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Toronto’s longest-running Bob Marley Birthday Tribute marks its 20th anniversary with a milestone night at Lee’s Palace, bringing together live reggae, heavyweight sound system culture, and community spirit. From Reggaddiction’s full-band performance to guest artists, selectors, and a long-standing food bank drive, the celebration reflects two decades of roots, resistance, and unity.

For 20 years, Toronto’s Bob Marley Birthday Tribute has held steady as a cultural anchor in the city’s reggae calendar. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the landmark celebration returns to Lee’s Palace for its 20th anniversary, transforming the Bloor Street institution into a night-long gathering dedicated to the legacy of Bob Marley, Jamaican culture, and the deep roots of Toronto’s reggae community.

Running from 8:00 PM until late, the evening promises the kind of atmosphere that has kept audiences coming back year after year. This is a celebration shaped by continuity, community trust, and a shared understanding of reggae as both music and message.

A live show built for scale and soul

At the heart of the anniversary edition is a full live performance by Reggaddiction, the powerhouse 11-piece band known for channelling classic roots energy with contemporary precision. Their set anchors the night with the kind of musicianship that demands space, volume, and collective movement.

Joining them on stage are special guests whose histories run deep in Canadian reggae. Friendlyness, best known from The Human Rights, brings decades of experience and presence, while Kairo McLean, a Juno Award–winning artist, adds a powerful vocal and lyrical dimension. Together, the lineup reflects the intergenerational nature of the scene this event has helped sustain.

Sound system culture, properly amplified

While the live band delivers the heartbeat, the selectors ensure the energy never drops. Pressure Drop and Bless Up Selectors take control of the decks on the formidable 15,000-watt Bless Up SoundSystem, filling every corner of Lee’s Palace with bass-heavy clarity. Hosting duties are handled by Kwasi “Da Food God” Douglas, whose presence keeps the night moving with humour, warmth, and rhythm.

This balance between live performance and sound system culture has always defined the event, creating a flow that feels organic rather than segmented.

Community at the centre of the celebration

From its earliest editions, the Bob Marley Birthday Tribute has extended beyond the stage. The 20th anniversary continues that tradition with a non-perishable food drive in support of the Parkdale Community Food Bank, reinforcing the idea that celebration and responsibility go hand in hand.

Attendees can also expect prize giveaways and a vibrant craft market, adding texture to the night and creating space for connection beyond the dance floor. These elements are woven into the experience rather than added on, reflecting an event built with intention.

A legacy shaped by local talent

Over two decades, the tribute has showcased an extraordinary range of Toronto and Canadian reggae artists, bands, and selectors. Alumni include Kairo McLean, Kirk Diamond, Humble, Treson, The Resinators featuring Raffa Dean, Dream Band, The Human Rights, Messenjah, Ammoye, Elaine “Lil Bit” Shepherd, Michael Garrick, Papa Levy, RaLion, Carol Brown, and many others, alongside DJs and crews such as DJ Shai, DJ Quesquecest, Big Toes HiFi, Patrick Roots, Mista Jiggz, and No Wahala DJs.

That history matters. It speaks to an event that has consistently invested in the downtown reggae community, offering a reliable platform for artists and selectors to grow, collaborate, and be heard.

Event details and tickets

20th Annual Bob Marley Birthday Tribute
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM until late
Venue: Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Tickets:

• Advance: $17.50 + fees via Ticketweb
• Door: $25, or $20 with a non-perishable food donation
• Legal Age 19+ (Valid Photo I.D. Required)

The event is presented by NuFunk Concerts, with support from community partners including Jamaica Tourism, CIUT 89.5 FM Reggae North, RastaFest Canada, Play De Record, ModoLive, and others.

• Saturday, February 7th at Lee's Palace in Toronto, ON
• Saturday, February 21st at The Sanctuary Centre for the Arts in Fort Erie, ON
• Saturday, February 28th at Bracebridge Hall in Muskoka, ON

Full Tour details: Reggaddiction – Canadian Reggae Band

Twenty years of roots, rhythm, and community

Reaching 20 years is a rare achievement for any independent music event in Toronto. The Bob Marley Birthday Tribute reflects consistency, trust, and a clear cultural purpose. The night honours Marley’s enduring message while celebrating the city that has carried reggae forward through changing scenes, generations, and sounds.

As the bass rolls through Lee’s Palace once again, the anniversary stands as a reminder of what sustained community-building can look like when music, culture, and care move in rhythm.