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With the theme ‘One Love. One Voice. One Day’, International Reggae Day (IRD) 2025 is striking a powerful chord worldwide, uniting fans, creatives, and media partners in celebration of reggae’s message of unity, truth, and cultural pride. On July 1, the world will once again tune in to honour the music and movement born in Jamaica and embraced globally.
“Reggae music emerged from the grassroots and became a soundtrack for justice, unity and truth. International Reggae Day is a powerful reminder of what can happen when music becomes movement,” said Andrea Davis, founder and producer of IRD. “This year’s theme reflects the strength of collective action ... one love, one voice, one day ... amplified across cultures, countries and communities.”
Everyone is encouraged to join the #OneDropChallenge, wear their reggae colours, plant a reggae tree, post their IRD tribute, or host a local celebration.
“IRD isn’t just about a single day. It’s a groundswell. We’re seeing communities across the world, from Asia to the Caribbean to Africa showing up and adding their voice,” said Lisa-Ann O’Gilvie, co-producer of IRD 2025. “It’s a moment to celebrate reggae’s global legacy and a call to keep the fire burning.”
This year’s theme is a timely call to collective action. As tensions rise in many corners of the world, IRD 2025 invites people everywhere to share one love, raise one voice and take part in a 24-hour celebration that transcends borders, genres and generations. A powerful moment of global unity will take place with the IRD Pull Up at 11:55a.m. Jamaica time. Reggae lovers across continents – from radio stations and sound systems to digital platforms and DJs – will play Bob Marley’s One Love and Dennis Brown’s Love & Hate.
Now in its 31st year, IRD continues to grow in reach and resonance. More than 30 countries, including Argentina, South Africa, France, Brazil, China, Bahamas, Mexico, Indonesia, Zambia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Costa Rica, Panama, Anguilla, India, and Namibia, have officially signed on as partners.
In Jamaica, forums hosted in collaboration with JaRIA and the Edna Manley College will feature a Music Professionals Only Workshop and a Roadmap for Reggae’s Future panel event being live-streamed globally. A third special event live and online, in collaboration with Threads of Us, will take place at the Bob Marley Museum, spotlighting the convergence of music and film in grassroots storytelling as part of the Building A Film Come - Unity series.
Popular Kingston culture hubs such as Tuesday Service Live at The Compound and Kingston Night Market will also mark the day with immersive live music experiences. In the UK, the Harlesden Bassline collective will stage events including the Roots Rock Reggae Walk, Voices Around the Reggae Tree, and a panel discussion on The Influence of Reggae Music at Harlesden Library. In Mexico, PullItUp Radio will host a 24-hour reggae stream along with a showcase of 20 local artistes across Guadalajara and Mexico City.
Two global awards honouring reggae culture through impactful leadership will be handed out: the Winnie Mandela Humanitarian Award, launched in 2024 and first handed out to Rita Marley, and the inaugural Peter Tosh Rebel With A Cause Award, presented with the Peter Tosh Foundation to recognise bold, revolutionary leadership.
English (US) ·