Friends of Reggae International
Bringing People Together Through Reggae
In the quest for friendship, peace, and understanding, cultural exchange has a long history of success in bridging gaps and fostering unity among distant communities.
A Legacy That Started in 1989
Friends of Reggae International launched Kansas City's first Reggae and Music Festival at Thies Mall, Volker Park, in the summer of 1989. The inaugural event brought world-renowned artists and local talent together for a historic cultural gathering.
The First Festival
The inaugural event featured world-renowned superstars Lucky Dube of South Africa, Fela Kuti of Nigeria, Jimmy Cliff of Jamaica, and American folk, soul, and R&B artist Richie Havens.
Many local and regional artists also participated, helping create an outdoor event that connected Kansas City audiences to global reggae, African music, and Caribbean culture.
Cultural Impact
The annual festival thrived for nearly two decades at various locations across the Kansas City area. Its cultural and economic impact was significant, with former mayors Richard Berkley and Emmanuel Cleaver II issuing proclamations to honor and commemorate the festival events.
Our Mission
Celebrating Reggae as a Living Cultural Art Form
Our mission is rooted in celebrating reggae music as a vibrant cultural art form. The Kansas City Reggae Music & Jerk Food Festival serves as a vital platform, bringing regional and international reggae artists together to captivate diverse audiences.
Why It Matters
Beyond the festival, Friends of Reggae is dedicated to developing audiences, creating pathways for reggae music to resonate within communities, and facilitating unity across cultures through the unifying power of reggae.
Unity
Reggae's rhythms and socially conscious messages transcend background, ethnicity, and belief, creating shared experiences that promote empathy and connection.
Tourism
The festival showcases Kansas City's unique appeal and the vibrant energy of reggae and jerk food culture, attracting visitors and strengthening the city as a cultural destination.
Commerce
By creating a high-traffic marketplace for merchants, vendors, artists, and partners, the festival supports sales, visibility, local business, and regional economic vitality.
Community Through Culture
By providing platforms for musical expression, Friends of Reggae cultivates spaces where people from many walks of life can come together, appreciate one another's perspectives, and build stronger, more cohesive communities.
Festival Flourish
The festival is designed to encourage tourism, stimulate a positive economic landscape for local merchants, and promote commerce throughout the region while delivering authentic Caribbean connections and vibes.
Jamaican Roots. Kansas City Heart. One Shared Rhythm.
Friends of Reggae continues to champion music, food, culture, and community through experiences that bring people together and keep reggae's message alive.
Affiliates & Sponsors
