Reggae Month 2026 is officially underway, marking the 17th anniversary of the declaration of February as Reggae Month in Jamaica. This year’s observance reflects the continued growth and global impact of the genre, with more than 60 events registered with the Reggae Month Secretariat.

The month-long activities were formally launched by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, on Sunday, February 1. The opening activities included a church service at the Fellowship Tabernacle on Fairfield Avenue in Kingston, followed by a tribute to the late Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Emmanuel Brown, at Heroes Park.

Major highlights for the month include the annual Bob Marley Tribute Concert at Emancipation Park on February 6, featuring a special appearance by Stephen Marley, and the observance of Dancehall Week, which runs from February 22 to March 1. This year’s programme also places strong emphasis on emerging talent and regional activities. The younger generation of reggae musicians will be showcased at the Young Reggae Ambassadors event in Negril, Westmoreland, on February 24.

Reggae artiste Etana has been named the first official Reggae Month Ambassador, further strengthening the cultural reach of the celebrations. In Western Jamaica, activities include the Waves One Love Jerk Fest and MoBay Reggae Night in St. James. A complete schedule of Reggae Month 2026 events is available on the Reggae Jamaica App, which can be downloaded free from the App Store and Google Play Store.

The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, in collaboration with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), has officially opened entries for the highly anticipated Jamaica Festival Song 2026 Competition. This event continues its long-standing tradition of identifying and celebrating musical excellence that captures the heart of the nation. Aspiring artists and seasoned performers alike are encouraged to submit their entries now for a chance to become the next big winner in this cultural showcase.

To be eligible, submissions must represent any genre of Jamaican music and are specifically required to promote patriotism while capturing the unique Jamaican spirit. The competition offers a significant incentive for participants, boasting over $3 million in total cash and prizes. Those interested in entering should note that there is a standard entry fee of $2,000 per submission, and the final deadline to submit work is March 31, 2026.

The JCDC has moved to an “Online Entries Only” format to streamline the application process. Prospective entrants can find full details and submit their songs via the official awards platform at http://www.jcdc.awardsplatform.com. For additional inquiries, the public may contact the Commission via email at info@jcdc.gov.jm, by telephone at (876)-926-5726-9, or by visiting any JCDC Parish Office islandwide.