Kaya Fest Brings Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley, Buju Banton and More to Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Reggae fans in Colorado are in for a special night this summer as Kaya Fest returns to the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Headlined by Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley, the festival also features reggae and dancehall icon Buju Banton, Hawaiian reggae favorite J Boog, Mike Love, and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe performing a tribute to the great Jimmy Cliff.
Few venues are more fitting for a celebration of reggae music than Red Rocks. Nestled among Colorado’s iconic sandstone formations, the world-renowned amphitheatre has hosted countless memorable reggae performances over the years. Kaya Fest continues that tradition with a lineup that blends reggae legends, contemporary stars, and musicians carrying the genre’s message forward for a new generation.
Ziggy Marley
As the eldest son of Bob and Rita Marley, Ziggy Marley has spent his life helping shape reggae music while creating a legacy entirely his own. Born David Nesta Marley in Jamaica, Ziggy was introduced to music at an early age, learning guitar and drums from his father and sitting in on recording sessions with Bob Marley & The Wailers while still a child.
Alongside siblings Stephen, Cedella, and Sharon, Ziggy formed The Melody Makers, one of the most successful reggae groups of the late 1980s and 1990s. Albums such as Conscious Party, One Bright Day, and Fallen Is Babylon earned critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards while producing enduring hits including “Tomorrow People” and “Tumbling Down.”
After decades of success with The Melody Makers, Ziggy embarked on a solo career that further showcased his songwriting and artistic growth. Albums like Dragonfly and Love Is My Religion demonstrated his ability to blend roots reggae with elements of rock, soul, and world music while maintaining the uplifting messages that have defined his career. Today, Ziggy remains one of reggae’s most respected voices and a powerful ambassador for the music worldwide.
Stephen Marley
While often recognized as one of reggae’s premier producers, Stephen Marley has also built an extraordinary career as a performer, songwriter, and bandleader. A nine-time Grammy Award winner, Stephen has played a vital role in preserving and expanding the Marley legacy through both his solo work and collaborations with artists across multiple genres.
His acclaimed albums Mind Control and Revelation established him as one of modern reggae’s most creative artists, while collaborations with Lauryn Hill, Nas, Shaggy, Erykah Badu, and countless others have demonstrated his versatility and influence beyond reggae music.
Stephen’s 2023 album Old Soul showcased an acoustic-driven sound featuring appearances from Eric Clapton, Jack Johnson, Buju Banton, and Ziggy Marley. More recently, he served as musical director for the hit film Bob Marley: One Love, helping introduce the Marley story to a new generation of fans. Whether behind a mixing board or center stage, Stephen Marley continues to be one of reggae’s most important creative forces.
Buju Banton
For more than three decades, Buju Banton has stood among the most influential artists in reggae and dancehall history. Born Mark Anthony Myrie in Kingston, Jamaica, Buju emerged in the early 1990s as a young phenomenon whose powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and unforgettable songs quickly made him an international star.
Throughout his career, Buju has delivered timeless classics including “Not An Easy Road,” “Hills and Valleys,” “Untold Stories,” and “Who Say.” His groundbreaking albums, including ‘Til Shiloh and the Grammy Award-winning Before the Dawn, helped redefine what reggae and dancehall music could achieve on the global stage.
Following his celebrated return to touring, Buju has once again become one of the most sought-after live performers in reggae music. His performances combine spiritual messages, social commentary, and undeniable energy, creating experiences that resonate deeply with audiences around the world. Seeing Buju Banton perform at Red Rocks is certain to be one of the highlights of the Colorado reggae calendar.
J Boog
Over the past two decades, J Boog has become one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary island reggae. Raised on the West Coast and deeply influenced by his Polynesian heritage, J Boog developed a style that blends reggae rhythms with soulful melodies and heartfelt songwriting.
His breakthrough releases, including Backyard Boogie, produced fan favorites such as “Let’s Do It Again” and “Sunshine Girl,” songs that continue to be staples of reggae playlists around the world. In recent years, “Let’s Do It Again” found new life through social media, introducing his music to millions of new listeners.
Known for his smooth vocals and crowd-pleasing live performances, J Boog has become a fixture at major reggae festivals across North America, New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. His appearance at Kaya Fest adds another fan favorite to an already impressive lineup.
Mike Love
Hailing from O’ahu, Hawaii, Mike Love has earned a loyal international following through his unique blend of reggae, rock, blues, soul, and conscious songwriting. Known for his innovative live performances that incorporate looping, multiple instruments, and powerful vocal arrangements, Love has carved out a distinctive place within the modern roots music scene.
His breakthrough album The Change I’m Seeking introduced listeners to songs such as “Permanent Holiday,” “Human Race,” and “Earthlings,” which highlighted both his musical talents and his passion for environmental and humanitarian causes. Since then, Love has continued to expand his audience through relentless touring and an evolving catalog of uplifting music.
Fans attending Kaya Fest can expect one of the day’s most dynamic and inspiring performances from an artist whose message of healing and unity resonates strongly with reggae audiences.
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe: A Tribute to Jimmy Cliff
Adding a unique element to the festival is Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe performing a special tribute to Jimmy Cliff. Widely respected for his work as a saxophonist, bandleader, and collaborator with artists ranging from The Rolling Stones to Slightly Stoopid, Denson brings decades of musical experience to the stage.
The tribute will celebrate the music of Jimmy Cliff, one of Jamaica’s most influential artists and a pioneer whose contributions helped introduce reggae music to audiences around the world. Fans can expect classic songs, exceptional musicianship, and a heartfelt salute to one of reggae’s true legends.
A Night Reggae Fans Won’t Want to Miss
With Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley, and Buju Banton leading the bill, Kaya Fest offers Colorado fans an opportunity to witness some of the most important figures in reggae music on a single stage. Combined with standout performances from J Boog, Mike Love, and a special tribute to Jimmy Cliff from Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, the event promises a full evening celebrating reggae’s rich history, enduring message, and global influence.
For reggae fans throughout Colorado and beyond, June 24 at Red Rocks
