Award-winning reggae songstress Etana has been named the first official Reggae Month Ambassador, marking a historic moment as Jamaica prepares to roll out more than 60 events nationwide for the 17th staging of Reggae Month, which officially begins on February 1. The announcement was made during the official launch hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport at J. Wray and Nephew Limited’s head office in New Kingston on January 21, setting the tone for a month-long celebration of Jamaica’s most influential cultural export.
Portfolio Minister Hon. Olivia Grange confirmed that Reggae Month will open with a church service at Fellowship Tabernacle in Kingston, followed by a tribute to the late Dennis Brown at Heroes Park. The annual Bob Marley Tribute Concert is slated for February 6 at Emancipation Park, with Stephen Marley confirmed as the featured Marley. According to the Minister, the concert will unite overseas acts with local talent, reinforcing reggae’s global reach while honouring its Jamaican roots.
Meanwhile, Dancehall Week will return as a major pillar of the programme, running from February 22 to March 1, while the next generation of artistes will take centre stage at the Young Reggae Ambassadors showcase in Negril on February 24. Minister Grange emphasised the importance of nurturing emerging talent, noting that initiatives such as Children of the Icon and Young Reggae Ambassadors are designed to ensure the music is passed on “in good hands” as pioneers continue to transition.
Reggae Month 2026 also carries deeper significance, celebrating 80 years since Jamaica’s music was inscribed by UNESCO, 10 years since Kingston was named a UNESCO Creative City, and 17 years since Reggae Month was officially proclaimed. Against a backdrop of national recovery and global unrest, Grange described reggae as “therapy”, adding that its rhythm and lyrics continue to provide relief and inspiration in challenging times. With Etana now serving as ambassador and events spanning Kingston to Western Jamaica, Reggae Month once again positions Jamaica’s heartbeat music at the centre of global culture.
