Jamaican Reggae Legends Honored by South Florida City at Reggae Icon Awards

2026-03-16 - 22:16

The city of Miramar recognized several Jamaican reggae figures during the Reggae Icon Awards 2026, an event held at the Miramar Cultural Center as part of the Afro-Carib Weekend Experience. The program took place during Black History Month and focused on the influence of reggae music and the people who helped shape the genre. The evening included live performances from the awardees and tributes that highlighted their role in reggae music and Jamaican culture. The ceremony brought together community members, music fans, and supporters in South Florida. Reggae Icons Recognized for Their Work Several reggae figures were honored during the ceremony. Carlene Davis and Tommy Cowan received the Marcus Garvey Award in recognition of their contribution to reggae music and cultural work. Lloyd Parks received the Reggae Icon Award. Parks is known for his work as a singer, bass player, and band leader who has been active in reggae for decades. Clive “Tennors” Murphy from the group The Tennors received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his role in early reggae and rocksteady music. The event recognized their long history in Jamaican music and their influence on generations of listeners. Carlene Davis and Tommy Cowan Performances by the Honorees Each awardee also performed during the program. Carlene Davis presented an acappella performance of several of her Christian songs. Her performance brought a quiet moment to the program as the audience listened closely to the vocal delivery without musical backing. Lloyd Parks performed his song “Officially” and had many people in the audience singing along. Earlier in the evening a young female singer performed the same song as a tribute to him, which set the stage for his appearance later in the program. Clive Tennors energized the audience with a performance of Ride Yuh Donkey. The well known song brought many people to their feet as the audience responded to the rhythm and familiar lyrics. The performances allowed the audience to see the artists not only as honorees but also as active performers who continue to connect with fans. A Surprise Appearance from the Next Generation One of the unexpected moments of the evening came near the end of the event when Naomi Cowan made a surprise appearance. Cowan, the daughter of Carlene Davis and Tommy Cowan, joined the program with a performance that honored her parents. Her appearance brought a closing moment that connected one generation of Jamaican music to another. The moment also reflected the influence that the honorees have had not only in music but also within their families and communities. Part of Afro Carib Weekend in Miramar The Reggae Icon Awards formed part of the Afro Carib Weekend Experience hosted by the city of Miramar. The weekend also included the Afro-Carib Festival and other cultural activities. The program was hosted by Miramar Commissioner Carson ‘Eddy’ Edwards. The event also featured Jody-Ann Gray as the emcee. The city organized the awards to recognize reggae music as part of Black history and Caribbean heritage. Organizers described the evening as a time to reflect on the influence of reggae across generations and its continued role in culture and community life. The ceremony also highlighted the strong presence of Jamaican culture in South Florida and the ongoing connection between Jamaica and the diaspora. Celebrating Reggae Music in South Florida The Reggae Icon Awards 2026 closed with a sense of appreciation for the artists who helped shape reggae music. Through performances and recognition, the evening honored musicians whose work has reached audiences around the world. By hosting the event, the city of Miramar placed focus on reggae music as part of cultural history and community identity. The program also showed how reggae artists continue to connect with audiences many years after their songs were first released. The event served as both a recognition ceremony and a celebration of Jamaican music and its place in South Florida culture. The Reggae Icon Awards was held on February 26th, 2026.