Winky D doesn't need anybody's validation to hold his place in African Dancehall history, but he's now reached the pinnacle, where his art is recognized by Jamaican Institutions such as the IRAWMA who awarded him with the Best African Dancehall/ Entertainer Award at the virtually held, 39th International Reggae and World Music Awards, on the 16th of May. Winky D was nominated alongside fellow Zimbabwean artist Buffalo Souljah. Other nominees in the category are Shata Wale (Ghana), Stonebwoy (Ghana) and Patoranking (Nigeria)
"This accolade will not push me onto an ego trip, far from it: It makes me realize that l should always appreciate the simple details of life." said Winky D in a statement. "Allow me to take time to big up the Vigilance band, and more importantly honor the late uniquely talented ‘Scara the Drummer’. Hearty appreciation also goes to those who believed in my music from day when l started preaching the ordeal of the ghetto youths when it was still unfashionable to talk reality." He continued in an acceptance speech.
Another Zimbabwean artist, Vachi Kepwe Di Poet, walked away with the Mutabaruka Award for Best Poet and Spoken Word. Other winners from world music categories include Best Latin – Reggae Oriented Entertainer – Daddy Yankee; Best Afrobeat Entertainer – Master KG, featuring Nomcebo Zikode for Jerusalema, which also won the award for Best Music Video. Best Sound System award went to Dynamq from South Sudan.
Buju Banton, Koffee, and Popcaan were the night's big winners, taking three trophies each. Ziggy Marley was inducted into the IRAWMA Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his more than 40 years as a performing and recording artiste.
Africa voted in far greater numbers for their favorite entertainers and musicians in each category.
"There is a strong connection between Africa and Jamaica because reggae music works to fight injustice and to bring people together. For this reason, the Africans are always supportive and vote. But this year, they did so in greater numbers.” said IRAWMA president and founder, Ephraim Martin in a statement
The International Reggae and World Music Awards, IRAWMA ceremony was established in 1982 to acknowledge and honor the accomplishments and contributions of reggae and world music artists, including: songwriters, performers, promoters and musicians.