Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, the biggest reggae festival in the world, takes place in Montego Bay in July. More than 30,000 fans attend each year. The festival, which is held in the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex, began in 1993. The first of three performance nights highlights the dance hall genre that was born in Jamaica. Several world-renown reggae artists have appeared at the festival, including Shaggy, Sean Paul, Damian "Junior Gong" Marley, Inner Circle, Beenie Man, Third World, and Buju Banton. International artists have also performed at the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, including Mary J. Blige, Destiny's Child, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg, Wyclef Jean, and LL Cool J.
reggaesumfest.com
The Rebel Salute Music Festival takes place in Kingston in January. The festival focuses on cultural roots music and the folk tradition. It has been taking place yearly since 1994. Some of the artists that have performed have included Steel Pulse, Capleton, and Marion Hall. The Rebel Salute Music Festival focuses on artists that appeal to not one generation, but many. It focuses on a love of reggae music and a positive message of peace, strength in unity, and love.
rebelsaluteproductions.com
The Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival takes place in Trelawny in January. About 40,000 people attend yearly. The festival gives international flavor to jazz and blues. Some artists who have appeared at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival are Gladys Knight, Babyface, Joss Stone, Erykah Badu, Billy Ocean, and Hall & Oates.
jamaicajazzandblues.com
International Reggae Day takes place in Kingston on July 1 each year. On the rest of the island, there are many local events in places such as Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios. This festival is broadcast live all over the world via satellite television and the Internet. International Reggae Day celebrates the impact of reggae music around the world.
ireggaeday.com