The City of Miramar’s annual Afro-Carib Festival is expanding its musical footprint this year, adding soca to the lineup for the first time as part of its Black History Month and Reggae Month celebration.
The 5th Annual Afro-Carib Festival will take place Saturday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater. Admission is free and open to the public.
Headlining the festival’s first-ever soca showcase is internationally known artist Skinny Fabulous, whose high-energy performances have made him a staple on carnival stages worldwide. Organizers say his addition reflects the festival’s broader mission to represent the full spectrum of Caribbean and African Diaspora music and culture.
Joining him on the bill are British reggae legends Steel Pulse, known for their socially conscious lyrics and decades-long global influence.
Presented by Broward Cultural Council and Memorial Healthcare System, the festival will feature a mix of reggae, dancehall, afrobeats, salsa and soca, highlighting the shared heritage of the African Diaspora.
The performance lineup also includes Shuga, Visions Band, Gumby Navedo & Band, Naomi Cowan, Teflon King and Kr8ive Uprising Dancers. The event will be hosted by Jody Ann Gray, with She-J Hercules of 99Jamz spinning between sets.
Miramar Commissioner Carson “Eddy” Edwards, host of the Afro-Carib Festival, said expanding the lineup to include soca allows the city to further celebrate the diversity of Caribbean culture.
“The Afro-Carib Festival has always been about celebrating the richness and diversity of our cultures,” Edwards said in a statement. “Adding soca this year allows us to showcase even more of the Caribbean’s vibrant musical heritage.”
Beyond the music, attendees can expect a variety of authentic Caribbean and African food vendors, as well as merchandise booths offering culturally inspired goods. Organizers are also encouraging guests to “dress to represent their nation,” turning the festival grounds into a colorful display of Caribbean and African fashion and pride.
Phillip Dunlap, director of the Broward County Cultural Division, said the event reflects the county’s ongoing investment in arts and cultural programming as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Pre-paid VIP tickets are available for $150. Parking costs $12.50 in advance and $15 on site. For more information, visit afrocaribfestmiramar.com.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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