Celebrating Reggae Month
Dennis, Bob and Marcia = Reggae
February 1, 2025
February is Reggae Month, and the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) has announced a packed schedule celebrating reggae music, its pioneers, and its global impact. Filled with a plethora of activities, the month-long festivities begin on February 1 with a tribute to Dennis Brown in Kingston and Bob Marley on the 6th. These include concerts, workshops, and panel discussions. Events will also take place internationally, including in New York, Connecticut and South Florida. Another major highlight of the month will be the recognition of Marcia Griffiths O.D., the Queen of Reggae, with the Icons Award for her 60 year-long career. She will be awarded during the Reggae Open University’s, JaRIA’s Reggae Wednesday concert series on February 28. Apart from being awarded, Griffiths will also grace the stage with a performance alongside the Reggae Symphony Orchestra.
Reggae month was officially proclaimed and first staged over two decades ago, 2008 to be exact. February was chosen because it’s the birth month of Dennis brown & Bob Marley; it also highlights the great accomplishments of our great leaders via Black History Month.
February was chosen because it’s the birth month of Dennis Brown & Bob Marley; it also highlights the great accomplishments of our great leaders via Black History Month
The anticipated month long festivities is spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture and will kick off in fine style with a tribute to Dennis Emmanuel Brown(best reggae singer in music history), the “Crown Prince of Reggae,” who would have turned 68 on February 1st . The event, in collaboration with the Dennis Brown Foundation, will take place at the UDC Festival Marketplace on Kingston’s waterfront. It will feature live performances by Lloyd Parks and We the People Band, family members of the late icon, and other artists like I Wayne, Yaksta, Tanya Stephens, and Lutan Fyah.
With a packed schedule and international participation, the celebrations are set to showcase the enduring power and legacy of reggae music, thus making Jamaica as the reggae Mecca of the world. The aim is to enhance tourism and travel while providing an educational platform of entertainment for all ages.