Poet Marcia Jackson will host the International Reggae And World Music Awards (IRAWMA) on May 17, 2026 [1].
The appointment places Jackson at the center of one of the most significant celebrations of global reggae and world music. Her dual role as host and nominee highlights the intersection of spoken word poetry and musical performance within the genre's cultural framework.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in Lauderhill, Jamaica [1]. Jackson said she is excited regarding the opportunity to lead the proceedings for the event.
"I am thrilled to be hosting this incredible event," Jackson said [1].
Beyond her duties as the master of ceremonies, Jackson is also a competitor in the awards. She is vying for her third straight win [1] in the Best Poet/Spoken Word Entertainer category. Achieving this victory would mark a rare three-year streak of dominance in her specific field [1].
The IRAWMA awards serve as a primary platform for recognizing excellence in reggae and world music across various disciplines. By serving as the face of the event, Jackson brings visibility to the spoken word community, a vital component of the storytelling tradition inherent in reggae music.
Jackson has previously been recognized for her contributions to the arts and has a history of hosting the annual event [1]. Her return to the stage as both the guide for the evening and a contender for a trophy underscores her influence in the regional arts scene.
“"I am thrilled to be hosting this incredible event,"”
Jackson's role as both host and nominee at IRAWMA illustrates the growing integration of spoken word poetry within the broader reggae and world music ecosystem. A third consecutive win would solidify her position as a leading figure in the genre's literary expression.
