PETER Tosh Music Festival returns to the museum bearing his name in Kingston from October 19-22.

Among the events slated for the celebration are musical performances, the inaugural Peter Tosh Awards, and a celebratory gala.

“As we celebrate Peter’s birthday once again, this time with the Peter Tosh Music Festival hosted by the Peter Tosh Museum, it’s undoubtedly a good time to reflect on the wonderful gift that Peter’s life, career and legacy has been to the world,” said Kingsley Cooper, co-founder of the Peter Tosh Museum.

“His struggles for equal rights and justice, and the legalisation of marijuana, have had an impact around the globe. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to play a role in spearheading these developments and I am humbled to be a part of it all,” he continued.

The Peter Tosh Awards will recognise individuals who have contributed to furthering the goals of Tosh’s activism. Three awards will be bestowed during the ceremony. The Peter Tosh Equal Rights Award will honour an individual whose efforts advance the cause of equal rights for all. The Peter Tosh Steppin’ Razor Award will be bestowed on influential contributors to the arts and entertainment. Finally, the Legalize It Award will distinguish the recipients as leaders in advancing Peter’s efforts to legalise cannabis and encourage cannabis research throughout the world.

Confirmed acts at the live performances include Word, Sound, and Power, Peter Tosh’s post-Wailers backing band; Peter’s son and heir-apparent to his role as musical prophet, Andrew Tosh; the Queen of Reggae Marcia Griffiths; Peter’s granddaughter Jahzarah Tosh; Freddie McGregor; Luciano; Zak Starkey (son of the Beatles Ringo Starr and drummer for The Who); Ikaya; Dre Tosh; Live Wyya; Nadine Sutherland; and Garnet Silk Jr.s cooper noted that more artistes will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Asked about the inspiration for the festival and awards ceremony, Niambe McIntosh, daughter of Peter Tosh and administrator of his estate, remarked: “No other genre of music has had such a positive global impact other than reggae. Furthermore, there’s no other individual like Peter Tosh. The Peter Tosh Music Festival brings together new and old fans from around the world to celebrate and learn about this amazing legacy.”

Born in Westmoreland on October 19, 1944, Tosh exploded onto the stage as part of the legendary reggae group The Wailers, alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. He went solo in 1974. Throughout his career his music served as a catalyst for a generation to fight for what they believed in.

He is known for enduring tracks including Legalize It, Mama Africa, Johnny B Goode and Buckingham Palace.

Tosh was killed by gunmen at his Plymouth, St Andrew home on September 11, 1987.