When is Reggae Month and how is it celebrated?

In 2008, Reggae Month was brought to life to honour the rich history of Reggae music. This celebration occurs throughout February, coinciding with the birth month of two Reggae legends, Dennis Brown and Bob Marley. The month is marked by global concerts, discussions led by music producers, and storytelling sessions delving into the vibrant history of Reggae music. Beyond Jamaica, Reggae Month is embraced in South Florida, serving as a platform for the Jamaican diaspora to celebrate their culture and foster connections within their community.

Reggae, born in Jamaica during the late 1960s, is a musical genre that emerged from earlier styles like ska and rocksteady. Its popularity surged in Jamaica, transcending borders to become synonymous with Jamaican culture and identity worldwide. The rise of reggae aligned with pivotal social and political shifts in Jamaica, prompting artists to wield their music as a powerful tool for social commentary and advocating change during that era.

Over the years, Bob Marley's undeniable impact on Reggae music has been monumental, propelling the genre to international acclaim. This positions him at the forefront of Reggae Month.

Throughout his career, Marley achieved remarkable success, selling an impressive 75 million records and founding the iconic band Bob Marley & The Wailers. The band toured globally, playing a crucial role in spreading awareness and appreciation for Reggae music worldwide.

As a Jamaican icon and the first breakout star from the island, Marley held a special place in the diaspora community. Jamaicans in the US have even proposed recognizing him as a national hero of Jamaica.

If you have a love for the genre of Reggae music or Bob Marley then there are so many upcoming events taking place to celebrate Reggae Month in Jamaica, the USA and online. Find an event that suits you below.

The 27th Annual Bob Marley Lecture

Date: 16 February 2024

Time: 18:00

Location: Neville Hall Lecture Theatre, The UWI Mona Campus, Jamaica

Do you know about the different subgenres of Reggae music, like Ska, Rocksteady, Dub, and Dancehall? Their differences might not be fully explained or experienced in any textbook. However, they become much clearer when you listen to the music. At the Reggae Genealogy, the history of Reggae unfolds through the music itself. Through the events, you will learn about the impact of Jamaica's socio-political environment on Reggae. You will also discover how Reggae interacts with other non-Jamaican genres and how it influences the creation of hip-hop, reggaeton, EDM, and Afrobeats.

Reggae Genealogy

Date: 10 February 2024

Time: 15:00 – 21:00

Location: Broward Mall, 8000 W. Broward Blvd, Plantation, Florida

For the passionate Reggae fans out there, why not join in the industry discussions at Reggae Open University? These lectures cover a wide range of topics, from Reggae's fundamental concepts like the struggle for equality and justice, to broader industry insights.

Explore how Reggae has grown into a global phenomenon. Learn about how Reggae artists make money. Discover strategies for enhancing Reggae's visibility through social media.

Reggae Open University

Date: 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 February 2024

Location: JARIA Youtube

Certainly, February is packed with fantastic reggae concerts. In South Florida, reggae group Inner Circle will headline Reggae Month. Plus, one of the biggest reggae festivals, Rise Up, will kick off in Utah, Maryland, Florida, and Las Vegas, running from February to October. It's a vibrant blend of various reggae genres, promising an unforgettable musical experience.

Reggae Month Events in South Florida

Date: 4-24 February 2024

Time: 15:00 – 21:00

Rise Up Reggae Festival

THE ANNUAL BOB MARLEY BDAY BASH

Date: 3 February 2024

Time: 19:00

Location: Soundwell, Salt Lake City, Utah

TUNNEL VISION

Date: 4 February 2024

Time: 18:00

Location: Hooch and Hive Tampa, Florida

Reggae isn't just popular in English-speaking places like the USA or the UK. It's also big in Spanish-speaking countries.  It first flourished in Panama and then spread to the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Guyana. They even have their own version called Spanish Reggae (Reggae en Español). It mixes dancehall and Reggae. In Asia, the Philippines has developed its own type of reggae called Pinoy Reggae since the 1960s. The first established reggae band Cocojam led the way. As you can see, reggae is thriving all over the globe.

Why wait? Embrace Reggae Month this February and celebrate your cultural heritage with pride. Share your excitement with family and friends. Send them a top-up and instantly with Ding and chat about your favourite reggae tracks or how you are celebrating this year’s Reggae month.