South Florida will groove to the rich history and sounds of Jamaican music at the 2nd annual Reggae Genealogy music festival, scheduled for Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event will transform the northeast parking lot at Broward Mall in Plantation into a lively celebration of Reggae Month.
Organized by the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, the family-friendly festival will showcase the evolution of Jamaican music through live performances, dancers, video commentary from music legends, and a narrated storyline.
A Musical Journey Through Time
The festival will feature two acts highlighting both the history and future of Jamaican music.
Act I will explore reggae’s roots, with live performances backed by Code Red Band. The playlist will include mento, ska, Nyabinghi, rocksteady, lovers rock, and reggae classics, performed by artists such as Ernie Smith, Eric “Monty” Morris, Wayne Armond, Ambelique, Shuga, and more. Lead singer Bobby Rose and dancers from Carimer Theatre will join the show, with narration by Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair, known for his theatrical flair.
A tribute set by Jerry Maytals & the Original Maytals Band will honor the late Toots and the Maytals, a pivotal group in reggae history.
Act II will showcase the genre’s global influence on modern music, including dub, pop, reggaeton, and Afrobeats. Celebrity DJs DJ GQ (Y100), Walshy Fire (Major Lazer), and DJ Mekka Don (Tu 94.9) will spin contemporary hits, featuring surprise guest performers.
Honoring Icons of Reggae
The festival will also recognize three Jamaican music icons with Lifetime Achievement Awards, continuing a tradition from last year’s event. This year’s honorees include:
- Inner Circle, the “Bad Boys of Reggae,” known for hits like “Sweat (A La La La La Long)” and the theme song for COPS.
- Wayne Wonder, celebrated for timeless hits like “No Letting Go,” which earned a Grammy nomination and climbed to No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2003.
- Donovan Germain, the legendary producer and founder of Penthouse Records, who launched the careers of reggae greats such as Buju Banton and Beres Hammond.
Last year’s awards celebrated an all-female lineup: VP Records co-founder “Miss Pat” Chin, reggae icon Marcia Griffiths, and entrepreneur and author Cedella Marley.
Festival Highlights and Tickets
Before the main performances begin at 6 p.m., attendees can enjoy free tours of the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, along with food vendors and shopping. Tickets range from $25 pre-sale to $75 VIP and are available at www.reggaegenealogy.org.
Community and Sponsors
The Reggae Genealogy Festival is presented in partnership with Broward Mall and the City of Plantation and powered by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). Additional support comes from organizations including the Broward County Cultural Division, Grace Tropical Rhythms, Visit Lauderdale, and others.
About Island SPACE
Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education (Island SPACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region, in South Florida and the broader diaspora. The public is invited to visit the Caribbean museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General museum entry is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Visit www.islandspacefl.org to learn more.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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