Songs of Freedom is a highlight of this year’s Imagine! Belfast festival, bringing an all-ages celebration of Ska, Reggae, and Two-Tone to the Oh Yeah Music Centre. Presented in collaboration with Belfast City Council’s City of Music Industry Sessions, the event explores the deep cultural connections between these influential genres and Belfast.
The day begins with a panel discussion chaired by Charlotte Dryden, featuring Kim-Marie Spence, Joseph Ricketts, Mykaell Riley and Siobhan Brown. Together, they will explore why these styles of music – shaped by migration, resistance and resilience – continue to resonate in Belfast and beyond. From their origins in Jamaica to their influence on British music and political movements, the discussion will look at how Ska, Reggae, and Two-Tone have provided both a soundtrack for social change and a source of personal expression.
Following the panel, the event shifts into a musical celebration. Resident Jungle Boogie DJ Stu Unadog will set the tone with a specially curated set before The Vibes take the stage. The Belfast-based eight-piece reggae band has a long history of sharing stages with icons like The Specials, The Slackers, and Lee Scratch Perry. With a setlist that spans classic reggae, reimagined soul, and their own interpretations of early ska compositions, The Vibes promise a performance filled with energy and deep musical heritage.
This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the history and ongoing relevance of these genres while enjoying a day of discussion and live music. Tickets – above – include access to both the panel and the performances, making it an essential event for fans of music, culture and the stories that connect them.