The Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) is set to host the highly anticipated 2025 Impact Awards on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Rubell Museum in Miami. This star-studded evening will honor The Marley Family, Latin Grammy winner Juanes, and global pop icon Anitta for their extraordinary contributions to music, philanthropy, and social change. Following the awards ceremony, an exclusive after-party at Superblue Miami will keep the celebration going.
Honoring the Legacy of The Marley Family
The Marley Family, represented by Cedella Marley and Rohan Marley, will be recognized for their continued dedication to Bob Marley’s vision of “One Love” through global initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development. As leaders of the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation, their work has uplifted countless communities worldwide, ensuring that the Marley legacy lives on.
Renowned music producer and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell will present the award to the Marleys in recognition of their impact on music and social change.
“We are deeply honored to receive this award, which reflects our family’s belief in music as a powerful force for unity and positive change around the world,” said Cedella Marley.
Rohan Marley added, “Music has always been a uniting force. This award is not just a recognition of what we’ve done but a reminder of what we can continue to do—using music to uplift and unite the world.”
Juanes: Music as a Force for Peace
JUANES, a Latin music icon, will be celebrated for his peacebuilding efforts through Fundación Mi Sangre, which he co-founded in 2006. This foundation empowers communities in Colombia by fostering leadership, life skills, and social entrepreneurship, positively impacting over 2 million lives.
“Music has always been a way to bring visibility to my country and promote peace,” Juanes shared. “I dedicate this award to my beloved Colombia and to everyone at Mi Sangre working to create a more just and peaceful society.”
Anitta: Empowering Brazil’s Youth Through Music
Brazilian superstar Anitta will be honored for her philanthropic efforts supporting youth and education through programs like Instituto Playing For Change in Curitiba, Brazil. Her work underscores the power of music education in transforming young lives.
“Anitta’s dedication to bridging cultures through music and empowering Brazil’s youth makes her an ideal honoree for the 2025 Impact Awards,” said Playing For Change co-founder Whitney Kroenke Silverstein.
Unforgettable Performances and Star-Studded Lineup
The event will feature an electrifying lineup of performances, including:
- Skip Marley, continuing the Marley musical tradition
- Young Musicians Unite (YMU)
- Hip Hop Kidz, inspiring young performers
- Cimafunk, the Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban sensation, bringing his fusion of funk, Latin, and Afro-Cuban beats to the after-party
Global Partners and Sponsors
The 2025 Impact Awards is made possible by Capital One Entertainment, Tiffany & Co., Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and SPIN Magazine. Their support reinforces PFCF’s mission to use music as a vehicle for social change across 90+ locations in 26 countries, including Brazil, Uganda, Morocco, and the U.S..
Get Involved
For 18 years, the Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) has transformed lives through music and the arts, fostering social and economic change in culturally rich but economically disadvantaged communities. With over 90 program locations in 26 countries, PFCF engages more than 800 staff, teachers, and cultural leaders worldwide.
To learn more about the 2025 Impact Awards and purchase tickets, visit playingforchange.org/impact-awards-2025.
