Going into the March 30 International Reggae And World Music Awards (IRAWMA), Marcia Jackson is defending champion in the Best Poet/Spoken Word Entertainer category.

She believes the 2024 victory signified her coming of age as a poet.

The year “2024 has been an incredible year of growth and evolution for me, both personally and professionally. I’ve been focusing on expanding my poetic knowledge and collaborating with amazing poets from different genres. The year has been full of new challenges, but also rewarding moments… from the IRAWMA nomination to some unforgettable performances. It feels like everything is coming together in a way that’s pushing me to new heights,” Jackson told the Jamaica Observer.

Amaziyah The Great, Judith Falloon-Reid, Richie Innocent, and Wise Wurdz are the other contenders for the Mutabaruka Award. The winner will be decided by voting which ends March 10.

Like most reggae-inspired poets, Jackson’s work focuses on Afrocentric and social themes. Pigmentology, IT, Drums, Love Land, and Pack fi Send Down are some of the poems that brought the Portland-born artiste to prominence.

Prior to poetry, she recorded a handful of songs as deejay Copper Girl and acted in several roots plays. Since moving to South Florida in 2000, Jackson has worked as a registered nurse, promoted the Easter Comedy Show in the city of Melbourne, and maintained her ties to acting by appearing in plays like The Real Wife.

A second-straight IRAWMA call for Best Poet/Spoken Word Entertainer is another career high point for Jackson.

“It’s a recognition that means so much to me as a poet, and I’m proud to continue representing my culture through poetry on such a prestigious platform. It feels like all the hard work, dedication, and love I pour into my craft is being appreciated, and it motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of my poetic self,” she said.

The 42nd IRAWMAs takes place at Coral Springs Center For The Arts in South Florida.