Although Jamaica is the birthplace of Reggae music, the genre has grown far beyond the geographical borders of the island.

As a matter of fact, Reggae music and great Reggae music icons have influenced the way of life and social activities of a number of communities in different countries worldwide.

This far-reaching impact has resulted in the birth of many Reggae festivals in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia that attract thousands of patrons annually.

Here’s a look at five reggae festivals held on five different continents, each with a distinctive accent.

If you're a true Reggae music lover, these festivals are definitely worth attending at least once in your lifetime. 

Africa Meets Reggae International World Music Festival, Lagos, Nigeria


Founded by Nigerian Reggae artist Victor Essiet to “show the resurgence in Reggae by young, upcoming African artists and veterans like myself, and Majek Fashek,” Africa Meets Reggae festival showcases Reggae artists from all over Africa and attracted nearly 20,000 patrons in previous stagings.

Facebook: @AfricaMeetsReggaeInternational


Aotearoa One Love Reggae Festival, Tauranga Domain, New Zealand


The One Love Reggae Festival attracts thousands traveling from nearby Australia, Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, and throughout Aotearoa (the indigenous Maori people’s name for New Zealand).

Bob Marley’s 1979 performance in Auckland was the major catalyst in establishing Reggae’s popularity in New Zealand.

Facebook: @OneLoveFestivalNZ


California Roots and Arts Festival, California USA


This is the largest festival in North America, devoted to US Reggae, pulling 40,000 patrons over three days. Cali Roots also includes unique art installations and a live acoustic stage.

Facebook: CaliforniaRootsFestival


Rototom Reggae Sunsplash, Benicassim, Spain


With more than 250,000 people in attendance over seven days and three million viewers watching performances streamed via their Facebook page, Rototom Reggae Sunsplash is the world’s largest Reggae festival.

Rototom features Reggae and Dancehall acts from Europe, Jamaica, and beyond and includes conferences, an African village, a social art gallery, and its own Reggae radio station.

Facebook: @RototomSunsplashOfficial


Yokohama Reggae Sai, Yokohama, Japan


Yokohama Reggae Sai (sai means festival) was started by the phenomenal Japanese Reggae sound system, Mighty Crown in 1995, attracting 150 people.

In 2006, Mighty Crown took the event to Yokohama Stadium pulling an audience upwards of 35,000, as it does today, with a lineup dominated by Japanese Reggae and Dancehall acts.

Facebook: @YokohamaReggaeSai
 

Also read "Reggae Music To the World: How One Little Island's 'Big Big Music' Created A Global Culture" by Patricia Meschino