Reggae singer-songwriter Julian “Ju Ju” Marley has been nominated for four International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA). “I give thanks to the IRAWMA award staff and to all the fans that continue to show their love and support,” says Marley. JuJu’s IRAWMA nominations comes on the heels of a Grammy nod for Best Reggae Album the talented artist received for his third studio album entitled, “Awake” that was co-produced with his brothers Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Stephen Marley, on Ghetto Youths/Universal Records.

Rising reggae star Gramps Morgan, Mojo Morgan and the group Morgan Heritage, the children of Denroy Morgan have amassed a great body of work over the last 12 years. Gramps, fresh from smashing performances in Trinidad & Tobago is up for five IRAWMA nominations. He shares a “Best Crossover Song” nomination with India.Arie for their duet on “Therapy.” Passionate about his latest recording project, Gramps is putting the finishing touches on a Country and R&B album that is set to hit stores later this year.

Jamaica’s sing/jay Queen Ifrica captured nine nominations and set an IRAWMA record for most nominations in a single year for a female artist. The daughter of Ska pioneer, Derrick Morgan, Queen Ifrica is described as a “lioness on the rise.” A versatile performer Queen can sing the sweet melodies of traditional reggae and rock the mic dancehall style like a seasoned veteran.

Tarrus Riley has been surrounded by music from an early age as the son of Jimmy Riley. His third album, Contagious is up for “Best Album/CD” and his single, “Good Girl Gone Bad” a duet with Konshens received a “Best Song” nod. Tarrus is also up for “Entertainer of the Year”, “Best Male Vocalist” “Recording Artist of the Year”, and “Most Culture/Educational Entertainer”.

Reggae veteran Freddie McGregor is nominated for “Most Consistent Entertainer,” while his sons Stephen(Producer of the Year) and Chino(Most Improved Entertainer) are nominated as well. Daville, son of Jah Thomas is nominated for “Best Male Vocalist”. Junior Reid’s sons, Andrew and Wadada Blood received a nod in “Most Improved Entertainer”. Femi Kuti, son of Nigerian legend Fela Kuti is nominated for the “Best African Entertainer.” Other leading IRAWMA contenders: Machel Montano (five nominations); Sean Paul and Macka Diamond (four nods each); Barbee, Beenieman and Vybz Kartel with three nominations each.

Among the performers for the 29th IRAWMA, are: Julian Marley, Machel Montano, Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel, Alison Hinds, Gramps Morgan, Barbee, Dean Fraser, Winsome Benjamin, Tarrus Riley, New Kingston Band, Mutabaruka, Dean Fraser, Brigadier Jerry, Awilo Longomba and a host of other international reggae, and world music superstars.