Legendary reggae artists Luciano, Third World, Skip Marley, Kabaka Pyramid, Aurorawave, Eli Mac, Kyle Smith and more to bring their roots rhythm to the 22nd Annual Reggae in the Desert
Downtown Las Vegas transforms into a Roots Reggae paradise with authentic fare, vendors, live performances, and more Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Clark County Amphitheatre
Las Vegas’ largest Roots Reggae festival Reggae in the Desert returns to the Clark County Amphitheatre Saturday, April 19, 2025, for its 22nd year. For one day, Downtown Las Vegas embraces the Caribbean culture with island-inspired food and craft vendors as well as live performances from top reggae artists such as Luciano, the legendary Third World, who are celebrating more than five decades of creating music, Skip Marley, Kabaka Pyramid, Aurorawave, Eli Mac, Kyle Smith, with special guests Bounce Cruz, DJ Matt Lucio, and host DJ Ramma.
When you mention the word “Reggae”, there are certain names that immediately spring to mind like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Third World to name a few, but another artist that is firmly on the tip of people’s tongues is Luciano. Born on the paradise island of Jamaica, as a youth he was heavily influenced and drawn to Bob Marley’s positive “One Love Movement”. As he got older and embarked on his own professional singing career, Luciano himself began to influence the lives of others around the world with his own spiritual interpretation of the movement. Since then, he has reigned as the “King of Conscious Reggae Music” and is now one of the most iconic figures representing roots reggae today.
Third World is one of the longest-lived reggae bands of all time, and one of Jamaica’s most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. While the band was long capable of authentic roots reggae, they usually preferred to mix in elements of RnB, funk, pop, and rock (and, later, dancehall and rap). Purists often criticized their music as tame and polished, overly beholden to commercial concerns. Indeed, they were regular visitors to the American and British charts during the ’80s, but the best of their output was undeniably satisfying on a creative level as well.
Skip Marley, the maternal grandson of Bob Marley, is part of the legendary reggae family that also includes his mother, Cedella, and uncles Ziggy, Stephen, and Damian Marley, yet his own sound adds touches of contemporary pop, rap, and rock forms. He first rose to prominence after being featured on Katy Perry‘s 2017 hit Chained to the Rhythm, which he followed over the next few years with several singles of his own. The languorous Slow Down, his chart-topping 2019 collaboration with H.E.R., was included on his debut EP, Higher Place, the following year.
Kabaka Pyramid is a Grammy Award Winning conscious revolutionary lyricist with a signature musical style, blending the power, energy and melody of Reggae with the lyricism of Hip hop. The name “Kabaka” is Ugandan for “King” and the long-lasting survival of the Pyramids of ancient Africa represent his desire for longevity in the music and deep connection to Kinetic roots, leaving messages for generations to come.
Exploding onto the music scene in 2024 with their self-titled debut album, Aurorawave has quickly become a rising force in the rock, alternative, and reggae genres. Fronted by the charismatic Nathan Aurora on vocals and guitar, Aurorawave blends the raw power of heavy rock with the rhythmic allure of reggae, creating a sound that is both innovative and captivating.
Eli-Mac’s story reads like a fairytale– it’s a musical journey which has turned into an impressive career that took flight with her debut release of her hit five-song EP, entitled Dubstop EP. A proud Filipino growing up in Hawaii, Ciara-Camile (Eli-Mac spelled backwards) Roque Velasco was a rebel early on, combining her island music roots with her love of R&B and hip-hop. At the age of 18, Camile’s journey took shape when she landed a spot on the hit TV show American Idol as a Top 10 finalist on Season 3. From there, Eli-Mac went on to record a version of Bob Marley’s “Guava Jelly,” produced by his son Stephen Marley, at Tuff Gong Studios in Jamaica. The track earned her the Hawaii Music Awards’ “Single of the Year.” Since then, Eli-Mac has been touring relentlessly across the US and beyond. A new studio album is currently in the works for this year, following up on her latest release “Resume” featuring Collie Buddz.
Reggae rock singer-songwriter Kyle Smith, from Ventura, California, offers his blend of Southern California style reggae with Ska, Punk Rock, & Hip Hop that is catchy, truthful, and humorous. Kyle’s roots come from years of his troubled youth and addiction while living in Long Beach, CA. His songs explain his life as a young addict with songs like “Dope Fiend” and “Jaded” all the while keeping an uplifting spirit and tempo. Kyle is a warrior, and a beacon of light whose goal in life is to give hope and spread positive vibes with his music. His talent is raw, natural, and unforced. Whether solo with his guitar, or backed with a band, Kyle stands tall and proud. With a flash of his smile, he immediately warms up the room and invites you into his world
The 22nd Annual Reggae in the Desert will be held at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater at 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89155 on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the event concludes at 11 p.m. General admission tickets are on sale, with Early Bird tickets (through January 19, 2025) starting at $49.99 plus tax and applicable fees. Tickets are $59.99 plus tax and applicable fees beginning January 20, 2024, $69.99 plus tax and applicable fees beginning February 20, 2024, and $79.99 plus tax and applicable fees the day of the event. Reggae in the Desert is an all-ages event. Children eight years of age and under receive free entrance.
Merchandise packages are available starting at $75 plus tax and applicable fees and include a ticket to the festival, one event poster, and one event T-shirt. VIP packages, including the merchandise package, a private restroom with air conditioning, and Pyramid Access with artist meet and greets, are available starting at $199 plus tax and applicable fees. Payment plans are available online. No cash will be accepted at the door for tickets, credit card only on the day of the show. All seats are general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis. No re-entry is permitted. Reggae in the Desert is a rain or shine event; no refunds will be issued.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit reggaeinthedesert.com or seetickets.us/event/Reggae-In-The-Desert/571921?sp=Y8SNMS.
Vendors in the Caribbean Islands Vendor Village will have a wide assortment Jamaican and Caribbean-style food including jerk chicken, peas & rice and fried plantains. In addition to water and non-alcoholic refreshments, domestic and imported beers will be available. Various exhibits and Caribbean-inspired vendors will also be on site. ATMs are available.
Blankets for lawn seating are permitted, as well as one unopened/factory sealed bottle of water per person, still cameras (no video) and sunscreen. No weapons (with or without permit) are allowed. Other forbidden items include blow horns, balloons, umbrellas, lawn chairs, squirt and water guns, or video equipment. No consumption of any illegal substances on festival grounds. No video equipment, unauthorized vending, concessions, merchandise, or promotions literature.