DC World Reggae Festival set for August 20
On Friday, August 19, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the U.S., Audrey Marks, will launch the second annual DC World Reggae Festival.
Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Tina Savage, 2Face alias 2Baba, Ras Slick, Kerwin Dubois, Rupee, Naomi Achu, Nkula, Lokal, Jah Works, and Ethan will perform at the one-day festival on August 20 at the RFK Festival Grounds. Rennastone, Ricky Platinum, and Prince Royal are confirmed.
Event organizers Omar Stephenson and Hector Carter say that Third World and Bela Dona will no longer be performing due to scheduling issues.
“After meeting with our core team, we felt it was best to ensure a great experience for our attendees to combine the days. We were able to smoothly transition to a one-day event and appreciate everyone’s patience and assistance as we work to deliver a positive 60th-anniversary experience,” says Stephenson.
The DC Global Reggae Festival supports “world peace” with this year’s theme, “Let there be Peace on Earth,” covering love, unity, spiritual rejuvenation, and health awareness. The event will have a children’s zone, two stages, and local vendors.
The one-day festival will celebrate and honour Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence. The Embassy of Jamaica has sponsored the festival, which will mark Jamaica’s 60th anniversary in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Ambassador Marks welcomed the festival’s return and praised its creators.
She said the effort promotes Jamaica’s music and culture. “We are all ambassadors of our country, especially its culture, which has so influenced the world stage that visitors are always shocked by its size,” she remarked.
Ambassador Marks said diaspora Jamaicans could monetise the country’s culture, food, music, and dance. Marks: “Music, fashion, and movies have immense potential.”
The organisers say that Front Gate Ticketing and DC Events have provided several hassle-free options for ticket holders of a combo-day or a Sunday (August 21) pass, including full or partial refunds. Visit the festival website for more information.