From dawn to dusk on July 1 the hard driving drum and bass beat Robert Nesta Marley infused with lyrics to chant down Babylon will again be celebrated with a global salute honoring International Reggae Day.
Designated by JAH (Jamaica Arts Holdings) three decades ago, this year Rita Marley, — his bride and benefactor — will be regaled with the Winnie Marley Humanitarian Award.
“We are thrilled to announce this award named in honour of IRD’s inspiration Winnie Mandela which will be presented to Nana Rita Marley for her invaluable service to humanity through her music and philanthropic works in communities from Jamaica to Africa,” Andrea M. Davis, IRD founder and producer said.
Slated for a spectacular showcase hosted by Consul General Oliver Muir and the city of Miramar in Florida, the first such presentation will include a free drone show
Featuring 500 drones showcasing Jamaica and its reggae icons, the event will be live streamed from the portal ireggaeday.com.
Another aspect of the celebration offers a discussion from Kingston, Jamaica titled: The ‘IRD AI & Creative Industries Webinar.’
Special spokespersons will explore the potential and challenges of generative AI technology on the creative sector with particular focus on media, film, music, IP rights and policy.
Hosted by Sherando Ferril, presenters will include comedian Willonius Hatcher and AI content creator of BBL Drizzy and AI Tupac, which went viral in 2024.
Also adding to the discussion will be Kiran Maharaj of the Media Institute of the Caribbean, attorney Diane Daley McClure and UNESCO AI Policy Roadmap authors Erica Simmons and Andrea M. Davis.
Another signature virtual event will be a roundtable talk on this year’s theme — celebrating 30 Years of riddims and resistance.
Hosted by Marley’s granddaughter, filmmaker Donisha Prendergast will lead an illustrious panel of influencers including UWI lecturer Dr. Kadwame K’nife, musicians Sly Dunbar and Willie Stewart, South African cultural advocate Ras Gideon Mantula and artiste Don Dada.
The roundtable talk will examine the impact of reggae music on global resistance movements such as the fight to end apartheid in South Africa.
Coincidentally the southern African nation is also in the midst of celebrating 30 years of apartheid-free governance.
A simulcast play of three reggae anthems — ‘One Love’, in honour of the King of reggae Bob Marley; ‘Here I Come’ in honor of the genre’s Crown Prince Dennis Brown and ‘Reggae Bring Back Love’ will laud Ambassador Peetah Morgan who transitioned earlier this year. The theme of this year’s festivities will likely entice reggae music afficionados throughout the world — from New Zealand to South America, Europe, Africa and Asia who annually plan 24 hours of colorful tributes.
The matriarch, mother, grand and great grand singer who accompanied the legendary king of reggae during tours throughout the globe will celebrate her 78th birthday anniversary on July 25.
Catch you On the Inside!
