International Reggae and World Music Awards: Vybz Kartel Dominates 2026 Nominations with 11 Nods

Reggae’s biggest night is shaping up to be a historic one.

The 43rd Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) will take place on May 17, 2026, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in South Florida — and all eyes are on dancehall icon Vybz Kartel.

Fresh off a remarkable resurgence that has redefined his global presence, Kartel leads the 2026 nominations with 11 nods, including top honors for the Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year and the Toots Hibbert Award for Best Album for Heart & Soul.

The nominees were officially announced on February 19, 2026, in Kingston, Jamaica, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most talked-about IRAWMA ceremonies in recent years.

Kartel’s 11-Nomination Sweep

Kartel’s nominations span nearly every major category, underscoring his dominance across reggae, dancehall, and crossover markets.

His 2026 nominations include:

• Bob Marley Award – Entertainer of the Year

• Peter Tosh Award – Recording Artiste of the Year

• Gregory Isaacs Award – Best Song (“God Is the Greatest”)

• Toots Hibbert Award – Best Album (Heart & Soul)

• Jimmy Cliff Award – Best Crossover Entertainer

• Best Male DJ/Rapper

• Best Caribbean Entertainer

• Best Music Video (“God Is the Greatest” and “You Remind Me”)

• Best Collaboration – Reggae & Other Genres (“PBT” and “You Remind Me”)

The nominations reflect not just chart success but cultural impact. Since his 2024 return, Kartel has earned back-to-back Grammy nominations and reclaimed his place at the center of global dancehall.

Sean Paul Follows Strong

International hitmaker Sean Paul secured eight nominations, reaffirming his enduring crossover appeal and continued relevance in both reggae and mainstream markets.

Major Category Highlights

🏆 Best Reggae Album

• Vybz Kartel – Heart & Soul

• Keznamdi – Blood & Fyah

• Lila Iké – Treasure Self Love

• Mortimer – From Within

• Jesse Royal – No Place Like Home

🎧 Best Male DJ/Rapper

• Alkaline

• Beenie Man

• Masicka

• Vybz Kartel

🎤 Best Female DJ/Rapper

• Spice

• Jada Kingdom

• Koffee

• Shenseea

Best Caribbean Entertainer

• Beenie Man

• Popcaan

• Sean Paul

• Shaggy

• Spice

• Vybz Kartel

Best New Entertainer

• Malie Donn

• Mite Marley

• Skippa

Best Gospel Entertainer

• Dr. Carlene Davis

• DJ Nicholas

• Kevin Downswell

• Papa San

• Judith Gayle

• Prince Saj

• Jason Mighty

Best Music Video

• Damian Marley – “Wisemen”

• Louis York & Gramps Morgan – “Have a Little Light”

• Shatta Wale – “Killa Ji Mi”

• YG Marley – “Praise Jah in the Moonlight”

• Vybz Kartel – “God Is the Greatest”

International & Cultural Impact

IRAWMA 2026 also reflects reggae’s global footprint:

• Best Afrobeat Entertainer features nominees from Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, and Congo.

• Best African Dancehall Entertainer highlights artists from Uganda, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and beyond.

• Best Reggaeton Entertainer includes Daddy Yankee, J. Balvin, Karol G, and Snow Tha Product.

• Festival of the Year nominees include Reggae Sumfest, Rototom Sunsplash, Reggae Land, and Reggae Rise Up Florida.

• Concert of the Year spotlights events from Miami to Ghana and the UK.

Lifetime Honour for a Reggae Legend

In one of the evening’s most anticipated moments, roots reggae pioneer Burning Spear will receive the Lifetime & Master of World Music Honour. The recognition celebrates decades of unwavering contribution to roots reggae and global consciousness music.

May 17: Reggae’s Global Stage

With nominations spanning dancehall, roots reggae, gospel, and crossover categories, the 43rd IRAWMA once again reinforces its role as a global barometer for reggae excellence.

On May 17, 2026, South Florida will become the epicenter of Caribbean music culture as artists, producers, and fans gather at LPAC to witness who will take home reggae’s coveted honors.

One thing is already clear: 2026 belongs to Kartel — and the world is watching.