Sean Paul heads the nominees for this year’s International Reggae And World Music Awards (IRAWMA) with seven nominations.

Nominees in 40 categories were announced on January 15 by Ephraim Martin, founder of the event, which is in its 42nd year.

The Grammy winner earned calls for Entertainer of The Year, Recording Artiste of The Year, Best Crossover Song, Best Caribbean Entertainer, Most Active Reggae/Dancehall Social Media Entertainer, and Best Music Video.

YG Marley and Shenseea have been nominated in five categories, with Buju Banton and Spice named in four categories.

Winners will be selected by voting, with awards being handed out on March 30 during a ceremony at Coral Springs Center For The Arts in South Florida.

A grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley, YG Marley is nominated for Best Male Vocalist, Best Song, Best Crossover Song, Best New Entertainer and Best Music Video.

Shenseea’s calls are for Best Album/CD, Best Crossover Song, Best Female Dancehall/Rap Artiste, Most Popular Collaborated Song, and Most Active Reggae/Dancehall Social Media Entertainer.

Singer Audley Rollen will receive a Special Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award of Honour for 65 years contribution to the music industry. Rollen, an ordained pastor, started his career in the 1957 Vere Johns Opportunity Hour talent series.

He began recording music in the mid-1960s, and was once a member of influential groups such as The Hippy Boys and Youth Professionals. His hit songs include Repatriation Is A Must, Hallelujah, and Never Knew Love Until You.

Martin, who worked for many years as a photographer with the Gleaner Company, started the IRAWMAs in 1982, shortly after migrating to the United States. It honours the year’s leading performers in reggae, dancehall, soca and African music.