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The Supernova Ska Festival 2026 is set to deliver one of the most authentic celebrations of Jamaican music culture, bringing together fans of ska, rocksteady, and reggae from across the United States and beyond. Known as one of the top ska festivals in the U.S., Supernova continues to showcase legendary artists alongside emerging talent.

This year’s headline performers include two iconic figures in reggae history, Susan Cadogan and Derrick Morgan, making this a must-attend event for true lovers of ska & reggae.

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Susan Cadogan Live at Supernova Ska Festival

Reggae fans worldwide recognize Susan Cadogan for her classic hit “Hurt So Good,” a defining track in the lovers rock era. Her smooth vocals and timeless sound continue to influence generations of artists and fans alike.

Seeing Susan Cadogan live is a rare opportunity to experience one of reggae’s most soulful voices performing classic hits and deep cuts in an authentic festival setting.

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Derrick Morgan: Ska Pioneer Takes the Stage

As one of the founding figures of ska and rocksteady, Derrick Morgan helped shape Jamaican music during its earliest global rise. With legendary tracks like “Forward March” and “Tougher Than Tough,” his music remains essential listening for fans of classic reggae and ska.

A Derrick Morgan live performance brings energy, history, and true Caribbean roots culture to the stage — making his appearance at Supernova Ska Festival a major highlight.

What is the Supernova Ska Festival?

The Supernova Ska Festival is a premier ska and reggae festival in the United States, known for:

• Showcasing legendary Jamaican artists
• Featuring international ska, reggae, and rocksteady bands
• Creating a vibrant community of music lovers
• Preserving the roots and history of Caribbean music

Fans searching for “best reggae festivals USA” or “ska festivals near me” consistently rank Supernova among the top experiences.

Virginia reggae fans are in for a major summer moment as Buju Banton and Stephen Marley bring the Roots & Rhymes Summer Tour 2026 to the state with two stops, Bristow and Portsmouth.

This tour pairs two of reggae’s most influential voices for a full live band experience, blending roots reggae, dancehall energy, and timeless catalog hits. Additional performers are expected, with special guests varying by city.

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Bristow, VA – July 15, 2026

Northern Virginia and DMV fans will get the first opportunity to catch the tour when it lands in Bristow on July 15.

Located just outside Washington, DC, this stop is ideal for fans traveling from DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Known for hosting large-scale concerts, the Bristow venue will provide a full production experience, a big stage, live band, and a crowd ready for a night of reggae.

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Portsmouth, VA – July 22, 2026

A week later, the tour heads to Portsmouth on July 22, giving Hampton Roads its own major reggae event.

This is the closest stop for fans in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Suffolk, making it one of the most accessible reggae shows of the summer in the region.

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Why This Tour Matters

It’s not often that Virginia gets two stops from a major international reggae tour, especially featuring artists of this level.

• Buju Banton remains one of the most impactful voices in reggae and dancehall
• Stephen Marley continues the Marley legacy with Grammy-winning work and powerful live shows

Together, this lineup delivers a complete reggae experience — from conscious lyrics to high-energy performances.

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Reggae legends The Wailers are bringing their “50 Years of Positive Vibrations” tour to Virginia in 2026, with multiple stops across the state, including Roanoke, Charlottesville, and Virginia Beach.

Virginia Tour Dates

Roanoke, VA – May 2, 2026

The Wailers perform at The Exchange Music Hall in downtown Roanoke, delivering a powerful live reggae experience celebrating the legacy of Bob Marley and roots reggae music.

Charlottesville, VA – May 3, 2026

The band continues their Virginia tour at the Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville, one of the most popular live music venues in the region.

Virginia Beach, VA – May 27, 2026

The tour wraps up in Virginia at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Concert Series, offering fans a unique chance to experience reggae music by the ocean.

About The Wailers

The Wailers are one of the most influential reggae bands in history, known for their work with Bob Marley and their role in bringing reggae music to a global audience. Their 2026 tour celebrates 50 years of Rastaman Vibration, a landmark reggae album.

