City of Lauderhill Celebrated Jamaica’s independence at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center
The City of Lauderhill, Florida celebrated Jamaica’s independence at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center on August 8. It was more than a concert: patrons spent most of the night dancing to high-energy sets by DJs and artists.
Beenie Man performing at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in Lauderhill, Florida on August 8. The event marked Jamaica’s 64th year of independence. (Photo by Orville Marshall)The entertainment peaked with the surprise introduction of dancehall star Busy Signal who did not disappoint. His set complemented the billed headliners, Marcia Griffiths and Beenie Man.
Jamaica’s outgoing Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair, and ska legend Derrick Morgan, were presented with keys to the city of Lauderhill. Morgan also received a proclamation acknowledging his contribution to Jamaican music.
Empress Uneek took the stage after South Florida’s ‘resident’ band,
Code Red, warmed-up in anticipation of a long night backing the artists except Beenie Man who performed on tracks. She delivered an energetic performance, taking the audience on a musical journey from post-Independence Jamaica.
Mical Rustle lowered the tempo by thrilling the ladies with a soulful opening, before quickly raising the tempo with lovers rock songs. He spoke directly to the audience, pleading for Jamaica to be a crime-free country with one big family.
Shuga was tasked with reviving the concert vibe to the venue after the break for the presentations. She did so with the Dawn Penn anthem, No No No which returned the crowd to party mode.
She delivered a mixed set that ended appropriately with the song, Sweet Jamaica.
Marcia Griffiths and Busy Signal were two of the artists who celebrated Jamaica’s independence during a show at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in Lauderhill, Florida on August 8. (Photo by Orville Marshall)
Mikey Spice’s performance did not go as planned due to technical issues.
The audience was pleasantly surprised to hear the signature ad lib, Hot Head, which announced Busy Signal who appeared singing One More Night, to loud applause.
He delivered an explosive performance, then turned things over to the queen of reggae, Marcia Griffiths, who thrilled the crowd with Automatic, their 2012 collaboration.
She closed a short set with her signature Electric Boogie.
Beenie Man closed the show. His diehard fans were energized but others seemed offended by his instructions to either get up and dance or remain in their seats and pretend they were in their bathrooms.
Most of the audience enjoyed the Grammy winner’s performance even though many said he was not at his best.
It was another outstanding Jamaica Independence Celebration event in Lauderhill. Among the attendees were mayor Denise Grant and city commissioner John “John T” Hodgson.
