Few voices have defined Jamaica’s reggae and lovers’ rock legacy like Ken Boothe — and this Reggae Month, the iconic singer is set to receive one of the nation’s highest cultural honours. The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, in partnership with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, has announced that Boothe will be inducted into the 2026 Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame during the Reggae Gold Awards on February 27 at the National Arena in Kingston. The ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m., and notably, admission is free to the public.
The tribute places well-deserved spotlight on Ken Boothe, whose smooth tenor and timeless catalogue helped shape Jamaica’s global music identity. From rocksteady classics to crossover reggae hits, Boothe’s career spans decades, influencing generations of Caribbean and international artistes. His Hall of Fame induction cements his status as one of the island’s most enduring cultural ambassadors, particularly in a year when Reggae Month celebrations are leaning heavily into heritage and preservation.
The Reggae Gold Awards will also deliver a powerful live showcase. Luciano is set to headline a special performance backed by the Reggae Symphony Orchestra and the Megahband, guided by acclaimed conductor Peter Ashbourne and band leader Michael “Megabass” Fletcher. Meanwhile, international reggae outfit Kawa will add global flavour to the evening, reinforcing reggae’s worldwide reach. Scheduled appearances from Etana, Richie Stephens and Chris Malachi further elevate what promises to be a landmark celebration of Jamaican music.
Backed by key partners including Wray & Nephew, CHASE Fund, the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the Universal Service Fund and CPTC Productions, the event underscores the Government’s continued investment in Jamaica’s cultural capital. As the island honours one of its most treasured voices, the 2026 Reggae Gold Awards is shaping up to be more than a ceremony — it is a living tribute to reggae’s past, present and global future.