Reggae in Virginia

With multiple stops across the state, The Wailers’ 2026 tour highlights the growing demand for reggae concerts in Virginia. Fans from Roanoke, Charlottesville, Richmond, and Virginia Beach will all have opportunities to experience live reggae music.

Explore individual event pages for full details and ticket information.

The Hampton Roads and Virginia Reggae Community has lost one of it’s own. Alison Lady Cham Champagnie has passed away from this life..

We will always remember her contributions to our small but strong community. Lady Cham was the editor of West Indian Times magazine, which kept us inform with news from the caribbean and covered local entertainment. Who can forget the “Dear Lady Cham” Column? Most of us might remember her with her camera and crew snapping photos, at many different local events. We also remember her years as host of The Caribbean Connection on 91.1 fm each Sunday.

The Hampton Roads and Virginia Reggae Community has lost one of it’s own. Alison Lady Cham Champagnie has passed away from this life..

We will always remember her contributions to our small but strong community. Lady Cham was the editor of West Indian Times magazine, which kept us inform with news from the caribbean and covered local entertainment. Who can forget the “Dear Lady Cham” Column?

Most of us might remember her with her camera and crew snapping photos, at many different local events. We also remember her years as host of The Caribbean Connection on 91.1 fm each Sunday.

Lady Cham was the recipient of a Virginia Reggae Ambassador’s Award and a two time nominee for Media.

Her impact will continue to vibrate throughout our community. We send our condolences to all of her loved ones and especially her family.

We are all one family. Rest In Peace Lady Cham.

We have listen to your recommendation over the last ten (10) years and we have added some of the categories that you have requested. We hope that you will continue to invest in the talented women, men and children of Virginia Reggae.

We have listened to your recommendations over the last ten (10) years and we have added some of the categories that you have suggested. We hope that you will continue to invest in the talented women, men and children of Virginia Reggae.

The 2017 Theme will be dramatically different, it will include as many individuals as possible. These individuals form the collective known as Virginia Reggae.

Fav Band
Fav Drummer
Fav Artist
Fav Guitar player
Fav Album
Fav Keyboard Player
Fav Song
Fav MC(Dancehall/Sound system)
Fav New Artist
V.R.Ambassador
Fav Media
Fav Bass player
Fav D.J
Fav Producer
Fav Promoter
Fav Sound System
Fav Horn section
Fav Venue
Fav Back up Singer(s)
Fav Event Host
Fav Acoustic
Fav Annual Event
Fav Engineer
Lifetime Achievement(minimum of 15 years service to communinity)

We welcome all positive feedback.

No Fruits Without The Roots.

This year marks the 10th staging of the Virginia Reggae Awards, facilitated by VirginiaReggae.com. Thanks to everyone who has participated over the years.

This year marks the 10th staging of the Virginia Reggae Awards, facilitated by VirginiaReggae.com. Thanks to everyone who has participated over the years.

By Voting, you show love and appreciation for what the various talents bring forward. Voting in 2016 Awards are currently ongoing and we urge you to vote for your favorites once each day. With such great talents, we must not delay in honoring their hard work while we can.

Please vote for your favorites @ virginiareggaeawards.com

This year there is only one (1) round of voting. The top three will be recognized. The most points will be awarded as the favorite/winner.
The top three and the Winners will be announced on Saturday, 7th May 2016.
A venue will be announced shortly.

Sponsors:
We are seeking sponsors for the various awards categories.
Sponsorship for individually categories are $100.
You may sponsor as many categories as you can.
You may also sponsor a category that has already been sponsored.

2016 Categories/Sponsors:

Fav Band- Your company/individual name here
Fav Artist-Your company/individual name here
Fav Album- Sponsored by Fya Media****
Fav Song- Your company/individual name here
Fav Sound System/DJ- Sponsored by Hampton Roads Caribbean *****
Fav New Artist- Your company/individual name here
V.R Ambassador- Your companyindividual name here
Fav Media- Your company/individual name here
Fav Producer- Your companyindividual name here
Fav Promoter-Your company/individual name here
**** Indictaes a sponsored award.