South Florida will come alive with the sounds of Jamaica at the 2nd Annual Reggae Genealogy Festival, taking place on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Broward Mall in Plantation.
Hosted by the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, the event will showcase the evolution and global influence of reggae music in honor of Reggae Month.
The festival’s lineup features a star-studded roster of legendary performers, including Ernie Smith, Eric “Monty” Morris, Wayne Armond, Ambelique, and Shuga, backed by Code Red Band. The program will span Jamaican musical genres such as mento, ska, rocksteady, lovers rock, and reggae. Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair will narrate the evening, adding theatrical flair to the performances.
A highlight of the night will be a tribute to Toots and the Maytals, with Jerry Maytals & the Original Maytals Band performing a special set in honor of the late reggae icon.
The festival’s second act will explore how Jamaican music has shaped global genres like dub, pop, reggaeton, and Afrobeats. Celebrity DJs DJ GQ, Walshy Fire of Major Lazer, and DJ Mekka Don will spin contemporary sets featuring surprise performances, showcasing reggae’s ongoing cultural impact.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
This year’s festival will also honor three Jamaican music icons with Lifetime Achievement Awards:
- Inner Circle, the “Bad Boys of Reggae,” known for hits like Sweat and Bad Boys.
- Wayne Wonder, celebrated for his chart-topping song No Letting Go.
- Donovan Germain, the legendary producer behind artists such as Buju Banton and Beres Hammond.
The awards follow the success of last year’s recognition of pioneers “Miss Pat” Chin, Marcia Griffiths, and Cedella Marley.
Festivalgoers can enjoy free museum tours, food vendors, and shopping ahead of the performances, which start at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at reggaegenealogy.org, ranging from $25 pre-sale to $75 VIP.
Presented in partnership with Broward Mall and the City of Plantation, the Reggae Genealogy Festival is supported by Florida Power & Light Company, Visit Lauderdale, the Jamaica Tourist Board, and other sponsors.
For more information about the festival or the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, visit www.islandspacefl.org.
