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Press Releases and News Articles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shaun Gayle
Assistant City Manager / City Spokesperson
City of Miramar
Phone: 954-495-3644; E-mail: sdgayle@miramarfl.gov
REGGAE SUPERSTAR, MARCIA GRIFFITHS TO BE HONORED
AT THE 2023 REGGAE ICON AWARDS IN MIRAMAR
MIRAMAR, FL – January 17, 2023 – Reggae icon Marcia Griffiths, OD (Order of Distinction), and former one third member of Bob Marley’s back up singing group the I-Three’s will be presented with the Reggae Icon award by City of Miramar Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis at the Awards ceremony, Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at the Miramar Cultural Center. The event, presented by Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis starts at 6:30pm with Cocktails, followed by the awards ceremony 7:30pm – 11pm. The event is free to the general public and tickets are available online at Eventbrite. Other awardees are Founder of Stone Love Movement, Mr. Winston Powell, OD and Miami-Dade Commissioner Mrs. Marleine Bastien who will be presented with the Marcus Garvey Award.
“Each year, in February, celebrated as both Black History and Reggae month, dubbed as ‘Black History Meets Reggae,’ the City of Miramar hosts and stages several events that recognize the contributions made by African Americans and reggae icons from the music industry who have made significant contributions.” stated Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis. “There is no way we could allow a month dedicated to Black History and Reggae and not put the spotlight on those whose legacy we revere and whose lives have influenced our culture and way of life in such profound ways.” continued Commissioner Davis.
Marcia Griffiths, whose song "Electric Boogie" released in 1983 and is still a favorite among party goers dancing in sync to the moves of the electric slide, is certainly one of the most iconic figures in musical history. She has an extensive and impressive music career dating back to the mid 70s and she is listed among the greats in music history.
Mr. Winston Powell OD, (Winston "Wee Pow" Powell) built the Stone Love sound system in 1972, using locally built amplifiers and started a cult following of music lovers all around the world. Stone Love broke out new artistes and music careers took off based on the popularity of the Stone Love party sessions. It was the Caribbean’s version of Studio 54 and was just as iconic in its day.
Ms. Marleine Bastien, Commissioner Miami-Dade and the executive director of the non-profit, Family Action Network Movement (FANM), established a global reputation of tireless advocacy for equity, economic empowerment, comprehensive immigration reform, and climate justice. She has championed rights for women, children, families, workers, the elderly, and LGBTQ worldwide.
The Awards is being sponsored in part by the Jamaica Tourist Board and is under the distinguished patronage of the Consul General of Jamaica Mr. R. Oliver Mair. A special message will be shared by Jamaican Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honorable Olivia “Babsy’ Grange.
For tickets, visit MiramarReggaeIconAwards23.eventbrite.com to register.
Miramar is hosting other events over the month of February to commemorate Black History and Reggae month. There will be a DJ Selecta Showdown at the Shirley Branca Park on Friday February 24 and the highly anticipated Afro-Carib Festival featuring Grammy award winner, Koffee along with other artistes on Saturday February 25, 2023. These two events along with the Reggae Icon Awards round out an action-packed weekend of festivities. For more information on these and other events during the month, visit Miramarfl.gov/BHM.
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3rd ANNUAL AFRO-CARIB FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES A STELLAR MUSIC LINEUP FEATURING GROUNDBREAKING REGGAE ARTIST, KOFFEE, INTERNATIONAL AFROPOP SENSATION TEKNO, CUBA’S JACOB FOREVER AND HAITIAN HITMAKER J. PERRY
City of Miramar festival celebrates music, culture & cuisine from African Diaspora & Caribbean
MIRAMAR, FL (January 18, 2022)- The City of Miramar presents the 3rd Annual Afro-Carib Festival (ACF) happening on Saturday, February 25, 2023, 5pm-11pm ET, at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater located at 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33027. The Afro-Carib festival, presented by Visit Lauderdale, is where Black History Month meets Reggae Month to celebrate the blended cultures that evolved through a shared bond rooted in African origins. These powerful bonds have manifested to create a people rich in music, culture, and cuisine. Ticket holders will enjoy live performances by a carefully selected roster of unique, soulful artists representing reggae, afrobeats, afropop, kompa, reggaeton, salsa and more musical genres from the Caribbean and African Diaspora.
