Jamaican singer and songwriter Koffee leads with six nominations for the 2023 International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA).

Vying in all major categories, including best album and entertainer of the year, the Spanish Town native could make history at the long-awaited return of IRAWMA, celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Koffee was followed closely by ‘Unruly’ heavyweight Popcaan, who received five IRAWMA nominations while breakout dancehall star Valiant copped two nods.

Spice, the reigning ‘Queen of Dancehall’, emerged as the second-most nominated woman of the night, with four nods.

Ephraim Martin, CEO of IRAWMA organisers Martin’s International, promises an unforgettable evening of musical excellence as the awards gala takes over Kingston on May 7.

Speaking at the virtual nominee presentation ceremony, Martin noted that IRAWMA was ready to shake off the setbacks induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, adding the annual awards gala ensured its continuity thanks to broadcasting agreements.

IRAWMA 2023 will honour nominees as well as special awardees for 2021 and 2022.

Major categories and nominees are as follows:

• Entertainer of the Year

Koffee
Kabaka Pyramid
Popcaan
Sean Paul
Shaggy

• Recording Artiste of the Year

Koffee
Masicka
Popcaan
Sean Paul
Shaggy
Valiant

• Best Male Vocalist

Christopher Martin
Dexta Daps
Gramps Morgan
Romain Virgo
Tarrus Riley

• Best Female Vocalist

Etana
Koffee
Lila Iké
Jada Kingdom
Queen Ifrica

• Best Song

Kabaka Pyramid: Red Gold and Green (ft. Damian ‘Jnr Gong’ Marley)
Ding Dong: Bounce
Gramps Morgan: Woman Like You
DJ Khaled: These Streets Know My Name (ft. Skillibeng, Buju Banton, Capleton, Bounty Killa & Sizzla Kolonji)
Spice: Go Down Deh (ft. Sean Paul & Shaggy)

• Best Album

The Kalling, Kabaka Pyramid
Gifted, Koffee
438, Masicka
ALPHA, Shenseea
Emancipated, Spice

• Best Gospel Song

Alaine: If I Have Faith
Kevin Downswell: The Reason
Jermaine Edwards: Beautiful Day (remix)
DJ Nicholas: Dance Off (ft. Jason Mighty)

• Best EP

The Ripple Effx, Alkaline
Acoustic Gold, Etana
God N Gun, Govana
In Too Deep, Kranium
Celebrating Nina: A Reggae Tribute to Nina Simone, Ghetto Youths International

• Best Male Dancehall/Rap Artiste

Govana
Masicka
Popcaan
Skeng
Skillibeng

• Best Female Dancehall/Rap Artiste

Jada Kingdom
Koffee
Shenseea
Spice
Shaniel Muir

• Best New Entertainer

Brysco
Shaniel Muir
Valiant
Jahshii
Laa Lee

• Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer

Bunji Garlin
Kes The Band
Machel Montano
Farmer Nappy
Patrice Roberts

• Best Dancehall/Stagecraft Entertainer

Beenie Man
Dexta Daps
Masicka
Popcaan
Spice

• Best Latin/Reggaeton Entertainer

Bad Bunny
Daddy Yankee
Gloria ‘Goyo’ Martinez
Karol G
Rauw Alejandro

• Best African Dancehall Entertainer

Patoranking
Shatta Wale
Star Zee
Stone Bwoy
Winky D

• Best Afrobeat Entertainer

Burna Boy
Diamond Platinumz
Eddy Kenzo
Tems
Willy Paul

• Best Collaborated Song

DJ Khaled: Where You Come From (ft. Buju Banton, Capleton & Bounty Killer)
Masicka: Moments (ft. Stefflon Don)
Skeng: Likkle Miss (ft. Nicki Minaj)
Stefflon Don: Clockwork (ft. Spice)
The FaNaTix: Vroom (ft. Koffee, Idris Elba, Lil TJay, Davido & Moelogo)

• Best Reggae Rock Entertainer

Stick Figure
SOJA
The Elovaters
The Movement
Tropidelic

• Best Music Video

Ding Dong: Bounce
Protoje: Switch It Up (ft. Koffee)
Popcaan: Next To Me (ft. Toni-Ann Singh)
Gramps Morgan: Woman Like You
DJ Khaled: Where You Come From (ft. Buju Banton, Capleton & Bounty Killer)

The general public is encouraged to play a critical role in selecting category winners, with voting commencing at midnight on Thursday. Votes will be tabulated up to the closing date of April 15.