Sri Lanka is making history. It will host South Asia’s first-ever reggae music festival. The event is called “ONE LOVE 2026 – A Tribute to Bob Marley.” This landmark festival will happen from March 27 to 29, 2026. Bentota’s golden shores will be the vibrant location. The festival promises an unprecedented celebration of global reggae culture. It marks the largest gathering of international reggae talent in Asia.
A Stellar Lineup Pays Homage
The “ONE LOVE 2026” festival boasts an incredible lineup. Six internationally acclaimed reggae icons will perform. They include Maxi Priest, known as the “Prince of Reggae.” The legendary Wailers will also take the stage. Furthermore, Bob Marley’s sons, Julian Marley and Ky-Mani Marley, are set to perform. The influential Inner Circle and Big Mountain complete the main artist roster. This gathering is a significant moment for reggae music fans. It directly honors the legacy of the King of Reggae, Bob Marley. The event coincides with his 81st birthday on February 6, 2026. This adds deep cultural and emotional significance.
Daily Rhythms of Reggae
Each night features dynamic performances. The festival kicks off on March 27. The Wailers will share the stage with Maxi Priest. On March 28, Inner Circle will perform. Big Mountain will join them that night. The grand finale is on March 29. Julian Marley and Ky-Mani Marley will close the festival. Additionally, four international DJs will keep the energy high throughout the event. Fans can also look forward to special guests. Kingsley Ben-Adir, the lead actor in the 2024 film “One Love,” will attend. Director Reinaldo Marcus Green is also expected. Their presence adds a unique cinematic dimension.
Behind the Beats: The Organizers
This historic festival is organized by One In A Million Entertainment Ltd. This company is Sri Lankan-owned. It is headquartered in Europe and Colombo. They are collaborating with Caribbean Entertainment. Caribbean Entertainment specializes in booking and managing artists. Their focus is on reggae, soca, and other Caribbean genres. This partnership builds on their past success. They have previously brought stars like Shaggy and Diana King to Sri Lanka. The collaboration aims to cement Sri Lanka’s position as an entertainment hub. It promises globally iconic experiences.
Cultural Resonance and Economic Boost
Reggae music holds deep cultural resonance in Sri Lanka. Its themes of peace, unity, and social justice connect with many. The festival is expected to attract thousands. This includes local fans and international visitors. Tourists from India, the Maldives, and Bangladesh are anticipated. Western travelers seeking warmth will also attend. This event is a significant boost for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. It reinforces the island’s profile as a premier entertainment destination. The timing also highlights the country’s tourism recovery. This follows recent challenges like Cyclone Ditwah.
Philanthropy and Ticket Information
“ONE LOVE 2026” is more than just music. It carries a strong philanthropic purpose. A portion of ticket proceeds will support charity projects. These include a water purification project for children’s orphanages in Sri Lanka. The festival also supports charitable initiatives in Jamaica. They are working with the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation. This reinforces reggae’s connection to social impact. Ticket prices are set to encourage broad participation. Normal admission is Rs. 10,000 per day. VIP passes cost Rs. 50,000 per day. Early bird offers are available for three-day passes. These are Rs. 25,000 for normal tickets. VIP three-day passes are Rs. 125,000. Tickets will be available on the PickMe Events platform.
A Unifying Celebration
The “ONE LOVE 2026” festival marks a new chapter. It is the first reggae music festival of its kind in South Asia. Bentota provides a perfect tropical backdrop for this celebration. The event blends global music heritage with cultural unity. It promises an unforgettable experience. This gathering signifies Sri Lanka’s readiness for major international cultural events. It unites music lovers in a shared appreciation for reggae’s enduring spirit. The festival is poised to be a highlight for entertainment news.