The rich history of Jamaican popular music came alive on February 2 in the parking lot of Broward Mall, where reggae legends and rising stars gathered for Reggae Genealogy, an event presented by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum. With an enthusiastic audience hanging onto every beat and anecdote, the evening highlighted the genre’s profound influence, capped by the recognition of three music industry stalwarts—Grammy-winning reggae band Inner Circle, singer Wayne Wonder, and renowned producer Donovan Germain—who were each honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
The celebration, attended by a diverse crowd that included South Florida’s vibrant Jamaican community, featured live performances from pioneering artists such as Eric “Monty” Morris, Ernie Smith, and Jerry Mathias with the oBessa Band. Adding to the event’s significance, Broward County Commissioners and City Council members presented the honorees with keys to the city. “It feels good because this is our home,” said Ian Lewis of Inner Circle, a band that has shaped the Miami reggae scene for decades with global hits like Sweat and Bad Boys. Keyboardist Bernard “Touter” Harvey echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of being recognized while still actively sharing Jamaican culture worldwide.
David Muir, co-founder of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, lauded the event’s success, noting the audience’s overwhelming response and the strong support from local officials. “The venue was filled with an interested and receptive audience,” he noted, adding that city leaders expressed their desire to see Reggae Genealogy continue in future years. With reggae’s global market projected to reach $12.5 billion by 2027, according to industry reports, such cultural initiatives play a crucial role in preserving its legacy. By bridging generations of artists and fans, Reggae Genealogy not only honoured the past but also reaffirmed reggae’s enduring impact on the world stage.
