Abuja celebrates the sound of peace and unity with “Reggae”

Reggae Festival 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria

The Reggae Festival 2025 was recently held in Abuja, Nigeria, bringing together fans and artists to celebrate this globally influential music genre. Known for its distinct rhythm and beats, reggae has expanded beyond its Caribbean origins to become a global phenomenon.

According to reggae artist Christman, the music is often used to advocate for love, peace, unity, and humanity. He noted, "The general perspective of reggae is conscious music. Anyone into reggae music is seen as a prophet because it is something intrinsic, not merely adopted."

Remy Salvany, a rap artist, stated, "Reggae music has always taken me back to the time of Bob Marley, providing a platform for my growth. It has significantly impacted my music since I have always loved reggae growing up."

Reggae is profoundly influenced by religious and cultural movements emphasizing African identity. However, African reggae artists face challenges in matching the sales and streaming numbers of other genres. Formidable, a UK-based artist, observed that while reggae artists outside Africa, including those in the UK, perform well globally, Nigerian artists face more challenges.

Device, a reggae artist, noted the global interest in Nigerian reggae, stating, "Musicians worldwide want to come to Nigeria, believing it to be a key market for our music."

Conversely, One Lord, a Ghanaian reggae artist, emphasized that African reggae musicians are succeeding within the continent. "Reggae artists are doing well; the sound speaks for itself," he remarked.

Reggae's roots are deeply intertwined with Rastafarianism, a movement emphasizing African identity. In 2018, UNESCO recognized reggae music as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Based on reporting by Africanews.