Kenyan music heavyweights Redsan and Willy Paul are flying the country’s flag high after earning nominations at the 43rd edition of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), one of the most prestigious celebrations of reggae and world music globally.
Dancehall king Redsan has been nominated in the Best African Dancehall Entertainer category, setting up a fierce continental showdown.
“GOD WINS EVERY TIME. Vote for the baddest African dancehall artist. Link in the bio. #king #redsan #baddest @irawmaawards,” he posted while rallying fans to back him.
The nomination places Redsan among Africa’s finest voices in dancehall. He faces Zimbabwe’s legendary chanter Winky D, revered for his socially conscious lyrics and commanding stage presence.
Ghana’s dancehall powerhouse Shatta Wale, who clinched the award last year, is also in the race, bringing his trademark high-energy performances and loyal Shatta Movement fanbase into the mix.
Uganda’s queen of the stage Sheebah Karungi adds East African firepower with her electrifying charisma and versatility, while South Africa’s Nkulee Dube represents the southern region with her rich reggae heritage and powerful, conscious sound.
Redsan was nominated in the same category last year but lost to Shatta Wale; a near miss he will be hoping to overturn this time round.
In the Best Afrobeat Entertainer category, Kenya’s chart-topping star Willy Paul stands tall among Africa’s most vibrant performers. Known for his genre-bending sound and electric stage presence, Willy Paul continues to reinvent himself while keeping fans hooked.
He faces stiff competition from Tanzania’s Bongo Flava giant Diamond Platnumz..
Nigeria brings double heat with highlife-Afrobeat maestro Flavour N’abania and seasoned performer Mr. P, formerly of the iconic P-Square.
Zambia’s rising star SIAME OC also makes the cut, alongside South Africa’s global sensation Tyla, whose international breakout has injected youthful energy into the Afrobeat wave.
Founded by Ephraim Martin, IRAWMA has grown into a global cultural platform celebrating reggae and world music excellence. For over four decades, the awards have spotlighted talent from Jamaica, Africa and the diaspora, serving as a bridge between continents through rhythm and culture.