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WILMINGTON, DE — Delaware Park Casino was the place to be on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as Reggae in the Park officially cemented its reputation as the largest Caribbean festival in the state. While the weather forecasters clocked the heat index well over 90°F, the real fire was inside the gates, where a massive crowd […]
The Delaware Reggae Coalition presents the 2026 Reggae in the Park Delaware International Festival on Sunday, June 14, at the Delaware Park Casino grounds. Expected to draw over 40,000 attendees, the state’s largest Caribbean celebration features Grammy Award-winner Beenie Man as the headlining act. Beyond the world-class entertainment, the festival is projected to generate up to $4.5 million in economic impact, supporting local jobs and tourism. The event is free to the public and serves as a major highlight of Caribbean Heritage Month, blending music, authentic cuisine, and community resources in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel leads the nominations for the 2026 International Reggae and World Music Awards with an impressive 11 nods across several major categories, including Entertainer of the Year and Recording Artist of the Year. The awards ceremony will take place May 17, 2026, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in Florida. Kartel’s nominations highlight another dominant chapter in his career, reinforcing his position as one of dancehall’s most influential figures. Other artists earning multiple nominations include Sean Paul and Lila Iké, while reggae legend Burning Spear will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of contributions to the genre.
Rebel Salute, the world’s leading showcase for roots reggae and conscious culture, will make its historic U.S. debut at the Miramar Regional Park in Florida on April 19, 2026. Founded by Tony Rebel, the festival maintains its legendary “no meat, no alcohol” policy while featuring a powerhouse lineup including L.U.S.T., Maxi Priest, and Mykal Rose. This inaugural overseas staging marks a major milestone for the brand, bringing the authentic “heartbeat” of Jamaican culture directly to the Florida diaspora.
(ReggaeVibeMedia.com) — Every year when the Grammy Awards announce the winner for Best Reggae Album, social media lights up with celebration, debate, and sometimes controversy. But while the world focuses on the Grammys, many within the reggae community point to another institution that has been honoring the genre far longer and with far deeper cultural […]
The reggae music fraternity is mourning the collective loss of several iconic figures who helped shape the genre’s global identity. From the revolutionary drumming of Sly Dunbar and the sophisticated strings of Stephen “Cat” Coore to the prophetic voice of Max Romeo and the legendary broadcasts of DJ Bob Clarke, these pioneers leave behind a monumental legacy. As the community reflects on their contributions, their work continues to serve as the foundation for the future of Caribbean culture and music.
Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff has died at age 81 after complications from a seizure and pneumonia. Born James Chambers in St. James, Jamaica, Cliff became a global ambassador for reggae, ska, and rocksteady, recording more than 30 influential albums and starring in the groundbreaking film The Harder They Come. His hits such as “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and “I Can See Clearly Now” cemented him as one of Jamaica’s greatest musical exports. Honored with two Grammy Awards, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, and Jamaica’s Order of Merit, Cliff leaves behind a monumental legacy that transformed the global perception of Jamaican music and culture.
Jamaica will posthumously honour Garnet “Garnett Silk” Smith with the Order of Distinction (Officer class) as part of the 2025 National Honours and Awards announced on 6 August. The investiture of insignia is scheduled for National Heroes’ Day, Monday, 20 October 2025, at King’s House, where more than 140 recipients will receive awards from the state. Garnet Silk, celebrated for his smooth tenor and message-driven repertoire—songs such as “Hello Africa,” “Love Is the Answer,” and “Mama”—is widely credited with helping to revive conscious, roots-based themes in early 1990s popular Jamaican music before his tragic death in a house fire in December 1994 at age 28. Family tributes, community legacy events during 2025, and music-industry commentary have framed the award as both overdue and culturally important, reinforcing Silk’s place in Jamaica’s cultural memory and offering a moment for renewed public engagement with his musical legacy.
Celebrating 30 years in the music industry, Jamaican reggae icon Sizzla Kalonji (Miguel Orlando Collins) has evolved from an August Town youth to a global ambassador of conscious reggae. Born 17 April 1976 to Rastafarian parents, he cut his teeth with the Caveman Hi-Fi system and debuted in 1995 with Burning Up. His powerful combination of spirituality, social commentary and musical versatility propelled him near the forefront of the roots- revival movement, especially with his pivotal 1997 album Black Woman & Child. With over 50 solo albums released and a sustained global presence, Sizzla now commemorates three decades of message-rich music. His ongoing community-centred work—via Judgement Yard and Kalonji Records—underscores his legacy as more than an artist: a cultural custodian. As reggae continues to evolve, Sizzla remains relevant and active, setting the tone for what it means to build with roots, reach across borders and inspire generations.
Vybz Kartel has made history as the first and only dancehall artiste to sell out the main O2 Arena in London. Performing back-to-back shows on September 4 and 5, 2025, he drew 20,000 fans each night, marking an unprecedented moment for the genre. With guest appearances from Rvssian and Wizkid, Kartel delivered powerhouse performances despite an injured knee, ending each night with an emotional God Is the Greatest. Until now, no dancehall artiste had ever achieved such a feat at the O2, making Kartel’s accomplishment a landmark for Jamaican music and a clear signal of dancehall’s expanding global influence.
