The International Reggae and World Music Awards produced annually by Martin's Inter-Culture announced today the nominees for this year’s ceremony which will be held at Columbia University-Alfred Lerner Hall, 115th Street and Broadway, New York, NY on Sunday May 9, 2004 (Mothers Day)

The International Reggae and World Music Awards (http://www.internationalmusicawards.com) produced annually by Martin's Inter-Culture announced today the nominees for this year’s ceremony which will be held at Columbia University-Alfred Lerner Hall, 115th Street and Broadway, New York, NY on Sunday May 9, 2004 (Mothers Day). Advance tickets are: $75 for VIP Reception/Awards Show (6:00pm) and $50 for Awards show only (8:00pm), available at: TEL (877) 973-4423, 212/307-7171 or visit: http://www.ticketmaster.com.

The IRAWA aims annually to honor the very best in Reggae and World Beat Music with the staging of the popular event. Dancehall reggae superstar Sean Paul tops this year’s nominations with an unprecedented eleven nominations, akin to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King at this years Academy Awards. The enigmatic reggae artists Elephant Man and Sizzla head the rest of the field with seven and six award nominations respectively. The nominees for the International Reggae and World Music Awards are determined by music industry professionals and Martin's Inter-Culture executive and affiliates worldwide.

Other nominees in the various 38 categories include: Peter Gabriel, Lucky Dube, Judy Mowatt, Sly and Robbie, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Luciana, Buju Banton and Wayne Wonder and Morgan Heritage, UB-40, Marcia Griffiths, Burning Spear, Calypso Rose, Lady Saw, Sister Carol, Papa San. Among the World Beat artists are: L 'Orchestra Tropicana d' Haiti from the troubled country of Haiti is also in the running for an award, as is Youssou N'Dour, Angelique Kidjo, Alpha Blondy, Bunji Garlin, Iwer George, Tabou Combo and T-Vice. Best Latin Entertainer nominations include: Enrique Iglesias, Santana Luis Miguel, Mana, and Jennifer Lopez.

Two new categories were added to the Awards this year; they are Best Hip Hop Entertainer and Best Reggaeton Entertainer. The Hip Hop nominees are: Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, Fabolous, Black Eye Peas and Outkast, and Reggaeton nominees are: Noreaga, Tego Calderon, Wisin Y Yandel, Queen Ivy and Daddy Yankee. Those new to the sound of Reggaeton should note that it is a relatively new genre of dance music that has become popular in Puerto Rico over the last decade

For a complete list of nominees and categories, media, music lovers and fans and are invited to vote online at: http://www.internationalmusicawards.com or to mail in votes to: IRAWMA Votes, P.O. Box 5836, Chicago, IL 60680. Sponsors and contributors for the 23rd IRAWMA: Upscale Magazine, Air Jamaica, Remy Amerique, Gleaner/Star newspapers and African Spectrum.

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For Immediate Release:                            
Contact: Martins Inter-Culture, Ltd
TEL: 312 427-0266
Email: internationalawards@martinsinterculture.com