Grammy-nominated artiste Sizzla Kalonji founded the Sizzla Youth Foundation to give back to his people — primarily in August Town, Kingston, and its environs. For over 30 years, the Foundation has partnered with New York and British Link Up to host annual back-to-school treats, providing school supplies, clothing, shoes, and scholarships to thousands of children. The Foundation also spearheads peace-building initiatives, including football tournaments and restorative justice programs that have helped keep August Town murder-free.
In 2025, the Foundation was honored with the Humanitarian Award at the Caribbean Music Awards for its steadfast dedication to youth empowerment, education, and community upliftment.
SIZZLA YOUTH FOUNDATION — AUGUST TOWN & BEYOND
— Sizzla Kalonji
Back-to-School Treat
Annual event providing school supplies, clothes, shoes & scholarships to 2,000+ children
Football for Peace
16-team tournament with restorative justice training — uniting August Town
Community Museum
Teaching black history, culture, Rastafari & music to keep youth active
Humanitarian Award 2025
Caribbean Music Awards honor for youth empowerment & community upliftment
🔥 A MESSAGE FROM SELASSIE FEST
Ras Tafari Inc. From the festival ground to the foundation — Ras Tafari Inc walks with Sizzla Kolonji in service to the children and the culture." ”
Dawn Nyabinghi Groundation
Sunrise drumming circle, collective meditation, libation & ancestral remembrance. Opening affirmation to honor His Imperial Majesty.
EXPERIENCE →Sound System Yard
Authentic Jamaican soundsystem showcase, vintage stacks, dubplate sessions & bass-heavy clashes. Build a sound system educational area.
EXPLORE SOUND →Roots Reggae Main Stage
Live roots reggae bands, conscious dancehall, spoken word & cultural dance. Headliner sunset concert under golden hour.
LINEUP →Higher Learning Roots
Cannabis knowledge competition • Terpene Discovery Bar • Cannabis Academy • Smart Buds Bio Lab • Farm to Dispensary series.
EDUCATION HUB →Ital Food Marketplace
Vegan & plant-based Ital cooking, farm-to-table exhibits, fresh juice bars, herbal beverage stations — nourish body and soul.
DISHES & DEMOS →Healing & Wellness Grove
Yoga, guided meditation, sound healing, herbal wellness talks, community wellness resources. Recharge amidst nature.
RESTORE →Coffee ceremony, cultural exhibits, Haile Selassie I history, storytelling.
Elders wisdom, intergenerational dialogue, community self-determination forums.
Drum-making, African games, scavenger hunts, youth agriculture zone (Budding Minds).
Artisan vendors, cultural crafts, authors, natural products & community orgs.
🔊 Sound Clash & Dub Sessions
Selector and deejay battles, dubplate specials, roots reggae sound clashes. Don't miss the Dub After Dark illuminated sound system + live projection art + fire performance.
CLASH SCHEDULE →🏮 One Love Closing Celebration
Mass drumming circle, lantern light ceremony, community singalong & final blessings. 10pm unity gathering under stars.
FULL TIMELINE →SelassieFest 2026 – Save the Date
Dawn Groundation at 6:00 AM → Sunset Concert → Dub After Dark. Join the global roots community for one transformative day.