With the theme “One Love. One Voice. One Day.”, International Reggae Day (IRD) returns on July 1 for its 31st staging, rallying fans, artists, media and cultural platforms from over 30 countries to celebrate the enduring spirit and influence of reggae music.
From Kingston to Cape Town, London to Lima, IRD 2025 will mark a global chorus of unity, justice and cultural pride—a reflection of reggae’s deep roots in resistance and its evolving global legacy.
“Reggae music emerged from the grassroots and became a soundtrack for justice, unity and truth,” said Andrea Davis, Founder and Producer of IRD. “International Reggae Day is a powerful reminder of what can happen when music becomes movement.”
Among the nations participating this year are Argentina, South Africa, India, France, Brazil, the UK, China, Canada, and several Caribbean neighbours, including the Bahamas, Anguilla and Costa Rica. Activities range from radio takeovers and artist showcases to educational workshops and community events, all paying homage to reggae’s cultural, political, and emotional resonance.
Global pull-up for peace
One of the most anticipated moments of IRD is the synchronized Global Reggae Pull-Up, which will take place at 11:55 AM Jamaica time. Around the world, fans, DJs, sound systems and digital platforms will simultaneously pause and play two iconic anthems: Bob Marley’s “One Love” and Dennis Brown’s “Love & Hate”. The goal? A symbolic, worldwide broadcast of unity and love.
“IRD isn’t just about a single day. It’s a groundswell,” shared Lisa-Ann O’Gilvie, IRD’s Co-Producer. “We’re seeing communities across the world, from Asia to Africa to the Americas, showing up and adding their voice.”
In Jamaica, IRD activities will include a Music Professionals Workshop and a “Roadmap for Reggae’s Future” panel hosted in collaboration with the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) and Edna Manley College, both live-streamed globally.
A third major event—Building a Film Come-Unity, hosted at the Bob Marley Museum in partnership with Threads of Us—will explore the intersection of music and grassroots filmmaking.
Kingston’s popular cultural spaces such as Tuesday Service Live at The Compound and Kingston Night Market will come alive with immersive performances and tributes.
Meanwhile, in the UK, the Harlesden Bassline collective is hosting a full lineup of events including the Roots Rock Reggae Walk, community storytelling around the Reggae Tree, and a panel discussion on The Influence of Reggae Music. In Mexico, PullItUp Radio is producing a 24-hour reggae stream, alongside performances by 20 local artists across Guadalajara and Mexico City.
Honoring reggae legends through new global awards
This year’s celebration introduces two prestigious awards that honour individuals who embody the spirit and values of reggae culture.
- The Winnie Mandela Humanitarian Award, first presented in 2024 to Hon. Dr. Rita Marley, celebrates a lifetime of justice-oriented work.
- The newly launched Peter Tosh Rebel With A Cause Award, created in partnership with the Peter Tosh Foundation, recognizes bold leadership and transformative activism that aligns with reggae’s revolutionary ethos.
IRD isn’t just for institutions or industry leaders—fans are central to the movement. People everywhere are invited to participate in the #OneDropChallenge, wear reggae colours, plant a Reggae Tree, post tributes online, or host local celebrations.
Whether you’re a DJ, podcaster, schoolteacher, or simply vibing with reggae from your corner of the globe, International Reggae Day 2025 is your chance to be part of a global celebration of Caribbean culture.
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