Acclaimed reggae artiste Etana has been officially named Reggae Month Ambassador for 2026, as Jamaica prepares to celebrate its most influential cultural export throughout the month of February.

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, the Honourable Olivia Grange made the announcement, at the official launch of Reggae Month on Wednesday, January 21, at the New Kingston office of title sponsor Wray & Nephew. The launch brought together industry stakeholders, artistes, sponsors, and members of the media to mark the start of the annual celebration of reggae music and its global impact.

The Reggae Month Ambassador initiative, a new feature of Reggae Month, observed annually in February for the past 18 years, aims to spotlight reggae’s worldwide influence through the voices of practitioners who actively shape the genre’s legacy. Etana was selected for her outstanding contributions to reggae music, her consistent commitment to positive messaging, and her strong representation of Jamaican culture on the international stage.

Speaking on her appointment, Etana expressed gratitude at being able to represent Jamaica and Reggae in this way, especially at this time.

“This February we are celebrating Reggae like never before. We will be lighting up the place with real reggae and dancehall music events all over the country and I am honoured to be part of this. To Jamaicans now in recovery mode after the vicious onslaught of the category 5 Hurricane Melissa, I say, this one is for you. Reggae Music is our culture, our music and will serve as inspiration to overcome the odds and help us to rebuild stronger,” said Etana

In reflecting on the wider context of Reggae Month 2026, Minister of Culture the Honourable Olivia Grange noted:

“We enter Reggae Month at a time when half our country is rebuilding from the devastating hurricane and when we see so much trouble in the world. It also comes on the heels of the recent passing of two of our Reggae Icons in Jimmy Cliff and Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore. Their contribution to reggae music was truly phenomenal. Their creativity and artistry were one of a kind. Their passing, a tremendous loss.”

The Minister also pointed to the strength of industry-led collaboration this year, noting:

“We are especially encouraged by the strong partnerships emerging from within the music fraternity. Promoters, artistes, producers, and industry leaders are playing a more active role, with initiatives such as Dancehall Week, supported by respected promoters like Romeich Major, showing how the culture continues to grow through those who live and breathe the music.”

The Wray and nephew Reggae Month is powered by the CHASE Fund, with sponsorship support from the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Tourism Enhancement Fund. The month will feature a dynamic slate of concerts, tributes, industry forums, and community-based activities, reaffirming reggae’s role as both a powerful cultural expression and a unifying force for Jamaica and the world.

The core events:

• February 1 Thanksgiving church Service – Fellowship Tabernacle Dennis Brown Gathering – National Heroes’ Park - Essence of Reggae Music Festival
• February 6 Bob Marley Tribute Concert – Emancipation Park
• February 8 Young Reggae Gospel Ambassadors concert – Negril
• February 12, 13, 14 Wickie Wackie Music Festival
• February 15 Sound System Juggling
• February 22 Kingston Riddims, Celebrating Kingston Creative City of Music
• February 22- March 1 Dancehall Week
• February 24 Tuesday ServiceFebruary 25-28 Island Music Conference
• February 27 Reggae Gold Awards Ceremony