As plans unfold for the staging of the 30th anniversary of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in T&T, anticipation is at an all time high. Music fans and industry insiders are eagerly awaiting the host of performances for the renowned awards show as well as the major concert event, Reggae meets Soca/Chutney. The prestigious IRAWMA ceremony, which will be held at the National Academy for Performing Arts (NAPA), on May 28 will offer the very best in regional talent, such as T&T's very own Machel Montano HD; She's Royal singer Taurus Riley; and, Jamaican music legends Freddie McGregor and Dean Fraser. Patrons can also look forward to dynamic performances by dancehall divas Macka Diamond and Tifa; Denise "Saucy Wow" Belfon; Queen Ifrica; and St Maarten's leading pannist and calypsonian, The Mighty Dow.
Reggae icons Shaggy and Tony Rebel will serve as MCs for this fun-filled evening. Shaggy will work double duty during this upcoming weekend, as he will transition from the role of host to performer at the May 29 event, Reggae Meets Soca/Chutney at the Queen's Park Savannah. At this concert spectacular Shaggy will display his Grammy Award winning talent alongside longtime cohort Rayvon, and will share the stage with the cream of the Caribbean music crop including the King of the Dancehall Beenie Man, reggae crooner Jah Cure, Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage fame, The Roy Cape All Stars with Blaxx, and several chutney and soca artistes. Attendees of these events can expect two world class productions complete with a multi-genre all star casts and memorable surprises. As the IRAWMA weekend approaches more artistes will be announced.
• For information on IRAWMA, tickets and travel log onto www.irawma.com or call 312-427-0266 (North America) or 868-475-1000 (Caribbean).