The 2026 edition of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) concluded on Sunday night at Florida’s Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, with iconic dancehall artist Vybz Kartel taking the spotlight as the event’s biggest winner.
Founded to celebrate exceptional creative talent across reggae, dancehall, Latin, Caribbean, and African entertainment spheres, the annual IRAWMA has long served as a key platform elevating global roots and Caribbean music to wider international audiences. This year’s ceremony delivered no shortage of standout moments, led by Kartel’s historic haul of nine awards, two of which were collaborative honors.
Among Kartel’s most high-profile wins are the coveted Entertainer of the Year, Recording Artiste of the Year, and Album of the Year for his Grammy-nominated project *Heart and Soul*. The album picked up a nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards this past November, marking another career high for the artist. Though Kartel was unable to attend the in-person ceremony in Florida, he shared a heartfelt message of gratitude with fans and peers via an Instagram post shortly after the results were announced.
In his social media statement, Kartel wrote: “Tonight I give thanks to the International Reggae and World Music Award for this incredible honour. Awards like these do more than celebrate individuals – they help preserve the heartbeat of our culture. They remind the world that reggae and dancehall are not just music…they are history, struggle, triumph, spirit and identity. To be recognised by your peers is one of the highest honours an artiste can receive because greatness means more when it is acknowledged by those who truly understand the journey.”
Beyond Kartel’s historic win, the 2026 ceremony recognized a wide slate of leading talent across multiple categories. Dancehall and pop crossover star Shenseea took home the award for Best Female DJ/Rapper, while Masicka won honors for his EP *Her Name is Love*. Other notable winners included Spice, Sean Paul, Popcaan, and DJ Mac, who claimed the Producer of the Year title.
Two legendary figures in the reggae space – veteran performer Burning Spear and acclaimed dancehall artist Mavado – were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their decades-long contributions to shaping and popularizing Caribbean music globally.
Gramps Morgan, a core member of the award-winning family group Morgan Heritage and a successful solo artist in his own right, secured two wins on the night: Best Male Vocalist and Best Inspirational Song for his track *People Like You*. In an interview with *Observer Online* on Monday, Morgan shared his excitement about the dual honors, noting that the Best Male Vocalist win came as a surprise that left him feeling humbled.
Reflecting on his award-winning track, Morgan said: “Winning an award for the song People Like You, a song that has changed so many people’s lives, the song was meant to give people their flowers while they’re alive.”
The 2026 IRAWMA once again reinforced the enduring global appeal of reggae and Caribbean music, bringing together established icons and rising talent to celebrate the genre’s ongoing cultural impact.