Reggae Sumfest Wins "Best Concert of the Year"

NEW YORK, NY -  "Concert of the Year" and "Promoter of the Year" were two coveted awards won by Reggae Sumfest and Summerfest Productions at the 27th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) on Sunday, May 4 at the Apollo Theater in the historic Harlem, New York, beating out several large international reggae concerts, which also vied for this honour.

IRAWMA established in 1982, outlines its mission as that of acknowledging and honouring the accomplishments and contributions of entertainers in the categories of reggae, Caribbean and other world music. Its intent is to provide a forum for songwriters, performers and musicians to be recognized for their artistic efforts and achievements with the overall objective of promoting greater participation and acceptance of reggae, Caribbean and world music globally.With 28 years under its belt, IRAWMA is well recognized as the industry's oldest and most prestigious event in its chosen category. The ceremony has been staged in many major U.S. cities as well as in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.  The public is able to vote for their favourite nominee in each category on the internet.

An ecstatic Johnny Gourzong, executive director of Summerfest Productions, comments, "We are of course extremely proud to have been awarded "Concert of the Year" and "Promoter of the Year." As you know Reggae Sumfest is now celebrating its 16th year, and over the years we have always put Jamaica's finest  performers on stage along with highly acclaimed international acts. Our production standards are also first class.  We do extensive marketing and we have put together an excellent  team to ensure that all the necessary elements are executed in the most effective way.  We are therefore very happy to see our efforts recognized by our global audience and awarded by the International Reggae and World Music Awards."

Entertainers from the reggae and soca worlds turned out in their fineries to mingle with media and industry friends, of course with the hope of  winning one of the coveted awards.  Over 40 awards were given out to various artists. 

Machel Montano of Trinidad & Tobago copped three coveted awards - Bob Marley Entertainer of the Year, Most Outstanding Stage Personality of the Year and Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer awards. Beenie Man emerged as Recording Artiste of the Year while Etana came away with the Best Female Vocalist and Tarrus Riley, the Best Male Vocalist of the Year.

Reggae Sumfest 2008 takes place from July 13 - 19 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Click here for updated artist line-up and festival details.