Dr. Alfarita “Rita” Marley is to be honoured by the International Reggae And World Music Awards (IRAWMA) for her extensive philanthropic work throughout her life.

She established the Rita Marley Foundation, which focuses on alleviating poverty and hunger and providing education in Ghana and Jamaica.

The 41st staging of the IRAWMA in Florida, is specially dedicated to health awareness.

Dr. Ephraim Martin, president of Martin’s International and IRAWMA said, “15 special honours and 40 nominated categories will be awarded. We have for over forty consecutive years, served as the only organisation, honouring the best of reggae and other world music’s best throughout the globe.”

Vinnette Price, IRAWMA nominator, and veteran journalist said, “ Rita has consistently aided in causes benefiting her people in Ghana she was always front and center at Village gatherings… I am witness to so many assemblies.”

“How she elevated the status of her husband in Meskel Square, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is well documented but how she maneuvered the landscape to return the love was eye candy… humble, genuine, and pleasant. I’m totally biased but who else could possibly command this philanthropic title? Rita Marley is deserving. Rita Marley exemplifies the title, and now more than ever Rita Marley should be showered with accolades,” Price continued..

“Since 1982, Dr. Rita Marley has attended, performed, presented, nominated and won several IRAWMA Awards. Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, she was honoured at the 37th IRAWMA with a Reggae 50 Award for her over fifty years of contributions to reggae and Jamaican music, and at the same time, accepted the Emperor of Reggae and World Music honour that was bestowed on her late husband, Robert Nesta Marley,” Martin added.

Other special honourees include Glen Washington, Freddy McGregor, Jacob “Killer” Miller (posthumously), Chris Chin, Papa San, Sharon Wiles, Mr. Vegas, D’Angel, US attorney Ben Crump among others.