Bunny Lee Museum curates a Landmark Cultural Weekend Honouring the Architects of Reggae Music
Kingston, Jamaica — In a landmark moment for Jamaica’s cultural and musical legacy, the Iconic Reggae Weekend – A Tribute to the Founding Fathers & Mothers of Reggae brought together artists, historians, fans, and global cultural voices to celebrate the pioneers who built one of the world’s most influential music movements.
Curated by the team behind the Bunny Lee Museum, and inspired by the work and legacy of legendary producer Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee, the weekend was a living tribute to those whose impact helped shape reggae’s global sound and opened doors for generations of artists.
Each day over the weekend was a themed experience and was kick started on Friday, February 20th with Founder’s Day, held at the Bunny Lee Museum in Duhaney Park which transformed the Burns Avenue location into a vibrant cultural hub featuring live musical tributes, awards of recognition of excellence to legendary producers King Jammy and Gussie Clarke, storytelling sessions, open house tours of the museum & exhibits, media broadcasts, sponsors and tourism stakeholder engagements and rides and treats for the children of the community. All designed to reconnect audiences with the roots of reggae.
“This weekend is about honouring the foundation of reggae music and the people who helped build it,” said Edward ‘Striker’ Lee, curator of the museum and son of Bunny Lee. “We want Jamaica and the world to come together, reflect on the history, and ensure that the pioneers of this music are always remembered and respected.”
For fans, scholars, and cultural explorers, the weekend offered something rare — an opportunity to experience reggae history not as a distant story, but as a living, breathing movement that continues to inspire the world.
Photo: (From L-R Edward ‘Striker’ Lee Museum Curator and CEO Bunny Lee Museum, Mrs. Wong Lee Bunny Lee Museum Director, Wade Mars Executive Director, Tourism Product Development Company, Lloyd ‘King Jammy’ James Legendary Reggae and Dancehall Producer, Maureen Smith Promotions and Events Officer, Jamaica Tourist Board)
The Iconic Reggae Weekend also included themed days Pioneers Saturday with acknowledgement of the musical vibrancy of Orange Street, celebrating 50 years and grand reopening of Rockers International Record Store & Randy’s Record Shop ending the Saturday with I Love Reggae; a reggae club session held at Boss Destination Club on Old Hope Road. Culminating the weekend’s festivities The Bunny Lee Museum brought a live mini museum experience to Kingston Riddims at the Kingston Craft Market showcasing artifacts of great producers like Striker Lee, King Jammy and King Tubbys, the inventors of Dub Music.
Photo: (From L-R Edward ‘Striker’ Lee Museum Curator and CEO Bunny Lee Museum, Lloyd ‘John John’ James Jr and Steve ‘Blacker Dread’ Burnett-Martin)
As Jamaica continues to strengthen its global cultural footprint, focusing on cultural tourism, positioning heritage-driven experiences as a key part of the country’s creative economy and international appeal, the Iconic Reggae Weekend signals a new era where museums, music, and storytelling converge to preserve legacy while shaping the future of reggae.