Vybz Kartel tops IRAWMA winners list

Dancehall King Vybz Kartel emerged the big winner at the 2026 staging of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), which took place on Sunday night at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in Lauderhill, Florida.

The event recognises and honours entertainers from reggae, dancehall, Latin, Caribbean and Africa.

Vybz Kartel won nine awards, including two shared wins.

Among his awards were Entertainer of the Year, Recording Artiste of the Year and Album of the Year for Heart and Soul, which picked up a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae album last November.

Vybz Kartel, who was not present at the event, showed his appreciation on social media in a post on Instagram.

“Tonight I give thanks to the International Reggae and World Music Award for this incredible honour. Awards like these do more than celebrate individuals – they held preserve the heartbeat of our culture. They remind the world that reggae and dancehall are not just music…they are history, struggle, triumph, spirit and identity. To be recognised by your peers is one of the highest honours an artiste can receive because greatness means more when it is acknowledged by those who truly understand the journey,” the post read.

Other winners include Shenseea who copped Best Female DJ/rapper, Masicka for the EP Her Name is Love, Spice, Sean Paul, Popcaan and DJ Mac for Producer of the Year.

Journeyman reggae artiste Burning Spear and Mavado were both honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Morgan Heritage member and solo recording artiste Gramps Morgan was a double winner, taking home Best Male Vocalist and Best Inspirational Song for People Like You.

“I’m just excited about receiving these awards. Winning Best Male Vocalist was both shocking and humbling. Winning an award for the song People Like You, a song that has changed so many people’s lives, the song was meant to give people their flowers while they’re alive,” Morgan told Observer Online on Monday.