KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican capital prepares for a spectacular two-part festival commemorating its tenth anniversary as a UNESCO Creative City of Music. The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has announced overlapping events scheduled for February 22, 2026, along the Kingston Waterfront, promising an immersive experience for genuine music enthusiasts under the unifying theme ‘Kingston Riddims.’
The celebration will feature distinct daytime and nighttime programming across two primary venues. ‘Rae Town Vibe’ will activate the Kingston Craft Market (Festival Marketplace) with the legendary Merritone Sound System curating selections from ska and early reggae eras. Special guest artist Stranger Cole, a ska icon, will perform alongside hosting by renowned radio personality Burgerman.
Simultaneously, the UDC car park will host a ‘Best of the 80s and 90s’ session from noon until midnight, featuring powerhouse sound systems Stone Love, Jamrock, and Travellers. Both events will highlight Jamaica’s revolutionary sound system culture, recognizing these audio setups as primary musical instruments that fundamentally shaped global music trends.
Beyond musical performances, attendees will encounter rich cultural programming. Pop-up museums at the Craft Market will exhibit artifacts from pioneering producers including Striker Lee (credited with producing the first reggae song), King Tubby (inventor of Dub music), and King Jammys (who pioneered digital dancehall). The National Gallery will contribute additional displays, transforming the waterfront into a vibrant cultural village designed for family enjoyment.
This milestone celebration reflects a decade of transformative growth and cultural investment since Kingston’s December 2015 designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Music. This prestigious recognition acknowledged Kingston’s unparalleled contribution as the birthplace of six distinct genres: mento, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, and dancehall. The city’s musical legacy includes global icons Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Dennis Brown.
Over the past ten years, Kingston has strategically leveraged its musical heritage to drive economic development, empower youth initiatives, and strengthen community cohesion. The UNESCO designation positioned Jamaica’s capital not merely as a historical musical capital but as a living, evolving creative hub where music remains central to identity, innovation, and economic opportunity.