylads.

Special Martin's International and Associates Award of Honour will be given to: King Jammy's Edmond "Bunny" Lee, Ed Robinson (E2 Recordings) and Don One Records. Special Producer's Respect Award will be given to Dougie Fresh, Gregory Isaacs and Half Pint. Special Award of Appreciation will be awarded to the following: Winston "Niney" Holiness, Jerome Hamilton, Dahved Levy of WBLS 107.5 FM, Lorna Wainwright of Tuff Gong, Bobby Culture
and Friends of Reggae Dave Clark.

Other nominees include: Capleton, Damian Marley, Beenie Man, Luciano, Beres Hammond, Freddy McGregor, Daville, Richie Spice, Dean Fraser, Chuck Fenda, Marcia Griffiths, Cecile, Alaine, Jah Cure and Bounty Killa. Plus: Sly and Robbie, Vybz Kartel, Akon, Wyclef Jean, Sizzla, Macka Diamond, Machel Mantano, Rhianna, Daddy Yankee, Youssou N'Dour, Toots and the Maytels, Rupee, Third World, Burning Spear, Tarrus Riley, Daville, Malachi Smith, Voicemail, Mutabaruka and Dean Fraser, among others.

Tickets for the made-for-television event are now on sale at the Apollo Theater box office (212) 531-5305 and thru Ticketmaster.com, 212/307-7171 and all Ticketmaster outlets. VIP Diamond box tickets are available only from Martin's International and Associates 877/9-REGGAE ((973-4423).

Each year, the experts in the reggae and world music industry select the nominees for IRAWMA, after which reggae and world music fans and the general public then vote for the winners. To participate in the process and help to select the winners in the various categories, persons may vote online www.irawma.com, or mail in your ballot to: IRAWMA-c/o: Martin's International and Associates, PO Box 5836 , Chicago , Illinois 60680 . Ballots are available in various newspapers, restaurants and record stores. Ballots may be requested by sending your request by e-mail to: irawma@aol.com.

The International Reggae and World Music Awards, which annually honours the best in reggae and world beat music at the global level, has been expanded in terms of organisers, and is produced by Martin's International and
Associates, LLC whose directors include: Ephraim Martin, Clifton Edwards, Austin McBean and
Carlton Muldrow.

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