Phil Watkis
Performers
Phil Watkis

Phil Watkis is a talented Jamaican reggae artist known for his soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and authentic connection to the roots of reggae music. Hailing from St. Ann, Jamaica, Watkis has captivated audiences with songs like “Times Like These” and “Jah Never Leave.” With a style that bridges traditional reggae and contemporary sounds, his music

Consul General Oliver Mair
Performers
Consul General Oliver Mair

Oliver Mair is Jamaica’s Consul General to the southeastern United States, based in Miami. where he plays a key role in strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between Jamaica and the U.S. With a background in international relations and Jamaican heritage, Mair has become a respected figure in promoting the island’s interests abroad. He holds

Frankie Red
Performers
Frank!e Red

Frank!e Red is a talented South Florida-based poetess known for her evocative and powerful spoken word performances.  With a deep passion for storytelling, Frankie weaves themes of identity, resilience, and cultural heritage into her poetry, captivating audiences with her heartfelt delivery. Her work explores the intersections of race, life experiences, and personal growth, offering an

DJ GQ
Performers
DJ GQ

DJ GQ was born Gary Hardie in Miami, Florida, and raised in Jamaica by Cuban/Chinese Jamaican parents.  He’s affiliated with Akon, DMX, Skip Marley, Mr. Vegas and has been Kevin Lyttle’s tour DJ since “Turn Me On” was one of the top songs in the world. GQ dropped his first album “Is It You?” On

Jamaican Music History
Electronic Dance Music (EDM): A Sonic Revolution

EDM, or Electronic Dance Music, is a genre that emerged from the electronic underground, transforming dance floors and festivals worldwide. It is generally music produced for playback by DJs who create seamless selections of tracks, called a DJ mix, by segueing from one recording to another, a practice very popular among Jamaican sound system selectors

Jamaican Music History
Reggaeton: The Latin American Musical Explosion

Reggaeton, a genre nurtured and molded in the streets of Puerto Rico, is a dynamic musical genre that weaves together influences from Jamaican dancehall, hip-hop, and Latin American music. Emerging in the late 20th century, reggaeton was initially an underground phenomenon, blending Spanish lyrics with the infectious beats of Jamaican dancehall. Before reggaeton, there was

Jamaican Music History
Hip-Hop: A Cultural Phenomenon with Jamaican Roots

Hip-hop, a cultural phenomenon that transcends music, emerged in the South Bronx in the 1970s as a voice for marginalized communities, channeling the experiences of inner-city life into rhythmic poetry. From its humble beginnings in block parties and graffiti-covered subways, hip-hop evolved into a global movement, influencing not only music but also fashion, language, and

Jamaican Music History
Dub Music: An Electronic Sound Revolution

Dub music, born through the works of sound engineers and sound system operators of 1960s Jamaica, represents a groundbreaking sonic revolution that transformed the global music landscape. The genre’s origins can be traced back to the experimentation of Jamaican music producers, notably King Tubby, who pushed the boundaries of studio technology to create a unique

Jamaican Music History
Reggae Music: The Global Jamaican Sound

Reggae, the heartbeat of Jamaica, emerged in the late 1960s as a musical expression deeply rooted in the island’s history and culture. The genre’s birth was a response to the evolving social and political climate on the Island, and blended influences from mento, ska, and rocksteady into a distinctive sound that would capture the hearts