International Reggae Day 2025: One Love, One Voice, One DayCEFR B1
1 Jul 2025
Adapted from Emma Lewis, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Conor Samuel, Unsplash
International Reggae Day marked its 31st year under the theme "One Love, One Voice, One Day," with organisers calling for a refocus of reggae as a tool for activism. This year they placed special emphasis on climate justice and the environment.
The IRD team announced the second annual Winnie Mandela Humanitarian Award. The 2025 recipient is Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados. Organisers praised her leadership on climate justice and her advocacy for Small Island Developing States.
Events were held around the world. Celebrations ranged from the opening of the "Bob Marley Hope Road" attraction in Las Vegas to radio and social media events in Nairobi and Malaysia. The Greensboro Public Library promoted free music access. In Jamaica, Ocho Rios–based Irie FM, which began as a reggae station in 1990, honoured dub poet Mutabaruka and other veterans at a live event in uptown Kingston on July 1.
Organisers and allied groups linked reggae to wider causes. A Polish human rights group noted reggae’s role against racism, and IRD encouraged followers to "plant a reggae tree" in support of the United Nations’ Trillion Tree Challenge, inspired by Wangari Maathai.
Difficult words
- activism — Public action to support political change.
- climate justice — Fair treatment for people affected by climate.
- recipient — Person who receives an award or gift.
- humanitarian — Connected with helping people in need.
- advocacy — Public support for a particular cause.
- veteran — Someone with long experience in a field.veterans
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can music like reggae help with climate justice or environmental issues in your community?
- Would you take part in a tree-planting challenge inspired by musicians? Why or why not?
- Which event described in the article would you most like to attend, and why?
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