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By Anthony Henry

The Government has unveiled an expanded slate of activities for Reggae Month 2026, with more than 60 events planned islandwide and new initiatives aimed at strengthening the music’s global reach, youth development and industry structure.

Making a statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange said this year’s observance honours reggae’s pioneers while deliberately investing in its future.

She noted that February holds special significance in Jamaica’s cultural calendar, marking the birth anniversaries of two of the nation’s most influential figures in music, Dennis Brown and Bob Marley and serving as a period of national reflection on reggae’s enduring power and global impact.

More than 60 activities have already been registered with the Reggae Month Secretariat. These include events organised by the Ministry and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), initiatives led by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, and endorsed events staged by private promoters across the island.

Rather than being viewed as a simple calendar of events, Minister Grange said Reggae Month should be understood as a “cultural journey” that honours pioneers, celebrates contemporary creativity and nurtures the next generation of artistes.

Among the early highlights will be the annual Reggae Month Church Service on February 1 at Fellowship Tabernacle on Fairfield Avenue. On February 6, a tribute will be held at National Heroes Park in honour of the late “Crown Prince of Reggae” Dennis Brown.

The Bob Marley Tribute Concert at Emancipation Park on February 8 will feature overseas acts alongside local talent, underscoring reggae’s international influence while reaffirming its Jamaican roots. Youth development remains a central focus, with young performers to be spotlighted through the Young Reggae Gospel Ambassadors initiative in Negril on February 7.

Western Jamaica will also host activities, including MoBay Reggae Night on February 11, reflecting the islandwide scope of the celebrations. The Ministry will stage two symposia on February 22 and 23, examining the entertainment industry registry and marking 60 years of rocksteady music. Sound system culture will also be featured, with a major sound system event scheduled for February 21.

Kingston’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Music will be celebrated with Kingston Riddim activities on February 11, while the weekly live music “Jam Session Tuesday Service” marks its second anniversary during the month.

Dancehall Week will run from February 11 to March 2, highlighting dancehall’s role in Jamaica’s musical evolution and its connection to reggae’s broader cultural journey.

The Reggae Gold Awards are set for February 28, recognising excellence in the industry. A special tribute will be paid to Jamaican music stalwart Ken Boothe, with performances backed by the Reggae Symphony Orchestra.

Minister Grange also pointed to reggae’s continued international relevance, noting that all nominees for this year’s Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album are Jamaican.

In a new development, the Ministry, through the JCDC, has appointed Reggae Month Ambassadors for the first time. Singer Etana has been named Reggae Month Ambassador for 2026.

Digital engagement will also be expanded through the Reggae Jamaica app, providing real-time information on events and encouraging participation from the diaspora.

Minister Grange said the observance reflects Jamaica’s cultural responsibility to honour, protect and promote reggae, describing the music as a symbol of the nation’s resilience, creativity and shared identity.