Jamaica is channeling the healing power of reggae music to fuel national recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact. The island nation has officially launched its 2026 Reggae Month celebrations under the thematic banner ‘Rhythms of Resilience,’ transforming the cultural observance into a symbol of post-disaster restoration.
The February observance, which honors reggae’s profound influence on Jamaica’s social, cultural, and economic development, takes on heightened significance this year as communities continue rebuilding from November’s devastating storm. At Wednesday’s launch event hosted at J Wray & Nephew headquarters, government officials and music industry leaders united in emphasizing reggae’s therapeutic role during challenging times.
Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange addressed attendees with an impassioned plea for heightened participation. ‘We enter Reggae Month at a time when half the country is rebuilding from devastating hurricane damage, and we face so much trouble in the world,’ Minister Grange stated. ‘Our reggae music is therapy. We turn to this music in good and bad times; the rhythm and lyrics provide relief and inspiration.’
The minister highlighted several significant anniversaries coinciding with the 2026 celebrations: eight years since UNESCO’s official inscription of reggae music, ten years since Kingston’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City, and seventeen years since the Governor General’s proclamation of Reggae Month.
Tourism Enhancement Fund Director Carey Wallace echoed the minister’s sentiments, noting that reggae music served as a critical source of hope during the grim aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. ‘We’ve been hit by Hurricane Melissa, but this is Jamaica; we will rebound and shine brighter,’ Wallace declared. ‘When we support Reggae Month, we’re supporting the story of Jamaican resilience that we want to replace the story of devastation.’
J Wray & Nephew Managing Director Daniel Caron emphasized his company’s continued investment in the celebrations, stating: ‘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.’
The 2026 Reggae Month calendar features an expansive lineup of more than 60 registered events, including Dennis Brown’s birthday celebrations (February 1), Bob Marley’s birthday festivities at Emancipation Park (February 6), the Wickie Wackie Music Festival (commencing February 12), Dancehall Week (February 22-March), and weekly programming organized by JaRIA and JCDC symposiums.