Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
Jamaican Reggae Festivals Beyond Jamaica
Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.
By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
Reggae music is loved and celebrated across the globe. While reggae festivals have long been synonymous with it's home here in Jamaica, the genre's vibrant influence has transcended borders and found a home in various corners of the world. Let's take a look at some of the most well known Reggae festivals globally.
New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!
Savour the memories! Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.
And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!
1. Reggae Sunsplash
Reggae Sunsplash, one of the most iconic reggae festivals in Jamaica, has taken its vibrant celebrations beyond our island's shores. Established in 1978, this festival played a significant role in the globalization of reggae music. In recent years, Reggae Sunsplash has expanded its brand to various countries, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa.
By showcasing a diverse lineup of Jamaican and international artists, these international editions of Reggae Sunsplash provide a platform for reggae enthusiasts around the world to experience the magic and energy of authentic Jamaican reggae.
2. Rototom Sunsplash
Since its inception in 1994, Rototom Sunsplash has become a pilgrimage destination for reggae lovers in Europe. Based in Benicassim, Spain, this week-long festival attracts thousands of attendees from across the continent.
With its commitment to promoting the cultural and social aspects of reggae, Rototom Sunsplash brings together a vibrant mix of artists, workshops, and discussions. It offers a unique opportunity for European fans to immerse themselves in the reggae scene and forge connections with like-minded individuals who share their love for the genre
3. Sierra Nevada World Music Festival
Nestled in the scenic foothills of Northern California, the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival has been enchanting audiences since 1994. This annual gathering celebrates a diverse range of world music genres, with a strong emphasis on reggae. Drawing inspiration from the Jamaican roots of reggae, the festival invites internationally renowned artists from Jamaica and beyond.
The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival has become a cherished event for reggae enthusiasts on the West Coast of the United States, providing an immersive experience filled with soul-stirring performances, workshops, and a vibrant marketplace.
4. One Love Festival
In the United Kingdom, the One Love Festival stands as a testament to the enduring power of reggae music and its ability to bring people together. Established in 2008, the festival aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Jamaica and promote unity among different communities.
With its diverse lineup of artists, including Jamaican legends and emerging talents, One Love Festival has become a cornerstone of the UK's reggae scene. This annual event embraces the Jamaican spirit of "one love" and creates an inclusive space for people of all backgrounds to enjoy the enchanting rhythms and positive vibes of reggae.
5. Best Of The Best
This is a ten-hour cultural event that features some of the best Caribbean music performances. Best of the Best has been held every year at Bayfront Park in Miami's stunning downtown, with a view of Biscayne Bay. In 2019, at the final staging before the pandemic, Best of the Best brought out heavy hitters from the past and present frontrunners of Jamaican music. Shabba Ranks, Supercat, Mavado, Jahmiel, Alkaline and Stylo G were some of the artists who graced the stage in Florida that year. Best of the Best, which performs every Memorial Day weekend at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, calls itself the largest Caribbean theatrical production in North America. While the event has been cancelled for this year, it promises to return even better next year for it's 16th edition.
6. Reggae Summerjam
Every summer for well over 30 years, the top reggae and dancehall stars perform at the Reggae Summerjam in Cologne, Germany. The lineup includes legends like Ziggy Marley, performers from the Reggae Revival movement like Chronixx, and the hottest dancehall acts like Alkaline. However, the event is an excellent place to discover less well-known performers because they consistently highlight non-Jamaican reggae singers like the reggae sensation Gentleman, who was born in Germany.
Jamaican reggae festivals have become a global phenomenon, spreading the rich musical heritage and positive messages of reggae beyond the shores of Jamaica. From Europe to the United States and beyond, these festivals provide a platform for artists, musicians, and fans to connect, celebrate, and immerse themselves in the spirit of reggae. As the genre continues to captivate audiences worldwide, these festivals serve as reminders of the power of music to bridge cultures, inspire change, and unite people from all walks of life.
After spending so much time abroad, it is only right to bring it back home to the greatest Reggae show on earth. Jamaica’s own Reggae Sumfest.
You might like these
Real Reggae Music | Jamaican Music, The Heartbeat of Jamaica
For many, reggae music defines Jamaica & Jamaica defines reggae. But how was it started? What's its impact? Read more this enthralling musical genre here, now.
The History of Jamaican Rumba
Jamaican Rumba - A brief history of this enthralling Jamaican music
Bob Marley | King Of Reggae Music
Jamaica's Bob Marley is the undisputed the king of reggae music. But what do you know of him? Here is an inspirational background to this exceptional Jamaican.
Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)
If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more.
It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica!
Return to Reggae Sumfest from Jamaican Reggae Festivals Beyond Jamaica
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaican Reggae Festivals Beyond Jamaica
References & Sources For Jamaican Reggae Festivals Beyond Jamaica
- Amazing Reggae Festivals Outside Of Jamaica - Island Origins. (2018, November 12). Island Origins | the Caribbean American Lifestyle Magazine. https://islandoriginsmag.com/reggae-festivals-outside-of-jamaica/
New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿
 |
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now! |
See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!
 |
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers. |
Read More ...
New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!
P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
Featured Video!
Travelling To Jamaica?
Read this BEFORE you go
👇🏿
New Here?
I recommend you START HERE to enjoy the best of this website!
New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.
Recent Articles
-
Can Foreigners Buy Property In Jamaica?
Nov 23, 24 07:25 PM
Ever wondered, can foreigners buy property in Jamaica? Discover how easy it is for you to invest in Jamaican real estate. -
5 Things You Can Only Buy In Jamaica
Nov 23, 24 01:26 PM
Discover 5 unique and authentic things you can only buy in Jamaica, from world-renowned Blue Mountain Coffee to handmade Jamaican dolls and local wood carvings. -
101 Medicinal Herbs Of Jamaica- Top Natural Healing Herbs Of Jamaica
Nov 20, 24 09:27 PM
Here they are! The top 101 medicinal herbs of Jamaica. These ancient wonders that have provided effective natural healing from our parents and fore-parents. Ready? -
Does Jamaica Recognize Common Law Marriage?
Nov 20, 24 11:50 AM
To marry or not to marry? Once frowned upon, there’s much more leniency for common-law relationships these days. Does Jamaica Recognize Common Law Marriage? -
Can Jamaican Black Castor Oil Be Used On Your Face?
Nov 19, 24 05:29 PM
We have long discovered the great benefits of castor oil for our hair. But can Jamaican Black Castor oil be used on your face?
About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)
His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to explore his books and subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest here on site.
You are also welcome to check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts:
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
Didn't Find What You Are Seeking?
Do a quick site search here:
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.