by Howard Campbell
SOUTH FLORIDA – Back in the 1970s, all roads led to Jamaica to soak up sun, sea and reggae music. Ian Lewis of Inner Circle is hoping to recapture that vibe in February, celebrated as Reggae Month in South Florida.
The Grammy-winning band are organizers of six free concerts scheduled for Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Miramar. They cover reggae’s diverse offshoots — roots-reggae, dancehall and gospel.
“The mission of Reggae Month this year is to spread it globally around the world, and the theme is ‘Make reggae irie again’. Original Jamaican word. We have Third World in the loop and then the big show, Rastafari Day, which features many artists such as Papa Michigan, Big Youth and Anthony B,” said Lewis.
Part of the Reggae Month celebration is honoring: Rohan Marley, Ky-Mani Marley and Toots and The Maytals at a private media event at Circle House Studios on Wednesday, January 29.
Reggae Month in South Florida Calendar of Events 2025
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Reggae Geneaology – February 2nd
Inner Circle, founded in Jamaica in 1968 by Lewis and his brother Roger, are one of three acts who will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards during Reggae Genealogy, which officially launches Reggae Month at Broward Mall on February 2. Singer Wayne Wonder and music producer Donovan Germain are the other honorees.
Reggae Genealogy, staged by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, traces the evolution of Jamaican music through performances from Eric “Monty” Morris, Jerry Mathias and oBessa, Ernie Smith, Wayne Armond and Shuga.
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Reggae Month Live – February 9th
Sunday, February 9th: Reggae Month Event doors open at 6 pm, free entry with RSVP until 8pm: Live music by Visions Band and Special Guests. 21 and over. Address: Blue Martini (2432 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304).
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Rastafari Day – February 15th
Rastafari Day and Drum Circle from 4pm to 10 pm. Performing live is Big Yout, Papa Michigan, Anthony B, Ras Mista Fiyah, Twiggi and more. Admission is free. Address: The NoMi Village (12351 Northwest 7th Avenue, North Miami)
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Reggae Month Live – February 16th
Reggae Month Event at Kekoon from 5pm to 11:30 pm: Live music by legends, good vibes and irie times. Admission is free. Address: Kekoon Restaurant and Lounge (15531 Sheridan Street, Davie)
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Reggae Jam – February 21st
Reggae Jam (Friday Night Sound Waves) from 7 pm to 9:30 pm. Joins us for a night of chill vibes and groovy tunes with performances by Third World, Kumar Fyre and more. Admission is free. Address: The Loop on Fort Lauderdale Beach (3000 East Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale.)
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Family Fun Day – February 22nd
Family Fun Day from 9 am to 5pm: Get ready for a jammin’ day filled with reggae vibes and family fun. Admission is free. Address: The Loop on Fort Lauderdale Beach (3000 East Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale.)
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Praise On The Green Gospel Extravaganza – February 23rd
Praise on the Green Gospel Extravaganza from 4pm to 8pm. Join us for a day of praising by gospel reggae stars singing live music on the green. Admission is free. Address: Shirley Branca Park (6900 Miramar Parkway, Miramar).
Sound, Stage & Lighting for several Reggae Month events is being provided by Bigg Zound.
Click here for Reggae Month’s Official Playlist “Make Reggae Irie Again”
February was officially designated Reggae Month in Jamaica in 2008. It will be the celebration’s third year in South Florida, home to one of the largest Jamaican communities in the United States.
