Anthony Henry

The vibration returns to 56 Hope Road as the Bob Marley Museum prepares to welcome Jamaicans and visitors from around the world for Earthstrong 2026, celebrating the life, legacy and enduring impact of Robert Nesta Marley, OM, on Friday, February 6, from 7 am to 6 pm.

This year’s celebration unfolds under the theme Positive Vibration, drawn from Rastaman Vibration, Bob Marley’s groundbreaking 1976 album, which marks its 50th anniversary in 2026. Rooted in resilience, unity and forward movement, the theme mirrors Marley’s message and the spirit of a nation known for its ability to rise, rebuild and inspire.

The theme also reflects Jamaica’s collective strength in the wake of Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday, October 2025. As the country continues to recover, Positive Vibration speaks to healing, solidarity and forward motion. Through ongoing initiatives and community-driven partnerships, the Bob and Rita Marley Foundations remain committed to supporting families returning to safe homes, restoring livelihoods and strengthening institutions that prepare young Jamaicans for the future.

Cedella Marley, CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Companies, said the celebration is as much about action as it is about remembrance.

“Daddy would want us to show up for our people. He led by example, and I know he would be one of the first to start helping, so we are responding,” she said. “We honour and celebrate his life by taking care of our brothers and sisters and by promoting positive vibration, not just in words but in action,” she said.

Music remains central to the message. In keeping with Jamaica’s recovery needs at the forefront, the Bob and Rita Marley Foundations have partnered with American Friends of Jamaica, Tuff Gong Radio and SiriusXM to present the Positive Vibration Concert Series, a four-part collaboration uniting Jamaican artistes with performers from other genres who share a deep appreciation for Jamaica’s music and culture. The series will be staged at select SiriusXM studios across North America in the coming months, shining a spotlight on national priorities including housing, agriculture, health, and programmes supporting women and children.

The series officially launches on February 6 with a Positive Vibration 81 session airing on Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio from the SiriusXM Miami Beach studio. The broadcast will be hosted by DJ GQ, with music by DJ Xaun and performances by special guest artistes.

At 56 Hope Road, Earthstrong will unfold as a full-day cultural experience. The day begins with a ceremonial opening marked by the blowing of the abeng and blessings from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Students from across Jamaica will then take centre stage, honouring Marley’s legacy through music, dance and spoken word, while families and children engage in creative activities that celebrate imagination, learning and culture. As the day progresses, live acoustic reggae performances will bring together established and emerging artistes paying tribute to Marley’s timeless catalogue. The celebration then moves into the evening with a Bob Marley Tribute Concert at Emancipation Park, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

For those unable to attend in person, Earthstrong 2026 extends far beyond Kingston. Through the Bob Marley Foundation and Bob Marley Museum social media platforms and Tuff Gong TV’s YouTube channel, audiences around the world will be able to experience the celebration through exclusive content, including the SiriusXM Celebration Session, cultural features exploring Kingston, highlights of the Foundation’s impact and hurricane recovery efforts, and memorable concert moments.

Through Positive Vibration, the Bob and Rita Marley Foundations invite the world to celebrate Bob Marley not only as a musical legend, but as a living symbol of hope, action and resilience, which is a reflection of Jamaica’s enduring spirit and its unshakable belief in a brighter future.