Vybz Kartel leads nominations as DJ Khaled prepares for a major appearance and health milestone
Category: Arts & Culture
The 43rd Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) is set to take place this Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in Florida. The event is renowned for honoring excellence in reggae and world music, and this year, it will likely be one of the most exciting productions in its history, featuring red carpet arrivals starting at 6 PM.
As reggae and world music enthusiasts from around the globe prepare for the event, the anticipation is heightened by the impressive lineup of nominees and presenters. Leading the nominations is dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, who has received an astounding eleven nominations across nine categories, underscoring his influence on global dancehall culture. Other notable nominees include Shaggy, Sean Paul, Spice, and Shenseea.
Among the evening's presenters is DJ Khaled, the Grammy-winning artist known for his high-energy personality and motivational slogans. Khaled is also nominated for his collaboration "You Remind Me," which features Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, Rory from Stone Love, Kaylan Arnold, and Mavado, who will also be honored that night.
One of the most anticipated moments of the event will be the honoring of Mavado with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his tremendous contributions to dancehall music and Caribbean culture worldwide. Reggae legend Burning Spear, also known as Winston Rodney, will be awarded the Lifetime and Master of Reggae and World Music Culture Award for his extraordinary 57 years of contributions to reggae music and global consciousness. The evening will also celebrate Marcia Griffiths, widely referred to as the Queen of Reggae, along with other acclaimed artists such as Spragga Benz, Wayne Armond, Congolese music icon Awilo Longomba, and Gramps Morgan.
Adding to the excitement, Gramps Morgan and gospel reggae pioneer Dr. Carlene Davis are among the featured performers expected to take the stage, delivering unforgettable performances that celebrate the richness and diversity of Caribbean and world music. The event will also honor numerous international nominees spanning reggae, dancehall, Latin, Afrobeats, and world music, including global stars like Daddy Yankee and Mariah Carey.
This year’s IRAWMA will also feature its fourth annual Song Contest, highlighting the organization's impact on the reggae and world music industries over the past 43 years. The finalists for this contest include Jah Stone, Gospel Guerilla, Garfield Goulbourne, and Valeda Williams featuring Steve Cattose. Fans can vote for their favorite song by visiting Youtube.com/irawma.
As the event approaches, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early, as seats are limited. The IRAWMA will likely be a historic night filled with culture, music, fashion, and celebration. For tickets, media access, sponsorship opportunities, and additional information, attendees can visit www.irawma.com.
In addition to his role at IRAWMA, DJ Khaled has recently made headlines for a dramatic physical transformation, having showcased a notable weight loss that has impressed fans and industry peers alike. The producer documented his health and fitness regimen on social media, and his latest appearance at the CFP National Championship game revealed a slimmer physique and increased confidence.
As Khaled prepares for his appearance at the IRAWMA, he is also gearing up for the launch of his upcoming studio album, "Aalam of God." This timing aligns perfectly with his visible commitment to health, serving as a secondary promotion for his brand of relentless self-improvement.
Meanwhile, Khaled has faced criticism for his silence on the Israel-Gaza conflict, particularly from fellow artist Drake. In a track from his newly released visual album, "ICEMAN," Drake addresses Khaled directly, questioning his lack of public support for Palestine. The lyric states: "Your people are still waiting for a ‘Free Palestine,’ but apparently everything isn't black and white and red and green," a pointed remark that has drawn attention to Khaled's heritage and public stance.
Drake's comments come in the aftermath of a broader conversation about artists' responsibilities in social and political issues, with Khaled's cousin, Fadie Musallet, expressing disappointment over Khaled's silence during the recent Gaza conflict. Musallet noted that Khaled has previously spoken out during the Black Lives Matter protests, raising questions about his current reticence.
As the IRAWMA approaches, it highlights the achievements of reggae and world music artists and serves as a backdrop for larger conversations within the music industry about advocacy and social responsibility. The event is set to showcase the convergence of cultural celebration and pressing global issues, making it a must-watch for music lovers and activists alike.
With the IRAWMA just days away, anticipation continues to build for what will likely be a memorable evening celebrating the best of reggae and world music.