Legendary Jamaican singer Ken Boothe delivered a heartwarming performance at the 12th annual Rhythms of Africa: Music to My Ears concert, held over the weekend at the Miramar Cultural Center. Boothe, who has long been regarded as one of reggae’s most soulful voices, was celebrated not only for his iconic contributions to music but also for his cultural legacy. In an emotional moment that brought the audience to its feet, Boothe accepted the Keys to the City of Miramar and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, culminating in a powerful standing ovation from the audience.
Boothe’s appearance was the pinnacle of a night dedicated to unity, youth, and Afro-Caribbean heritage. Despite facing physical challenges, the 77-year-old icon took to the stage with grace and gratitude. “This is a moment I’ll never forget,” he said. “Music has been my life, and to be recognized in this way means everything.” With a career spanning six decades, Boothe is best known for classics like Everything I Own, a chart-topping UK hit in 1974, and Crying Over You, which helped solidify his place in reggae history. He remains one of the few artists to have successfully bridged ska, rocksteady, and reggae—genres that continue to shape global music trends.
The Rhythms of Africa concert, founded by former Third World drummer Willie Stewart and his Embrace Music Foundation, has become a beloved tradition in South Florida. Now in its twelfth year, the event brings together professional musicians and student performers in an intergenerational showcase of musical excellence. This year, students from Somerset Academy Central Miramar—after nearly 30 hours of rehearsal with Stewart—performed moving percussive pieces that underscored the value of music education. “Through our program, people get to see the value art and music bring to the learning experience of our young people,” Stewart said.
Other standout performances came from Nigerian violinist Demola, whose genre-defying artistry had the audience enthralled, and dynamic acts like Jiggy Jack and Jacky Ambroise, formerly of Strings. But it was the presence of Ken Boothe that truly elevated the evening into a historical moment. As Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam aptly put it, “The evening was more than a concert; it was a heartfelt celebration of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. We are honoured to recognise Ken Boothe’s extraordinary legacy and to witness our youth shine on such a talented stage.” Organisers have already announced dates for Rhythms of Africa 2026, scheduled for April 18–19, promising another unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community.
