Durrant Pate/Contributor

The 2024 iteration of Reggae Month, which is celebrated during the month of February each year, was launched yesterday at the Fellowship Tabernacle in St Andrew.

Culture Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange headlined the group of dignitaries who attended the church service, along with Finance and Planning Minister Dr Nigel Clarke, in whose North West St Andrew constituency the church is located at 2 Fairfield Avenue, Kingston 20.

The service, which was presided over by senior pastor, Reverend Merrick “Al” Miller, was also attended by a wide cross-section of the diplomatic corps in Jamaica and proponents of the reggae genre inside and out of Jamaica.

The service, organised through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, under the theme ‘Celebrating Reggae’s Message of ONE LOVE’, aligning with the overarching theme for Reggae Month – ‘Come Ketch di RIDDIM’.

Jamaica comes alive with reggae

In the meantime, Jamaica comes alive with the sound of reggae on Thursday, February 1, in a celebration of all things related to the musical genre that is intrinsic to the island’s vibrant culture. From Reggae Month festival to Bob Marley’s birthday on February 6, there is no better time for travellers to retrace the footsteps of the reggae to forge a deeper connection about its greatest proponent, Bob Marley.

Perfect for music and culture lovers, Jamaica offers a rich lens through which to authentically experience the island through, and a unique immersive insight into the roots and rhythms that inspired his timeless music. Reggae Month is a month-long celebration held throughout February, paying homage to the island’s rich musical heritage and the music form through ​ performances, ​concerts, panels, art exhibitions, and cultural experiences.

Visitors can look out for Bob Marley Week Birthday celebrations from February 1 – 6, with various events taking place at the Bob Marley Museum throughout the day. February was officially declared Reggae Month in 2008 by then governor-general, Professor Sir Kenneth Hall. The month is dedicated to recognising and appreciating the influence of Reggae music on Jamaica’s social, cultural and economic landscape.

Festivities are included to honour the genre’s rich history and its impact on the global music culture.