The 26th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), by Martin's International and Associates returns to Harlem's World Famous Apollo Theater, in New York City on Saturday, May 5, 2007, commencing at 8:00 pm for general admission, 7:00 pm for VIP ticket holders, and 6:00 pm for the nominees, performers, sponsors and other participants to walk the red carpet.

The official announcement and the releasing of the nominees were made on Tuesday, February 20 at a press conference, held at the Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston, Jamaica by Martin's International and Associates.

Chairman Ephraim Martin, Directors, Clifton Edwards and Austin McBean; along with several entertainers, nominees and media celebrities, including: Tanto Metro, Ce'cile, Macka Diamond, Winford Williams, Daville, Tarrus Riley, Tessanne Chin and Loyal Hayley announced nominees for all 41 categories.

More than one hundred and fifty entertainers and music industry professionals were nominated and selected for special awards by music industry experts throughout the globe.

Among the leading nominees for 2006 are: Sean Paul and Buju Banton with nine (9) nominations each; Baby Cham with six (6) nods and Gyptian, Tanya Stephens and Tony Matterhorn with five
(5) each.


Special Martin's International and Associates Award of Honour will be given to: King Jammy's Edmond "Bunny" Lee, ED ROBINSON (E2 Recordings) and Don One Records. Special Producer's Respect Award will be given to Dougie Fresh, Gregory Isaacs and Half Pint. Special Award of Appreciation will be awarded to the following: Winston "Niney" Holiness, Jerome Hamilton, Dahved Levy of WBLS 107.5 FM, Lorna Wainwright of Tuff Gong, Bobby Culture
and Friends of Reggae Dave Clark.

Other nominees include: Capleton, Damian Marley, Beenie Man, Luciano, Beres Hammond, Freddy McGregor, Daville, Richie Spice, Dean Fraser, Chuck Fenda, Marcia Griffiths, Cecile, Alaine, Jah Cure and Bounty Killa. Plus: Sly and Robbie, Vybz Kartel, Akon, Wyclef Jean, Sizzla, Macka Diamond, Machel Mantano, Rhianna, Daddy Yankee, Youssou N'Dour, Toots and the Maytels, Rupee, Third World, Burning Spear, Tarrus Riley, Daville, Malachi Smith, Voicemail, Mutabaruka and Dean Fraser, among others.

Tickets for the made-for-television event are now on sale at the Apollo Theater box office (212) 531-5305 and thru Ticketmaster.com, 212/307-7171 and all Ticketmaster outlets. VIP Diamond box tickets are available only from Martin's International and Associates 877/9-REGGAE ((973-4423).