“Part of who we are as a people, descendants from African and Caribbean roots, are reflected in the music, instruments and dance which make up our rich culture and heritage. When you listen to the lyrics of these artistes and feel the rhythm of the Afro-Reggae - inspired beat, it resonates deep within the soul, and it is what we want to bring to this celebration of our multi diverse community in Miramar,” said City of Miramar Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis
3rd ANNUAL AFRO-CARIB FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES A STELLAR MUSIC LINEUP FEATURING GROUNDBREAKING REGGAE ARTIST, KOFFEE, INTERNATIONAL AFROPOP SENSATION TEKNO, CUBA’S JACOB FOREVER AND HAITIAN HITMAKER J. PERRY
City of Miramar festival celebrates music, culture & cuisine from African Diaspora & Caribbean
MIRAMAR, FL (January 18, 2022)- The City of Miramar presents the 3rd Annual Afro-Carib Festival (ACF) happening on Saturday, February 25, 2023, 5pm-11pm ET, at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater located at 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33027. The Afro-Carib festival, presented by Visit Lauderdale, is where Black History Month meets Reggae Month to celebrate the blended cultures that evolved through a shared bond rooted in African origins. These powerful bonds have manifested to create a people rich in music, culture, and cuisine. Ticket holders will enjoy live performances by a carefully selected roster of unique, soulful artists representing reggae, afrobeats, afropop, kompa, reggaeton, salsa and more musical genres from the Caribbean and African Diaspora.
“Part of who we are as a people, descendants from African and Caribbean roots, are reflected in the music, instruments and dance which make up our rich culture and heritage. When you listen to the lyrics of these artistes and feel the rhythm of the Afro-Reggae - inspired beat, it resonates deep within the soul, and it is what we want to bring to this celebration of our multi diverse community in Miramar,” said City of Miramar Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis
Headlining the popular music and culture festival is KOFFEE, Jamaica’s “reggae ambassador of positive energy”. Koffee’s groundbreaking positive approach to reggae made her one of the most exciting, forward thinking, globally focused teenage talents to emerge in decades. Koffee’s bold message of peace and love captivated the world with its joyous expression of gratitude. Boasting 122M views, Koffee is most known for her runaway hit, “Toast”, a mind-blowing feat for a newcomer. At 18 she was the youngest and first female reggae artist to win a GRAMMY for the coveted best reggae album. Her infectious Jamaican “patois” laden lyrics resonate with audience of various ages, cultures and backgrounds the world over. | |
 | Nigerian born singer and songwriter Tekno will grace the Afro-Carib stage with his energetic Afropop performance The self-proclaimed Afropop King and Nigerian-born singer/songwriter/ producer Tekno has been heating up the digital and radio airwaves since the debut of his 2016 international hit “Pana.” Since then, he has released a seamless stream of hits for himself and others as a highly sought-after producer, such as “Buga (Lo Lo Lo) with Kizz Daniel, “Mufasa” and “Skeletun.” Now based in the United States, he spreads positive vibes through melodies laced over a perfect intertwining of both Afrobeats and Afropop. |
 | Using fusions of rap and reggaeton, Grammy Grammy nominated, Cuban born Jacob Forever is known for his artistic diversity between bachata, urban and reggaeton. He has collaborated with international artists such as Farruko, Pitbull, Thalia, Enrique Iglesias, De La Ghetto and Nacho among others. |
 | “Tylenol” Haitian Hitmaker J. Perry has been blazing the international music charts since the release of his first single “Dekole,” which earned him a Gold Disk Plaque from Haiti’s Minister of Tourism and the Haitian Carnival Committee. |
 | Alexander Star is an Emmy-nominated songwriter and performer whose music is featured in Super Bowl campaigns, United Nations collaborations, and primetime TV. He has performed in over 10 countries and help more than 500 teens in foster care write and record original music. |
 | Miami’s “Good Energy” rising Afrobeats star Yung Wylin is all about positive vibes. A self-declared conscious rapper, he credits meditation as the inspiration for his feel-good beats and lyrics that encourages self-expression. |
Local food vendors will serve up their specialty Caribbean and African dishes and merchandise vendors will offer unique finds, representing the many cultures of the Diaspora.
General admission tickets at $25 and VIP tickets at $125 are on sale now at TICKETMASTER. Parking is $10 cash. For more info, please visit www.afrocaribfestmiramar.com or call 954-602-3178.
For media inquiries, please contact Suzan McDowell, suzan@circleofonemarketing.com or 305-576-3790. ARTIST HEADSHOTS HERE. Interviews available upon request.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shaun Gayle
Assistant City Manager/City Spokesperson
City of Miramar
Phone: 954-495-3644; E-mail: sdgayle@miramarfl.gov
HISPANIC LEADERS IN MIRAMAR TO BE HONORED AT THE 2022 LATIN NIGHTS
GALA AWARD CEREMONY
Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis to recognize 4 business leaders at the Miramar Cultural Center on October 14, 2022.
