The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) has announced plans for Reggae Month 2026 under the theme ‘Rhythms of Resilience’, a nod to the island’s enduring spirit following Hurricane Melissa. Chairman Ewan Simpson explained that the theme reflects how Jamaica’s musical heritage, cultural energy, and creative output have been central to the survival and resilience of its people.
Despite ongoing challenges with sponsorship and leadership, Simpson said JaRIA is moving forward with a full slate of activities for February. Highlights include Reggae Wednesdays, featuring tributes to the late Dennis Brown at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA) and Jimmy Cliff at Coral Cliff in Montego Bay. Other Wednesdays will showcase Back to Bass-es, live performances by some of Jamaica’s top bass players, alongside Bands Rewind, bringing together bands that have not performed together in years, and Resilient Praise, a gospel feature.
The association also plans to expand its JaRIA Reggae Open University sessions to tertiary institutions in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Mandeville, offering panel discussions and workshops. JaRIA will continue partnerships with Vision Band for a Dennis Brown celebration at the Hard Rock Guitar Hotel on January 31, support Inner Circle’s Reggae Month Miami activities, and back a Leroy Sibbles tribute in Toronto produced by Kreative Movement Inc.
Other endorsed events in Jamaica include the Wickie Wackie Music Festival and I-Frequency, held on the first and third Thursdays at Bamboo Splash in Barbican. Simpson outlined a broader vision for Reggae Month, aiming to make Jamaica a cultural tourism hub, where music, fashion, dance, film, gastronomy, and literary arts are celebrated alongside both seasoned and emerging talent.
Reggae Month was officially declared by the Government in January 2008, timed to coincide with the birthdays of reggae icons Dennis Brown (February 1) and Bob Marley (February 6). Simpson said the association remains committed to ensuring that the month-long celebration continues to showcase Jamaica’s rich reggae ecosystem, even amid funding constraints.
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