Vybz Kartel has earned the most nominations in the 43rd staging of the International Reggae And World Music Awards (IRAWMA) scheduled for May 17 at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in Lauderhill, South Florida.

The annual event was launched on February 19 at R Hotel in New Kingston.

Vybz Kartel, who had a banner 2025 with sold-out shows in New York, South Florida and Toronto, has 11 nominations including for Entertainer of The Year, Recording Artiste of The Year, Best Song (God is The Greatest), Best Album/CD (Heart & Soul), and Best Crossover Entertainer.

Sean Paul earned seven nods from the IRAWMA panel, including for Entertainer of The Year, Recording Artiste of The Year, Best Song (Let it Talk to Me featuring Inna), and Best Crossover Entertainer.

Also getting five calls is Lila Ike for Best Album/CD (Treasure Self Love), Best Song (All Over The World featuring Protoje), and Entertainer of The Year.

Winners will be decided by online voting which concludes on May 5.

There are 43 categories this year, with special awards going to veteran booking agent and show promoter George Crooks and Howard Chung of VP Records.

Ephraim Martin, a former photojournalist who first staged the IRAWMA in 1982 in Chicago, said the event remains relevant after 44 years.

“When I started it there was no recognition for reggae. The music has evolved, so it’s important to keep these awards because it’s the only one that recognises all categories,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Some of those categories include Best Caribbean Entertainer, Best Haitian Entertainer, and Best Afrobeat Entertainer.

Martin covered much of the hostilities of the late 1970s as a photographer for the Daily Gleaner newspaper in Kingston, Jamaica. He never forgot the influence of Burning Spear, the recipient of the 2026 IRAWMA Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Burning Spear is a quiet man but a powerful force. He doesn’t get as much love in Jamaica now, but thousands of people in Africa and Europe still appreciate his music. The love they show him is amazing,” said Martin.

A two-time Grammy Award winner, the 80 year-old singer remains active. In 2025, Burning Spear did a successful tour with Ziggy Marley, whose father, Bob Marley, was his good friend.

Along with Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear made roots-reggae a global brand during the 1970s. His 1975 album, Marcus Garvey, is considered one of music’s great works.

Ephraim Martin (left), founder of the International Reggae And World Music Awards, and Tommy Cowan at the February 19 launch of the event at R Hotel in New Kingston.

Lila Iké.

Sean Paul (Photo: Sam Johnston/UBS Arena)

Burning Spear.