International Reggae Day Date in the current year: July 1, 2024

The music genre of reggae originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The first popular song to use the word “reggae” was “Do the Reggay”, a single by The Maytals released in 1968, but the development of the genre began before that. The direct precursors to reggae were Jamaican ska and rocksteady. The new genre was also influenced by traditional Caribbean music genres (mento and calypso), rhythm and blues and jazz.

Reggae found its international popularity in the early 1970s. One of the most outstanding pioneers of reggae was Bob Marley, who infused reggae music with a sense of spirituality, linking it to the Rastafari movement. In addition to transporting vital messages of Rastafari, reggae music is used to deliver social and political commentary, news, and even social gossip. Sometimes people use the term “reggae” to refer to popular Jamaican dance music in general.

Reggae is an important part of Jamaican culture and identity. To recognize its significance, UNESCO even added the “reggae music of Jamaica” to its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2018. The genre also has its own annual holiday, International Reggae Day, that highlights its popularity both in and outside Jamaica and unites reggae fans across the world.

International Reggae Day (IRD) was founded by Andrea Davis, Jamaican strategist and organizer. During her visit to Kingston in 1992, she was inspired by a speech delivered by South African activist and politician Winnie Mandela, in which she spoke about the power of reggae and its ability to unite, inspire and encourage people.

The inaugural International Reggae Day was celebrated on July 1, 1994. Since it was the time before the ubiquity of the Internet, Davis mobilized Jamaican radio stations to showcase the best of Jamaican music. Today, International Reggae Day is a truly global event that unites and inspires people across the world through the power of music, media and technology, as well as celebrates the best of Jamaica’s culture.

Every year, licensed IRD events are held in Jamaica, most of them in Kingston, and worldwide. They celebrate reggae music, as well as Jamaican culture in general. IRD events include concerts and festivals, workshops and forums, talent search events, family events, award ceremonies, product launches, art exhibits, fashion shows, and even culinary presentations.

Even if there are no International Reggae Day events near you, you can still participate in the celebration! Take part in one of the virtual IRD events, organize an event of your own, or simply spend the day enjoying reggae music, learning more about it and wearing reggae colors (green, red and yellow). You can also contribute by participating in the IRD tree planting challenge launched to help fight climate change. And don’t forget to spread the word on social media with the hashtag #InternationalReggaeDay.