Because the world tunes into the rhythmic heartbeat of the Caribbean for Worldwide Reggae Day, the second gives each reflection and celebration of reggae’s enduring affect. From its grassroots origins within the streets of Kingston to its affect on international music tradition, reggae continues to be a robust automobile for fact, resistance, and unity.
This yr’s celebration, themed “One Love. One Voice.”, brings collectively over 30 nations in a synchronized tribute to the style that gave the world Bob Marley, Burning Spear, and Peter Tosh—and continues to propel new generations of voices.
Reggae’s industrial and cultural wins are simple. In recent times, Jamaican artists like Koffee and Protoje have earned Grammy nods and demanding acclaim, whereas Shaggy, Sean Paul, and Damian Marley stay international ambassadors for the style. Streaming numbers for reggae and dancehall proceed to rise, with hundreds of thousands of listeners partaking day by day throughout Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, affirming reggae’s industrial viability and cultural relevance.
Past leisure, reggae has all the time stood as a rallying cry for justice—and this yr, Worldwide Reggae Day underscores that reference to a historic announcement.
The 2025 Winnie Mandela Humanitarian Award, introduced by the July One Worldwide Reggae Day group, has been bestowed upon The Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.
The award acknowledges people whose life’s work displays the core reggae values of affection, justice, and fact. Prime Minister Mottley’s daring and unapologetic management on the local weather disaster—particularly her advocacy for Small Island Growing States (SIDS)—has elevated her to the worldwide stage as a champion for the weak.
“Her tireless advocacy, notably for small island growing states, stands as a robust name to motion,” mentioned organizers of their official assertion. “From the podiums of the United Nations to the phases of worldwide boards, Prime Minister Mottley has echoed the ethos of reggae in each tone and precept.”
In her official acceptance message, Prime Minister Mottley expressed gratitude and delight:
“I’m blissful to be a recipient this yr of the Winnie Mandela Humanitarian Award from the July One Worldwide Reggae Day group, in recognition of my work—and that of many others who work with me—for local weather justice.
Why do I rely it as such an honor? The reply is sure up within the title, however it’s also sure up in the truth that it’s a Caribbean award—the area that has outlined virtually all features of my residing and my work. Worldwide Reggae Day as nicely represents a style of music that in some ways displays the very soul of inspiration for thus many people as Caribbean individuals.”
As reggae continues to amplify international actions for social change, this yr’s celebration serves as a well timed reminder of its twin position as each soundtrack and spearhead for the Caribbean’s contributions to the world. With voices like Mottley’s main on points that have an effect on us all, reggae stays greater than music—it’s a motion.
