Repeating Islands

Port of Spain, Trinidad will host the 30th annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) on May 28, 2011.

The Guardian reports that it is the first time this red carpet affair will be held in Trinidad and Tobago. Organizers expect between 3,000 and 5,000 guests to attend the show. Producer/President, Ephraim Martin says that Trinidad and Tobago was chosen over 30 countries including Jamaica, Ghana, Nigeria, and Guadeloupe, because both soca and chutney music were gaining international recognition. This year’s edition will also see the introduction of the Chutney Soca category. Stating that steelpan music does not get the recognition it deserves, Martin says that he was disappointed that a “pan category” could not be introduced but he promised that the national instrument will receive its “just due” at the event in the near future.

U.S. hip-hop stars Drake and Rick Ross, Alicia Keys, and Barbadian R&B singer Rhianna are among the artists nominated for awards. Performers from Trinidad and Tobago and others from the Caribbean region who are also vying for awards in various categories include JW and Blaze, Beres Hammond, Nigel Lewis, Iwer George, Beenie Man, and Queen Ifrica, among others. Topping the list are reggae sensation Gyptian, who is nominated in eight categories, soca star Machel Montano, and reggae heart-throb Damian Marley, with seven nominations each.

For original article and full list of nominees, see http://guardian.co.tt/entertainment/2011/03/19/world-music-awards-be-held-tt

Photo of Beres Hammond (nominated for top male vocalist) from http://www.bam.org/view.aspx?pid=1197