The sounds of reggae are rippling throughout borders as soon as once more because the world comes collectively at the moment, July 1, to mark Worldwide Reggae Day (IRD) 2025 beneath the theme “One Love. One Voice. One Day.” Now in its thirty first yr, the worldwide celebration continues to broaden its attain, uniting followers, creatives, and media throughout greater than 30 international locations in honour of Jamaica’s strongest cultural export.
“Reggae music emerged from the grassroots and have become a soundtrack for justice, unity and reality,” mentioned Andrea Davis, founder and producer of IRD. “This yr’s theme displays the power of collective motion … one love, one voice, in the future … amplified throughout cultures, international locations and communities.”
This yr’s IRD invitations the world to participate in a 24-hour celebration that transcends borders and genres. From Argentina to Zambia, occasions, tributes, and digital concert events are spotlighting reggae’s lasting affect. Supporters are inspired to hitch the #OneDropChallenge, put on their reggae colors, plant a symbolic reggae tree, or host neighborhood tributes.
Co-producer Lisa-Ann O’Gilvie famous the day’s increasing resonance. “IRD isn’t nearly a single day. It’s a groundswell. We’re seeing communities internationally, from Asia to the Caribbean to Africa displaying up and including their voice.”
A key second of unity will happen throughout the IRD Pull Up at 11:55 a.m. Jamaica time, when radio stations, DJs, and streaming platforms worldwide will concurrently play Bob Marley’s “One Love” and Dennis Brown’s “Love & Hate”—an audio sign of solidarity in a time of worldwide unrest.
In Jamaica, the celebrations embrace a full slate of boards and cultural showcases. Hosted in collaboration with JaRIA and Edna Manley Faculty, the native programme includes a Music Professionals Solely Workshop, a Roadmap for Reggae’s Future panel, and a particular occasion on the Bob Marley Museum as a part of the Constructing A Movie Come-Unity collection—highlighting the intersection of grassroots storytelling, music, and movie.
Kingston’s tradition hubs like Tuesday Service Dwell at The Compound and Kingston Evening Market are marking the event with immersive dwell performances, whereas worldwide companions have lined up their very own tributes. In London, the Harlesden Bassline Collective will host strolling excursions, neighborhood circles, and panels on reggae’s affect. In Mexico, PullItUp Radio is working a 24-hour stream and spotlighting 20 native artists from Guadalajara and Mexico Metropolis.
This yr additionally sees the presentation of two world honours: the Winnie Mandela Humanitarian Award, launched in 2024 and first awarded to Rita Marley, and the inaugural Peter Tosh Insurgent With A Trigger Award, introduced in partnership with the Peter Tosh Basis to recognise revolutionary management in reggae tradition.
As Davis places it, “Worldwide Reggae Day is a robust reminder of what can occur when music turns into motion.”
