It’s all systems go for Reggae Month! Geared at showcasing and celebrating the genre’s best, the month-long calendar of activities, including concerts, Open University panel discussions and musical workshops, will get underway on February 1.

According to chairman of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) Ewan Simpson, Reggae Month is not just a celebration of a genre, but of the people, the legends who contributed to its development and global appeal.

“The month starts with the recognition of the birth of the Crown Prince of Reggae Dennis Emmanuel Brown and, by the time we get to six days in, we celebrate the birth of the reggae king, Bob Marley…” he said.

Simpson continued: “Bunny Rugs was born in February, died in February, and is also widely celebrated in February, so the month holds much significance… Reggae month is not just the celebration of a genre; it is a celebration of an eco-system that Jamaica’s most famous music culture has spawned.”

Referencing that February is also globally celebrated as Black History Month, Simpson said the synergy of black excellence with musical excellence is always palpable.

“Reggae is what we in Jamaica have used to share with the world as part of our fight with equal rights and justice globally, and so it’s always a good synergy celebrating black excellence all around at this time of the year,” he said.

The calendar of events is set to begin with a massive tribute event in honour of the late Crown Prince, scheduled to take place at the UDC Festival Marketplace on Kingston’s waterfront. The concert will celebrate Brown’s birthday as well as his legacy.

Brown would have marked his 68th birthday on February 1.

“JaRIA, from the beginning of the celebration of Reggae Month, has always been the entity that has led in the execution of Reggae Month, with the support of the Government, of course. We believe we must celebrate our Jamaican entertainment culture and so we will start on February 1 in association with the Dennis Brown Foundation in celebrating the late icon’s birthday,” he said. “Dennis Brown came from the downtown Kingston area and so we wanted to make sure we celebrated with the community, and so we will be right by the craft market on the waterfront.”

Simpson said there is a special programme of artistes who have already committed to passing through to celebrate Dennis Brown with more to be added before show time. Among those already secure, he said, is Lloyd Parks and the We The People Band as well as some of the late singer’s family members.

“The show will start at 6:00 pm and end at 10:00 pm. We will be showing clips, excerpts, and deejays will be spinning D Brown’s music. There will be food and fashion and everything available. It’ll be a spectacular celebratory event,” he said.

February 1 will be jam-packed with activities as the Essence of Reggae Festival will also be held on that day.

That show will feature performances from I Wayne, Yaksta, Tanya Stephens, Singer J, Munga Honourable, and Lutan Fyah. It is set for Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.

Jamaica will not be the only country engaged in Reggae Month celebrations, as individuals and communities s across the Diaspora will also be able to join in on the festivities through several activities in New York facilitated through the Shoot for the Stars foundation.

JaRIA will also be partnering with the “Bad Boys” of Reggae, Inner Circle, for their list of activities in Miami.