“One Love, One Voice, One Day” is this year’s theme for International Reggae Day (IRD) on July 1.

IRD’s founder, Andrea Davis, tells Music News how reggae lovers and industry professionals worldwide can participate in the virtual reggae celebration.

The idea for International Reggae Day came to Andrea Davis after hearing a speech by Winnie Mandela, who spoke about the inspiration reggae music gave to the people of South Africa in their fight against apartheid.

Motivated by this, Davis launched the first International Reggae Day in 1994.

To commemorate IRD, Jamaica’s leading reggae radio station, IRIE FM, continues to keep the genre front and center. From Mento, Ska, Rock Steady, Reggae, Dancehall, to Gospel — IRIE FM celebrates the Best of Creative Jamaica with its global audience of music lovers.

International Reggae Day is a dynamic marketing platform designed to showcase Jamaica’s best brands, powered by music, media, and technology.