In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the spirit of unity and compassion takes centre stage as RISE Reggae Barbados 2025 partners with the Sizzla Youth Foundation (SYF) to support ongoing disaster relief efforts across Jamaica. As part of this initiative, a special “Mobile Lemonade Stand for Relief” will be introduced during the festival’s week of activities, beginning with Fire & Foundation: A Fireside Chat with Sizzla Kalonji on Thursday, November 13, at Queen’s Park Steel Shed. The philanthropic efforts will continue with A Heart to Heart with Romain Virgo: The Power of Peace and Purpose school visits on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 November. The social impact collaboration will culminate at the RISE Reggae Barbados concert on Saturday 15 November at Kensington Oval.
The partnership highlights the festival’s ongoing mission to fuse art and action, creating spaces where culture uplifts community and music moves people to make a difference. Donation stations, including the community Lemonade Stand, will be featured at both the Fireside Chat and the November 15 concert, with contributions also accepted online via www.ticketpalcaribbean.com.
Commemorating 30 years of Sizzla’s musical and humanitarian journey, Fire & Foundation will be held on Thursday 13 November at Queen’s Park Shed. “We’re here to remind the youth that peace and progress begins when we learn to serve and love one another.” Sizzla Kalonji shares – while encouraging youth to walk in their higher social consciousness so that they can contribute positively to society. This will be an intimate evening of dialogue and reflection, exploring the intersection of art, activism, and faith through the lens of one of reggae’s most influential voices. Moderated by Barbadian influencer, Megghan Michael, the conversation will feature Sizzla Kalonji alongside a Barbadian youth activist and a representative of the Barbados Peace Corps. Sizzla – who was honoured with the 2025 Humanitarian Award at this year’s Caribbean Music Awards in New York – intends to highlight the enduring impact of his community work through Judgment Yard and the Sizzla Youth Foundation.
“This partnership represents the essence of what RISE stands for – using our collective energy and creativity to heal and rebuild,” stated De Carla Applewhaite, Co-Producer of RISE Reggae Barbados. “Sizzla has dedicated decades of philanthropic efforts to empowering youth through service, and together with the Sizzla Youth Foundation, we’re transforming this year’s celebration into a moment of shared purpose and impact.”
Continuing the week’s message of peace and purpose in the lead-up to Rise Reggae Barbados, reggae powerhouse Romain Virgo will host an inspirational school visit under the theme A Heart to Heart: The Power of Peace and Purpose. This session will provide students with a safe, interactive space to engage with Romain on topics of self-worth, discipline, and emotional growth. “Peace and purpose start within,” Romain Virgo shares. “If these sessions can help even one student recognize their own value and potential, then we’ve achieved something meaningful. That’s what this initiative is about: using music and conversation to inspire self-belief, reflection, and a deeper sense of connection.” The name of the Barbadian school will be announced on the Rise Reggae Barbados Instagram Page.
As RISE Reggae Barbados 2025 approaches, the standout festival experience continues to demonstrate how music can inspire action and bring communities together. From Sizzla Kalonji’s Fireside Chat to Romain Virgo’s school visits, the week is filled with opportunities for reflection, learning, and meaningful contribution to support communities across Barbados and those impacted in the wake of devastation by Hurricane Melissa. “RISE Reggae has always been about more than music; it’s about community and creating moments that inspire positive change,” says Orlando Newton, Executive Producer of RISE Reggae Barbados. The celebrations culminate on Saturday 15 November with the RISE Reggae Barbados concert at Kensington Oval, where artists and audiences unite in music, purpose, and shared commitment to making a difference.
Visit www.ticketpalcaribbean.com for more information.
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