IRAWMA Winners!! The 25th Anniversary of the International Reggae & World Music Awards held on May 6th at NY’s Apollo Theatre announced the 2006 winners. Damian Marley copping 4 awards – the Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year, Recording Artist of the year, Best Song of the year, "Welcome to Jamrock" and the best album of the year, "Welcome to Jamrock”; Marcia Griffiths took home Best Female vocalist; Sean Paul, Best Crossover Song, "We Be Burning”; Beenie Man, Best Male D.J. / Rapper; Macka Diamond, Best Female D.J. / Rapper; Machel Montano, Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer. Other entertainers such as, Capelton, Luciano, Papa San, Jah Cure, Kanye West and more all took home coveted awards. Congrats to you all!!!

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Reggae Sumfest hails women performers!! Music lovers all across the world and in Jamaica make preparations for the big show which already boasts a stellar lineup, but undoubtedly the entertaining and versatile ladies of dancehall are expected to bring their own flavor, dynamism and powerful lyrics to the show. The Queen of Dancehall, Lady Saw, promised she will make her showing at Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest an unforgettable one.

Last year, Saw did her own striptease for the audience with a musical set that included a bed, silk sheets and roses and also demonstrated her versatility. Fans await Lady Saw's return to the big stage to see what she has in store for them this year. Miss ‘Bun Him’ herself, Macka Diamond will be one of the other woman to grace the Sumfest stage, after shocking out at the 2004 where she appeared in a dress made of laminated high-denomination dollar bills, through last year's edition where she had the 'diamond look' making fans eager to see what's next.

Another dancehall entertainer, Spice, who has been blazing up the charts, with not-fit-for-airplay hits like “Nuh Fight Ova Man” and “Push Yuh Hand Inna Di Air”, will represent all women when she hits the stage and has committed to win over the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest crowd, whilst Bajan hit maker Rihanna has been booked to also perform on Sumfest this year, scheduled for July 16 through 22 in Montego Bay. The teenager is currently riding a wave of chart success, with a number one single, SOS (Rescue Me) on the US Billboard Top 100 chart and a top five album, A Girl like Me.

In addition to the ladies, the 2006 renewal will feature dancehall icons such as Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man and Capleton, meanwhile the returning Sunsplash has added UB40 and Alpha Blondy to their stellar line up.

TIDBITS:

May 11, The Hon. Robert Nesta Marley passes in Miami, Florida. He was

36 years old. We miss you Bob!

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The 15th edition of the St Lucia Jazz Festival will be held in the creole island nation of St Lucia, from May 5-14, 2006. British musician Seal, noted songwriter and singer Babyface, jazz diva Nancy Wilson, percussionist Poncho Sanchez, and the soulful Reverend Al Green. It has also attracted the smooth sounds and musical genius of pianist-vocalist Freddy Cole, brother of the late Nat King Cole, saxophonist Kenny Garrett, rhythm and blues chart-topper Ciara, and Barbados-born music sensation Rihanna, who each will take the stage at the legendary Pigeon Island National Park. Check it out!