Miramar’s Afro-Carib Festival Caps Reggae Month 2026 with a Celebration of Caribbean Culture

2026-03-18 - 17:43

The City of Miramar capped this year’s celebrations of Reggae Month in South Florida with the return of the Afro-Carib Festival on Saturday, February 28, at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater. Hosted by Miramar Commissioner Carson “Eddy” Edwards, the festival brought together a lineup of reggae, dancehall and soca performers for an evening that celebrated the music and culture of the Caribbean diaspora. Now in its fifth year, the Afro-Carib Festival drew a strong turnout, with attendees gathering at the open-air venue to enjoy live music, Caribbean cuisine and a festive cultural atmosphere. Food trucks serving a variety of Caribbean and multicultural dishes lined the grounds, while vendors offered colourful Afrocentric clothing and crafts as patrons moved between the marketplace and the amphitheatre stage. The evening featured performances from Steel Pulse, Naomi Cowan, Skinny Fabulous, Visions Band, Shuga, and Teflon Young King, along with appearances from several public officials and members of the Caribbean community in South Florida. View this post on Instagram A post shared by City Of Miramar (@cityofmiramar) About the Afro-Carib Festival Miramar Launched by the City of Miramar in 2020, the Afro-Carib Festival was created to celebrate the shared cultural heritage of the African and Caribbean diaspora through music, food, and artistic expression. The event forms part of the city’s observance of Black History Month and Reggae Month, bringing together a mix of Caribbean and African musical traditions on one stage. Hosted annually by Commissioner Carson “Eddy” Edwards, the festival has steadily grown into one of Miramar’s signature cultural events, attracting audiences from across South Florida. In addition to live performances, the event features food vendors, cultural displays, and local businesses showcasing Afro-Caribbean products and crafts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by City Of Miramar (@cityofmiramar) Performances Highlight the Festival Lineup Headlining this year’s festival for the first time was the legendary British reggae band Steel Pulse, whose performance drew enthusiastic responses from the packed amphitheatre audience. Led by veteran vocalist David Hinds, the band delivered several of their well-known songs, including “Chant a Psalm a Day” and “Rally Round,” which had many in the crowd singing along. Reggae singer Naomi Cowan followed with a soulful set that blended contemporary reggae with roots influences. Songs such as “Cherry on Top,” “Welcome to Paradise,” and “Up to Di Time” were warmly received by the audience. Soca star Skinny Fabulous brought high energy to the stage with a lively performance that kept the crowd moving, while South Florida’s Visions Band added a strong local presence and also served as the backing band for Naomi Cowan. Jamaican vocalist Shuga showcased her versatility across several styles, while reggae and dancehall artiste Teflon Young King delivered an animated performance that reflected his conscious lyrical style and stage presence. Festival Atmosphere and Community Presence The Afro-Carib Festival was emceed by Jody Ann Gray, who kept the audience engaged throughout the evening. A number of public officials were also in attendance, including Wayne Messam, Mayor of Miramar; Yvette Colbourne, Miramar Vice Mayor; Carson “Eddy” Edwards, Miramar City Commissioner; Alexandra P. Davis, Broward County Commissioner and former Miramar Vice Mayor; Joy Smith, Vice Mayor of the City of Westpark; Bruce Lai, Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago in Miami; and Oliver Mair, Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami and the Southern United States. Other notable attendees included Xavier Murphy, Chairman and Founder of Jamaicans.com; Donovan Germain, founder of Penthouse Records; Kabaka Pyramid, the 2023 Grammy Award winner for Best Reggae Album; Tony “Ruption” Williams, long-time drummer for Third World; and Willie Stewart, known for his Rhythms of Africa concerts and his work as a former drummer for Third World. Their presence reflected the strong ties between Miramar and the wider Caribbean community across South Florida. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Afro-Carib Festival Miramar (@afrocaribfestmiramar) Celebrating Rhythm and Culture Now firmly established as an annual event in the City of Miramar, the Afro-Carib Festival continues to celebrate the rhythms and cultural traditions of the African and Caribbean diaspora through music, food, and community gathering. By closing out Reggae Month with a night of live performances and cultural expression, the festival once again highlighted the enduring influence of Caribbean culture across South Florida.