Plantation, FL – The vibrant sounds of reggae filled the air Sunday, February 2nd as Reggae Genealogy 2025 transformed Broward Mall’s northeast quarter into a living history of Jamaican music. From the soulful melodies of mento to the high-energy beats of dancehall, the festival took more than 1,200 music lovers on an unforgettable journey through reggae’s evolution. Attendees, proudly dressed in black, green, and gold, embraced the celebration of Caribbean culture, making it a night to remember.
“This was only our second year, but fans traveled from as far as Canada, California, and Texas to be here,” said Calibe Thompson, event producer and president of the board of directors at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum. “While we’re celebrating Jamaica’s musical history, the entire Caribbean showed up to enjoy the experience. It’s all possible thanks to key sponsors like Broward Cultural Division, City of Plantation, Grace Foods, Florida Power & Light Company, Visit Lauderdale, and the Community Foundation of Broward—and, of course, our phenomenal team and volunteers.”
A Musical Journey Through Time
The evening kicked off with a high-energy pre-show, hosted by Frank!e Red and featuring music by Bigg G alongside the South Plantation High School Marching Band. A pulsating djembe drum solo by Nany G set the stage for a night of cultural immersion.
Guided by narrator Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair, audiences were taken through Jamaica’s rich musical history, brought to life by Bobby Rose and the Code Red Band. The band provided a seamless soundtrack as different eras of reggae unfolded on stage, accompanied by the dynamic Carimer Dancers. From mento and nyabinghi to ska, rocksteady, and lovers rock, each style was honored through captivating performances.
Mento legend Ernie Smith mesmerized the crowd with hits like Duppy or a Gunman, Nice Time, and Play Di Music, paving the way for a high-energy ska segment featuring Shuga’s rendition of My Boy Lollipop. The rocksteady era shined with Shuga and Ambelique, who delivered a soulful tribute to Ken Boothe’s greatest hits.
As the festival moved into classic reggae, Wayne Armond delivered electrifying renditions of Chalice’s Good To Be There and Revival Time, followed by powerhouse performances from Phil Watkis and Chino McGregor. One of the most poignant moments of the evening came with a tribute to the legendary Toots Hibbert, led by Nathaniel “Jerry” Mathias of Toots and the Maytals, alongside oBessa, performing Pomp and Pride and Bam Bam to roaring applause.
The second half of the show, narrated by G Cole, spotlighted reggae’s evolution into contemporary styles. A fusion of dub, dancehall, reggaeton, pop, and Afrobeats took over as DJs GQ, Mekka Don, and Walshy Fire spun crowd favorites, with the TM Pride Productions dance group igniting the stage.
Honoring the Icons of Reggae
A highlight of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum co-founders Calibe Thompson and David I. Muir, alongside County Commissioners Alexandra P. Davis and Hazelle P. Rogers, and City of Plantation officials Jennifer Andreu-Tucker, Louis Reinstein, Erik Anderson and Glendon Hall. Honorees included Donovan Germain, Wayne Wonder, and the legendary “Bad Boys of Reggae,” Inner Circle, who also received the keys to the City of Plantation and Broward County.
“As I stand here tonight, I’m at a loss for words,” said Donovan Germain. “It’s been 53 years in this industry. And I must say how gratifying it is to be honored in the same night as Wayne Wonder, who was the first artist signed to Penthouse Records.”
Wayne Wonder shared his gratitude, saying, “I’m humbled to receive this honor and the keys to Plantation and Broward County.”
Ian Lewis of Inner Circle added, “We feel good because we are seeing the Jamaican diaspora in its entirety. Out of many, we are one.”
A Festival for the Community
Beyond the music, festival-goers explored the Caribbean Marketplace, engaging with sponsors like Broward Mall, Visit Lauderdale, Florida Power & Light Company, Only the Best Printing, and the Jamaica Tourist Board. Attendees indulged in delicious Caribbean flavors, courtesy of Grace Foods, Mabi Tea and a variety of food court vendors, while shopping from artisans.
With thousands singing, dancing, and celebrating reggae’s rich history, the second annual Reggae Genealogy was an undeniable success. The overwhelming response has sparked calls to make the festival a permanent fixture on South Florida’s cultural calendar. County Commissioner Hazelle Rogers even publicly advocated for Island SPACE Caribbean Museum to establish a permanent home in the near future.
As the final notes echoed through the night, one thing was clear—Reggae Genealogy is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of Caribbean culture, history, and music that will continue for generations to come.
About Reggae Genealogy
Reggae Genealogy is a cultural music festival dedicated to exploring the rich history of Jamaican music. From its earliest roots to contemporary influences, the festival highlights the evolution of reggae through live performances, storytelling, and immersive cultural experiences.
Reggae Genealogy is presented in partnership with Broward Mall and the City of Plantation, powered by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and made possible in part by the support of the Broward County Cultural Division, Grace Tropical Rhythms, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Visit Lauderdale, Only the Best Printing, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Mabi Artisanal Tea, and the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Judith Cornfeld Fund for the Arts, Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund.
About Island SPACE
Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education (Island SPACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region, in South Florida and the broader diaspora. The public is invited to visit the Caribbean museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General museum entry is $15 per adult and $7 per child. Visit www.islandspacefl.org to learn more.
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