Writer: Camille Simms

 Whether It’s The Repetition Of The Number ‘2020’ Or For Some Other Personal Reason, We All Have, In One Way Or The Other, Vowed To Make This Year A Special One.

 For The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA), 2020 Marks 10 Years Since February Has Been Dubbed Reggae Month. Throughout The Years, Reggae Month Has Attracted An Average Of 400,000 Attendees Each Year, Participating In The Month-Long Celebrations, Embracing The Authentic, Feel-Good Vibes Of Reggae Music.

In A Recent Exchange With The Gleaner, President Of JaRIA, Ewan Simpson, Expressed That This Year’s Celebrations Will Extend Far Beyond The Boundaries Of The Corporate Area- A Request That Has Been Expressed From The Public Throughout The Years. He Stated “We Plan To Commemorate Year 10 In A Huge Way. First Of All, It Will Be Much More Than Reggae Month Kingston”, A Statement That So Far, Has Held True In Every Way. 

Come Ketch Di Riddim

As If Perfectly Planned, With 2020 Being A Leap Year, Reggae Month Will Feature 29 Days Of Reggae Music Events. Each Night Boasts A Multitude Of Celebrations, Suited For All. From The Docetic Tones Heard Through Each Live Music Event To The Pulsating Reggae Beat Featured In Weekly Film Shows, There Is At Least 1 Event Each Night That You Won’t Want To Miss.

Reggae Month 2020 Calendar Of Events. Information On Each Event Can Be Found On The Reggae Month Website Or By Downloading The App.

Not Only Do These Events Span Islandwide, But The Government Of Jamaican (GOJ) Has Partnered With The City Of Miramar, Florida, To Stage Featured Reggae Month Activities Within The City. These Will Include:

• Gala Awards – Feb. 8

(Miramar Cultural Banquet Centre)

• Reggae Film Night – Feb. 18

(Miramar Cultural Theater)

• Afro-Caribbean Festival – Feb 29

(Miramar Amphitheater)

“As We Say That Reggae Is The Heartbeat Of Jamaica, So Jamaica Will Become, The Heartbeat Of The World.”

 – Minister Oliva ‘Babsy’ Grange

Ministry Of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, And Sport (MCGES)

The Extensive Schedule Of Month-Long Activities Is Being Led By The MCGES Along With Partnering Organizations: JaRIA, Jamaica Association Of Vintage Artistes And Affiliates (JAVAA), The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), The Jamaica Hotel And Tourist Association (JHTA) And The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

Reggae Month History

Reggae Month Was Officially Declared By Sir Kenneth Hall, Former Governor-General Of Jamaica On January 24, 2008, Which UNESCO Later Added To Its Collection Of Intangible Cultural Heritage Deemed Worthy Of Protection And Promotion.

As Stated On The Reggae Month Official Homepage: “The Goal Of Reggae Month Is To Attract International Acclaim For Jamaica As The Reggae Mecca Of The World, Enhance Travel And Tourism For The Month Of February, And Provide An Educational Platform Of Entertainment For All Ages.” 

Reggae, Is Today, Perhaps The Most Pervasive Music Form That Has Found Itself In Almost Every Element Of Human Activity,”

– Minister Of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett

Over The Years, February Has Gradually Become A Keenly Anticipated Month In The Lives Of Many Jamaicans. Internationally Recognized As Black History Month, With Locally Celebrated Dates Such As Jamaica Day, Bob Marley Day, And Dennis Brown’s Birthday, What Better Month To Celebrate Jamaica’s Rich Reggae Heritage And Showcase The Artistic Talents Within This Industry.