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Friday, May 9th 2003 The Manhattan Center New York City This year marks the 22nd year of the IRAWMA's which has become the longest running show honoring reggae music and is now the only one of it's kind. The IRAWMA's was first established in Chicago by Ephraim Martin and has since grown into a worldwide organization and has held it's events in Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, Fort Lauderdale, Montego Bay, and Ochos Rios. The 22nd show was held in New York City for the first time, which is one of the biggest supporters of reggae music in the U.S. This year the show was highlighted with performances by Dean Fraser and Friends, Conqueror, Tinga Stewart, Soukous Stars, Half Pint, Malachi Smith, Richie Stephens, Mutabaruka, Tony Rebel (also the host), Marcia Griffiths, TOK, Sanchez, and Frankie Paul. Luciano was slated to perform as well but apparently someone had broken into his vehicle in Jamaica the night before and stole his briefcase which contained unfortunately contained his passport. Stand out performances were by Mutabaruka who recited a poem that had the woman next to me in tears. The crowd went wild during his performance and I must say I have never seen or heard anything like Mutabaruka before. A relatively unknown group called the Soukous Stars also got the crowd moving. The Stars hail from Africa and are part dance troupe, part band. The crowd didn't know what to think of them when they first came out but soon won them over with their highly energetic stage performance. A special surprise for the audience that night was an appearance by dancehall sensation Sean Paul who came out to accept his award for Album of the Year. The crowd turn out for this year's awards show was not as expected considering the venue was filled to about a third of it's capacity. Hopefully next year they will return to NYC and the word will get out sooner to reggae music fans. List of 2003 Award Winners Most
Consistent Entertainer - Half Pint & Frankie Paul |
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The International Reggae And World Music Awards