Red Carpet, Step and Repeat awaits Reggae & World Music royalty, July 4th Independence weekend

As Chicago and the rest of the country gear up for America’s biggest holiday, July 4th Independence, the Martin’s international produced 31st International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), and the 20th International Festival of Life (IFOL), which is combined for the first time is now becoming the talk of the globe. Fans from Hawaii, France, England, South Africa, Ghana, Japan, China, Canada, the Caribbean and throughout the United States are securing tickets and making travel arrangements to what is expected to be one of Chicago’s biggest July 4th celebrations, running Wednesday through Sunday, July 4th to July 8th, 2012.

“This is the first time that Chicago will witness an upscale red carpet ceremony in the park, combined with a major festival, and fans are getting really excited,” said Ephraim Martin, IRAWMA and IFOL producer. The red carpet on the green Washington park grass will be graced by the following reggae and world music celebs (several with national honor of the Order of Distinction “OD” behind their names) who will walk the red carpet, give acceptance speeches, present Awards and perform: Rita Marley, OD, Marcia Griffiths, OD, Judy Mowatt, OD, Freddy McGregor, OD, Tony Rebel, OD, Ken Boothe, OD, Dean Fraser, OD, Queen Calypso Rose, Gyptian, Tarrus Riley, I-Octane, Third World, Richie Stephens, Queen Ifrika, Mutabaruka, Nkulee Dube, J.Cee, D’Angel, Awilo, Cladius England, Top One Frisson, Guero Loco, Carl Brown, RoobyMan, Survivors, Mae Ya T. Ryan, Kenny Rox, Casper-Mr. C, Copeland Forbes, Berko-African Spectrum, Winford Williams-CVM TV, Field Marshal, Public Announcement, Chi-Lites’ Marshall Thompson, Enchantment and others.

The 20th anniversary of the International Festival of Life takes place from July 4-8, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily, except July 5 and 6th, 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm in Washington Park, steps from President Barack Obama’s home, in Chicago, Illinois. The evening of July 5th is set aside for the Red Carpet IRAWMA Awards ceremony. The red carpet arrival is at 6:00 pm and the showcase at 7:00 pm.

Ephraim Martin said that this celebration is also in honor of Jamaica’s 50th Year of Independence and is dedicated to Health Awareness.

The Festival of Life will feature a health pavilion, and a pavilion showcasing “All Things Jamaican,” serving as a road to Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee in August. Importers/exporters, hoteliers, shipping services, travel–oriented entrepreneurs and businesses that market Jamaica or Jamaican brand products are encouraged to contact Martin’s International at 312/427-0266 or e-mail: irawmasponsor@gmail.com to be a part of the pavilion.

This history making 31st IRAWMA and the 20th anniversary IFOL is sponsored by NBC 5 TV- Chicago, The Chicago Park District, Chicago Office of Tourism, Amway, J.FC Jerk and Fried Chicken, Robert Scott – One Stop Studio, Rogers Park Fruit Market, Insurance Brokers, Inc, Captain Hooks Fish/Chicken and Firehouse, KCB Inc, Seashell Restaurant and others. The Marriott Chicago Midway is the official hotel for the five day celebration. Travelers are encouraged to fly into Midway Airport. For hotel reservations call 1-800/956-2606 and mention the code “FES”.