The 44th Annual Tribute to the Reggae Legends (also known as “Bob Marley Day”) returns to the historic WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park for two days of reggae music, culture, and community on February 21 and 22, 2025.
Two Days of Reggae: Virgin Islands Meets Jamaica & Roots Legends
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Friday, February 21 (8:00 PM – 11:30 PM)
- Virgin Islands Meets Jamaica Sound System Night
- Featured Artists:
- From the Virgin Islands: Dezarie and Ninjah P
- From Jamaica: Michael Palmer, Ranking Joe, and more
-
Saturday, February 22 (2:00 PM – Midnight)
- Roots Legends
- Featured Artists (lineup subject to change):
- Sister Nancy, Johnny Osbourne, Warrior King, Etana, Triston Palmer, Junior Toots (Tribute to Toots), Little John, Empress Akua, Quinto Sol, Mara Sulu with Revival, DJ Mykol Orthodox, Good Over Evil Soundsystem
A Celebration of Reggae History
Founded by Prophet World Beat Productions to honor the legacy of Bob Marley, the Tribute to the Reggae Legends festival began as a small gathering in San Diego and grew into a major annual event, once filling the San Diego Sports Arena. Over the years, it has featured iconic performers while paying homage to reggae’s enduring message of unity, peace, and social consciousness.
Executive Director and founder of the WorldBeat Cultural Center, Makeda Dread Cheatom, hosted Reggae Makossa on 91X FM for 25 years alongside her partners Damaja Le, Dereka, and Carlos Culture. Together, they organized countless reggae-themed events, including club nights, boat cruises, and the annual Bob Marley Day festival in San Diego. As more iconic artists passed on, the festival was renamed Tribute to the Reggae Legends and began recognizing pivotal figures in the community with the Bob Marley Peace Award and honoring accomplished artists with the Reggae Legends Award.
Location & Venue
WorldBeat Cultural Center
2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Established in 1984 by Makeda Dread as WorldBeat Productions, the WorldBeat Cultural Center is a non-profit community center dedicated to preserving and showcasing African and Indigenous cultures through music, dance, art, and education.
Ticket Information
- Tickets: $40 – $80
- Purchase Online: Humanitix
- Humanitix dedicates 100% of its profits from booking fees to charity.
- At the Door: Tickets will also be available for purchase.
- All Ages Welcome.
Festival Hours
- Friday, February 21: 8:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday, February 22: 2:00 PM – Midnight
Join the festivities at the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park for two unforgettable days of roots and culture as San Diego once again becomes a beacon for reggae lovers worldwide. Celebrate the music, history, and spirit of legendary reggae artists and experience the unity and positive vibrations that reggae music represents.
For more information on the Tribute to the Reggae Legends Festival, please visit www.worldbeatcenter.org or contact them at events@worldbeatcenter.org / 619-230-1190.
