Kingston, Jamaica, June 25, 2025 – Under the banner “One Love. One Voice. One Day.”, this year’s International Reggae Day (IRD) is picking up serious momentum. On July 1, reggae lovers across the world will once again come together to celebrate the culture, the sound, and the spirit that started in Jamaica and now belongs to the globe.
With fans, creatives, and media platforms from over 30 countries already on board, IRD 2025 is shaping up to be a truly worldwide affair, reminding us what reggae has always stood for: unity, truth, and cultural pride.
“Reggae came from the grassroots. It became a voice for justice and connection,” says Andrea Davis, founder and producer of IRD. “This year’s theme speaks to the power of what happens when we all move together, one love, one voice, one day.”
Co-producer Lisa-Ann O’Gilvie adds: “This isn’t just about one day. It’s something bigger. You can feel the energy in places as far apart as Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe. It’s a global celebration and a reminder to keep the fire burning.”
The idea? Wherever you are in the world—through music, film, art, livestreams, or just linking up with friends, everyone is invited to be part of a 24-hour celebration that cuts through borders, genres, and generations.
One of the key IRD moments this year is the “IRD Pull Up”, set for 11:55AM Jamaica time. It’s a call for unity: radio stations, DJs, sound systems, and digital platforms everywhere will pause and hit play on Bob Marley’s “One Love” and Dennis Brown’s “Love & Hate” at the same time. A synchronized global pull-up, celebrating the message, the music, and the movement.
Now in its 31st year, IRD continues to grow. Countries confirmed to take part include Argentina, South Africa, France, Brazil, China, Bahamas, Mexico, Indonesia, Zambia, the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Panama, Anguilla, India, and Namibia, just to name a few. A true reflection of how far reggae has reached and how deeply it connects.
This year’s Global Media Festival will feature curated content, artist spotlights, radio specials, and community events happening all over, from Kingston to Cape Town, London to Lima. Media outlets and local organizers worldwide are gearing up with their activations to keep reggae at the center.
In Jamaica, a few key moments to look out for include:
- A Music Professionals Only Workshop and a panel discussion titled “Roadmap for Reggae’s Future”, hosted with JaRIA and Edna Manley College, both being streamed globally.
- A special session at the Bob Marley Museum in collaboration with Threads of Us, exploring grassroots storytelling through music and film as part of the Building A Film Come-Unity series.
- And local happenings like Tuesday Service Live at The Compound and Kingston Night Market, offering immersive live reggae experiences.
Outside Jamaica, other IRD highlights include:
- In the UK, Harlesden Bassline will host the Roots Rock Reggae Walk, the Voices Around the Reggae Tree event, and a panel talk on Reggae’s Influence, live from Harlesden Library.
- In Mexico, PullItUp Radio is planning a 24-hour stream and a showcase featuring 20 local reggae artists across Guadalajara and Mexico City.
New this year: IRD is introducing two global awards to recognize those living reggae’s core values:
- The Winnie Mandela Humanitarian Award, first given to Hon. Dr. Rita Marley in 2024, honors individuals whose life work reflects reggae’s spirit of love and justice.
- And debuting in 2025: the Peter Tosh Rebel With A Cause Award, presented in partnership with the Peter Tosh Foundation, which will highlight bold leadership and social impact aligned with reggae’s revolutionary roots.
But IRD isn’t just for institutions and artists—it’s for the people. Fans are encouraged to get involved in any way that feels right:
Join the #OneDropChallenge, wear your reggae colors, plant a tree, post your own IRD tribute, or host a local session. Whether you’re a selector, a student, a teacher, or just someone who loves the riddim, this is your day too.
Visit www.ireggaeday.com to sign up, access the JulyOne content, and get listed on the global schedule.
Let your voice be heard.
One Love. One Voice. One Day.

