In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic landfall, Jamaicans turned to reggae music as a source of strength. Songs of upliftment inundated social media as recovery efforts got underway late last year igniting spirits and telling stories of resilience. As the country gets ready to celebrate the genre that has been providing the soundtrack to the island’s ‘comeback’, Jamaicans are being urged to join in the festivities.

Observed annually in February, Reggae Month celebrates the impact of the genre on Jamaica’s social, cultural, and economic development.

The launch event was hosted at the headquarters of J Wray & Nephew on Wednesday night at which heavy support was the call to action from government officials and industry practitioners alike.

While the physical landscape of the island bears the scars of the storm, the atmosphere at the launch was one of healing and hope.

This year, celebrations will be held under the theme ‘Rhythms of Resilience’, a fitting reminder that the festivities go far beyond entertainment; they are a symbol of national restoration.

Addressing the audience, Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia “Babsy” Grange emphasised that the genre must be celebrated now more than ever.

“We have a lot to celebrate, and we really should be thankful. It’s been 8 years since reggae music was officially inscribed by UNESCO, we celebrate 10 years since Kingston was designated a creative city by UNESCO, and we celebrate 17 years since the governor general proclaimed Reggae Month,” said the minister. “Reggae is Jamaica’s heartbeat and holds an important place in global culture. We enter Reggae Month at a time when half of the country is rebuilding from the devastating hurricane, and we face so much trouble in the world. Our reggae music is therapy. We turn to this music in the good and bad times; the rhythm and lyrics provide relief and inspiration.”

Other officials at the event agreed with the minister’s sentiment, noting that, in the grim days following the hurricane’s passage, it was reggae music that kept hope alive.

“We’ve been hit by Hurricane Melissa, but this is Jamaica; we will rebound and shine brighter. Let us show the world that we are the country that produced Bob [Marley], we are the country that produced Marcus [Garvey] and so many others. We have done so well on the international stage, and so when we support Reggae Month we’re supporting that story,” said Carey Wallace, director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund. “And that’s the story we want to replace the story of devastation… Reggae Month is a great way to do that.”

Daniel Caron, managing director at J Wray & Nephew, for his part, said Reggae Month is as good a time as any to show that Jamaica is full of fight. He said the celebrations will prove that not only is reggae alive and well, but that Jamaica is open for business and will bounce back even stronger.

“We’re honoured at J Wray & Nephew to continue investing in Reggae Month. This year’s celebrations are about coming back and coming back stronger. We want to keep the culture alive, the spirit alive, and with that we will always have resilience. It’s important not to be defeated in challenging times, but to rise above difficulties, and that’s always been the core of the message in the music. We will rise stronger than ever, and that’s why it’s so important that we’re doing this.”

In keeping with the spirit of celebration, Grange revealed that more than 60 events have been registered for the 2026 calendar for Reggae Month, and that she is encouraged by “the strength of partnership coming from promoters, artistes, producers and industry leaders”.

Some of the major events to be held in February include Dennis Brown’s birthday celebrations on February 1, Bob Marley’s Birthday celebrations on February 6 at Emancipation Park, Wickie Wackie Music Festival starting February 12, Dancehall Week to be observed from February 22 to March, as well as weekly events hosted by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) and symposiums organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

Minister of Entertainment and Culture Olivia “Babsy” Grange (left) looks on as Reggae Queen Marcia Griffiths addresses the launch event.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)

J Wray & Nephew Brand Manager Pavel Smith is flanked by artistes Lone Ranger (left) and Ricky Trooper at the Reggae Month launch on Wednesday. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)