New York, NY – April 12, 2010 – International Soca sensation, Machel Montano, who will be participating at the 29th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), Sunday May 2nd has received five nominations this year in the categories of: Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer, Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year, Most Outstanding Stage Personality, Songwriter of the Year and Most Outstanding Show Band/Group as front man for the band Xtatic.

Montano, born in Trinidad and Tobago is renowned as the international king of Soca music, and is the only Soca artist to have sold out two back-to-back shows at Madison Square Garden.

The consummate showman, Montano, one of the Caribbean’s most sought after artist has taken the genre of Soca music to heights and continues to work hard to bring the genre from the oil rich island of Trinidad to the mainstream.

“We are extraordinarily proud of Machel Montano’s achievements and his endeavor to bring Soca to the masses.” Ephraim Martin, event producer for IRAWMA 2010 said. “His performance at this year’s show will surely be one to remember.”

The 29th IRAWMA [http://www.irawma.com] is the longest running reggae and world music event in the country, continuing the trend of celebrating the most popular performing artists in the music genres. Performers and nominees for IRAWMA 2010 include Julian Marley, Dean Fraser, Queen Ifrica, Tarrus Riley, Gramps Morgan, Machel Montano, Barbee, Alison Hinds, Winsome Benjamin, Tony Rebel, Sean Paul, Beenieman and Vybz Kartel among others.

IRAWMA also recognize artists in Gospel, Salsa, Latin, Reggaeton, Calypso, Soca, African, Soukous, Compas, Racine and Hip Hop.  For further information, ticket info, voting and a list of all sponsors (American Airlines, Western Union, MD-TV etc.) visit: http://www.irawma.com/.

About IRAWMA:
In 1981, Jamaican photo-journalist Ephraim Martin staged the “Reggae Awards” in Chicago. Over the last 29 years the annual event has travelled to Miami, Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale, New Orleans, New York and Jamaica. IRAWMA honors Reggae and World Beat entertainers for their outstanding contribution to the international music community. Reggae and World Music industry experts select the top entertainers for more than 40 categories. Music fans across the globe are then given the opportunity to vote for their favorites, the nominee with the most votes takes home the coveted trophy. IRAWMA has grown into the oldest and longest running annual Reggae and World Music event.