Rapper Common, Ziggy Marley, Mr. Vegas, Marica Griffiths and Judy Mowatt, Chicago Music Awards and IRAWMA winners- flashbacks  highlighted at historic Zoom Press Conference. Click link below.

Martin's International Announced Changes to its Special Events for 2022/23, 40th Chicago Music Awards Anniversary moved to April 2nd, nominees revealed, while IRAWMA advance to May 7, 2023. Festival of Life, July 2-4th, 2022 and JSVFest, September 10th and 11th, 2022. 

 (Chicago, IL, January 18th, 2022–Via Zoom Press Conference) January 18th, 2022, 2:00 PM),

Dr. Ephraim Martin, President of Martin’s International officially announced changes to all its events due to the recent global rise of Omicron cases. During the call local and international press along with entertainers were privy to the official nominations of the Historic 40th Anniversary Chicago Music Awards that will now take place April 2nd, 2022.

Below Dr. Ephraim Martin speaking at Martin's International Zoom Press Conference last Tuesday afternoon. 

During the announcement, several video clips were shown. Rapper, actor and activist Common acceptance speech for the Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Humanitarian Award, at the 39th Chicago Music Awards; Reggae superstar Ziggy Marley receiving his IRAWMA Lifetime Award and performing last year was featured, along with Reggae Star Mr. Vegas performing at last year’s combined JSVFest/International Festival of Life, and Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt receiving and performing at 31st IRAWMA in Chicago.

The Chicago based Martin’s International, producers of four popular special events, the Annual Chicago Music Awards (CMA), the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), the African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (IFOL), and the Jerk, Seafood and Vegan Fest (JSVFest) were seriously affected and had to host its awards ceremonies virtually from Kingston, Jamaica, and Chicago for two years.

“I am pleased to let you know that we have changed the date for the 40th Chicago Music Awards Anniversary, from February 26th to Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the same venue, Congress Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, downtown, Chicago,” said Dr. Martin. Changes included 29th Int’l Festival of Life set for July 2-4, 2022, 6th JSVFest, September 10th & 11th, 2022 and 40th IRAWMA (Int’l Reggae & World Music Awards) extended to May 7, 2023.

After the announcement, the nominees for the 40th Anniversary Chicago Music Awards were revealed by Ephraim Martin, Marilyn May, Justice Shelvin L.M. Hall, Ret., Lemoyne Alexander, DJ. Montana, Dana Divine, Tremell Williams, Wally Lockard, Juan Dies, BlaqIce, Valerie Hill- Afrika Porter-and Dr. Odie Payne. Some 170 nominees’ individuals/groups/bands were nominated in thirty-six categories. Special Honorees will be given Awards in four categories. The awards include:* THE SPECIAL JEAN BAPTISTE POINTE DUSABLE HUMANITARIAN AWARD: Cesar Rolon – Imagine Marketing Consultant                                                            * SPECIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Jimmy Johnson-   Blues living Legend (93 years old.), and Chosen Few DJs- 45  years of House Music * HON. MARCUS MOSIAH GARVEY HISTORY AND EDUCATION LIFETIME AWARD:    Salim Muwakki *MARTIN’S INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL AWARD OF HONOR:    For 50 Years of Support to African, Caribbean & Latin Communities- Rogers Park Fruit Market     For 40 Years of Support to African, Caribbean & Latin Communities- Old World Market          For 30 years of Support to African, Caribbean & Latin Communities- LaFrutieria, Inc.

The public voting to pick Chicago Music Awards best of 2021 is now in progress and will end on March 15, 2022. To vote and secure tickets visit www.chicagomusicawards.org.

The Chicago Music Awards is Made possible through the support of: WVON 1690/VON TV, LaFruteria/All United Imports, Rogers Park Fruit Market, Old World Market, Johner T. Wilson, Dinsmore & Shohl, Omar Medical Inc., Herbert Witter-Insurance Brokers Inc., Son of Thunder Inc, Stanmorr Sports, Inc, African Spectrum, Africa USA Today Magazine, CBDLioness.Wakanna.com, and others. Donate now at www.chicagomusicawards.org or call 877/973-4423.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Felicia Apprey at chicagomusicawards@gmail.com, or 773-671-3240.

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