Buju Banton was a big winner at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). The event, which was reduced to an online and media announcement of winners, saw the deejay copping a total of seven trophies.

Among his wins was The Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award; Best R&B/Hip Hop collaboration for Holy Mountain featuring DJ Khaled; Best Dancehall Statgecraft Entertainer; Most Cultural/Educational Entertainer and Best Caribbean Entertainer for which he tied with Beenie Man.

Buju Banton’s Til Shiloh Band won Most Outstanding Show Band, while Long Walk To Freedom, his first show after his return from a 10-year jail sentence, was named Concert of The Year.

Koffee was also a big winner, taking four awards, which sits well with her Grammy Award in January for Best Reggae Album.

Koffee won Best Female Vocalist, Best Song for Toast, Best Album (Rapture); and Best Music Video for Toast.

Speaking to the Jamaica Observer, conceptualiser for IRAWMA, Ephraim Martin, noted that despite the COVID-19, it was decided that the show had to go on.

“Yes, the coronavirus pandemic was a setback for us. We had lots of people scheduled to come in from all over the world for the event. There was a big delegation coming from Africa this year, as the awards is very popular there,” he said. “But we decided that we just had to go ahead given the importance of these awards to the entertainment industry. So we had to do our best. We missed the glitz and glamour of the red carpet and the energy of the audience, but I believe we were able to manage and deliver under the circumstances.”

Martin shared that the situation presented an opportunity to widen the IRAWMA reach to those unable to be in Jamaica for the event.

“I believe we have set a precedent in these times. Rather than cancelling events, we have been able to show others how you can go ahead in these times. More than 100,000 persons tuned in to hear the announcements. This is great. Especially at this time when many persons are at home with nothing to do, these online events provide a great form of entertainment,” he noted.

Other winners included Entertainer of The year — Popcaan; Recording Artiste of The Year – Vybz Kartel; Best Male Vocalist — Chronixx; Best Gospel Song — No Weapon by Jermaine Edwards; Best Male Deejay — Vybz Kartel; Best Female Deejay — Spice; Best New Entertainer — Chronic Law.

Veteran Freddie McGregor was named Most Consistent Entertainer; Stone Love was voted Best Sound System, and Dig Dong and Ravers Clavers won for Most Outstanding Dance Group.