MIRAMAR, FL (Wednesday, October 5, 2022) – Miramar Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis presents the 2022 Latin Nights Gala Award Ceremony on Friday, October 14, 2022, at the Miramar Cultural Center in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15). The event will take place from 7pm to 11pm in the Banquet Hall of the Cultural Center located at 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL 33025 and will recognize the outstanding contributions that notable individuals have made to the Hispanic community.
This year's honorees include:
Community Engagement Award
Ivan Parra, Broward Community ID Director at Broward Legal Aid
Mr. Parra plans and organizes Community ID events throughout Broward County and has brought together a dynamic team of 220 volunteers to assist immigrants to secure identification.
Education Award
Dr. Alexandra Alvarez
Dr. Alvarez serves as an Autism Coach with the School Board of Broward County where she specializes in curriculum instruction and design and early intervention for students with Autism and other related disabilities. She has been in education for 20 plus years.
Business & Entrepreneurship Award
Robinson Marte, Co-founder Tribeca Restaurant
Mr. Marte moved to Miramar after college in 2006 and realized there was a lack of Latin restaurants in the area, so he partnered with friends to open Tribeca Restaurant. The restaurant never closed their doors during the height of the pandemic but instead pivoted and offered delivery and pick-up services. Tribeca Restaurant has been serving the community for over 4 years.
Business & Corporate Citizenship Award
Jorge Carballo, President & General Manager NBC-6/Telemundo 51, Miami
Mr. Carballo has been in South Florida’s broadcast industry for over 35 years. He began his career in cable television, first by selling subscription door-to-door, and then by selling local advertising in the cable interconnect channels.
The event will be emceed by Emmy® Award-winning journalist and news anchor, Jackie Nespral.
"This year's event is a celebration of the diverse fabric of our community. It gives me great pleasure to be able to honor these distinguished professionals who are making a positive impact in Miramar while representing the Hispanic community with excellence,” stated Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis.
The Latin Nights Gala Award Ceremony will feature live performances from award winning Venezuelan American singer Edward Mena and Gianpaul and Latin Soul Band. Dancers from the Fajardo Elite Dance Academy will also perform showcasing their Latin dance moves.
This event is the culmination of a series of events held in the City of Miramar in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
For additional information on events taking place in the city, visit www.MiramarFl.gov or follow the city’s account on social media @cityofmiramar.
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TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS ROCKED MIRAMAR!
With live Performances by the Queen of Bacchanal Destra Garcia, Julien Believe,
Gianpaul & Latin Soul Band
Flavors of Caribbean Food, Live Music, Art, and Books
LINK TO EVENT PAGE
MIRAMAR, FL (Wednesday, June 29, 2022)- Caribbean American Heritage Month was in full swing in the City of Miramar for the month of June and culminated with a new and improved signature event, Taste of the Caribbean Islands, hosted by Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis.
Commissioner Alexandra Davis stated, “This year’s event was bigger and better. We added new elements such as a book and art fair featuring books from A. P. Wright and David Muir. Featured artists were, Richard Blackford, Mark ‘Renaissance’ Cameron and Kay-Ann Dukhran Lewis. In addition, the Children’s Trust donated and distributed free books. Also added were culinary demonstrations from renowned Caribbean Chefs such as Suzzanne Barr from Canada and Khalil Campbell from Jamaica, who was accompanied by students from the Jamaican University of Technology School of Hospitality. A special cultural presentation of Jamaican folklore was given by Steve Higgins and the Tallawah Mento Band.”
The sound of Caribbean music filled the air with sounds from reggae, soca, salsa, and merengue. Event attendees enjoyed performances by the USVI Moko Jumbie Stilt dancers, Bahamian Junkanoo Band, Soca Fitness group, Bahamian Julien Believe, Gianpaul & Latin Soul Band, Reggae star Lee Kelly & Dwhas Band, DJ Sinistar and DJ Tony X of the Miami Dream Team, steel drum music from Steel Away and International headliner out of Trinidad and Tobago, the Queen of Bacchanal, Destra Garcia.
Deputy Consul General of Grenada, Dianne C. Perrotte and Consul General of Jamaica, Oliver Mair were present to share in the colorful festivities of this Caribbean event.
For more information on events taking place in the City of Miramar, visit www.MiramarFl.gov or call 954-602-3178.
Miramar Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis with Miss Miami-Broward Carnival Pageant Queen, Zaira Modeste.
Bahamian Artist Julien Believe engaging the patrons during Taste of the Caribbean Islands.