July 1, 2023 marks the 29th annual International Reggae Day. Started by organizer, Andrea Davis, International Reggae Day is a 24-hour global media festival hosted each year in Kingston, Jamaica. The idea was originally inspired by a speech made in 1992 by Winnie Mandela while she was visiting with her husband, Nelson, in Kingston. Her inspirational speech spoke of using the power of reggae music to ‘uplift, inspire and unite” those in South Africa in their fight against apartheid.
Reggae music originated in Jamaica in the 1960s and evolved out of genres such as ska and rocksteady. In 1968, the Toots and Maytals song, “Do the Reggay”, popularized the name and genre worldwide. Bob Marley and the Wailers, largely considered the most iconic reggae artists of all time, were one of the first to bring reggae globally. Currently, reggae music is ranked in the top 10 of music genres worldwide (out of over 500 genres).
Today, International Reggae Day has expanded to unite the reggae community everywhere with a true “one love” celebration, inspiring and uplifting globally. According to OneFirelight instructor, Makayla, “Reggae definitely feels like a heartbeat to me, that makes me want to groove while putting me at ease. It’s almost impossible to be in a bad or stressed mood when I hear reggae.”
Celebrate the day with some reggae music to uplift your spirits. Even if you are far from the event in Jamaica, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the day. Treat your mind, body and soul to a class on the online wellness platform, OneFirelight. Every class from sound meditation to yoga to strength training features the music of Bob Marley and other conscious reggae artists. Take some time and turn the volume up on your favorite reggae songs and let the rhythms uplift your spirits.
