PLANTATION, FL – January 6, 2026 — Reggae Genealogy® Music Festival returns Saturday, February 7, 2026, under the theme Lights. Camera. Reggae., transforming Volunteer Park in Plantation into a vibrant soundstage for reggae’s cultural journey through film, television, gaming and global pop culture. Presented by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, this large-scale outdoor production is expected to welcome more than 3,000 guests for an immersive evening of music, storytelling and celebration.
Marking the official kickoff to South Florida’s Reggae Month, this year’s staging is the most ambitious yet—pairing high production value with an artistic tribute to reggae’s influence across generations and genres. The event is made possible with the support of longtime cultural allies: the City of Plantation, Broward County Cultural Division, Florida Power and Light, Grace Foods and Inner Circle / Bigg Zound.
Three Icons. Three Eras. One Night of Legacy and Recognition
A central highlight of Reggae Genealogy® 2026 is the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to three Jamaican music legends whose work has shaped the sound and soul of reggae over the past five decades.
Clifford “Mr. Vegas” Smith, whose breakout hits “Nike Air” and “Heads High” catapulted him to international fame in 1997, remains one of the genre’s most versatile and charismatic figures. Fusing dancehall, reggae and gospel influences, his energetic catalog includes anthems like “Hot Wuk” and “Tek Wey Yuhself,” earning him a MOBO Award, Billboard chart presence, and stages shared with global icons from New York to Nairobi. Dubbed the most successful “singjay” of his generation, Mr. Vegas continues to push boundaries, blending message-driven music with undeniable rhythm.
Sly Dunbar, the legendary drummer of the dynamic duo Sly & Robbie, is a cornerstone of Jamaican music history. With a career spanning more than 40 years, Dunbar’s innovative drumming and production redefined reggae, rocksteady and dancehall rhythms. His work on Bob Marley’s “Punky Reggae Party,” Junior Murvin’s “Police & Thieves” and Grace Jones’ “Pull Up to the Bumper” exemplifies his genre-crossing influence. A two-time Grammy Award winner with more than a dozen nominations, Dunbar is regarded by many as the most recorded drummer in reggae music.
Leroy Sibbles, best known as the voice and bassist of The Heptones, played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Studio One—the “Motown of Jamaica.” As lead singer of classics like “Book of Rules,” “Party Time” and “Fattie Fattie,” Sibbles brought soulful harmony to the ska-to-reggae evolution. As a session bassist, he laid the foundation for enduring riddims including “Full Up” and “Satta Massagana,” inspiring generations of artists and producers. His contributions as a singer, songwriter and arranger cement his place as one of reggae’s foundational architects.
A Cultural Stage Set with Rhythm, Film and Caribbean Flavor
Reggae Genealogy® 2026 host actress Audrey “Dancehall Queen” Reid
“This year’s production is a love letter to the soundtracks of our lives,” said Calibe Thompson, executive director of Island SPACE. “We’re paying homage to the cultural moments that brought reggae into homes, clubs, theaters and hearts around the world.”
The event opens with a tribute to reggae and film legend Jimmy Cliff, setting the tone for an evening of musical storytelling. Confirmed performers include Tifa, Phil Watkis, Roy G, and Bobby Rose, supported by Code Red Band. The main stage will be hosted by beloved actress Audrey Reid, best known for her starring role in Dancehall Queen, alongside music by Bigg G, DJ King Mega, and pre-show host Frank!e Red.
The event extends beyond music with an array of cultural experiences: an indoor fireside chat with Leroy Sibbles, a children’s play zone, food trucks, artisan vendors, and a Caribbean-friendly corporate circle designed for connection and community engagement.
Gates open at 4:00 p.m., and the main program begins at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at www.reggaegenealogy.org/tickets, with presale prices set at $30 for general admission, $80 for VIP, and $10 for children. Follow Island SPACE on Instagram for real-time updates.
