The enduring legacy, cultural power, and global influence of reggae music will take center stage in South Florida when the Reggae Icon Awards 2026 is held on Thursday, February 26, at the Miramar Cultural Center Banquet Hall.
Scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the ceremony will honor trailblazers whose contributions have helped shape reggae music and Caribbean culture worldwide. The event forms part of the Afro Carib Weekend Experience, a Black History Month celebration that also includes the Afro Carib Festival signature event and Selecta Showdown.
Hosted by Miramar Commissioner Carson “Eddy” Edwards, the Reggae Icon Awards is a premier cultural platform recognizing excellence, legacy, and impact within reggae music. The ceremony will be emceed by Jody-Ann Gray, with veteran broadcaster Dahlia Harris serving as keynote speaker.
“Reggae music has always been more than a sound—it is a movement, a message, and a powerful cultural force,” Edwards said. “This event honors the pioneers who laid the foundation for this global genre while continuing to inspire unity, pride, and purpose.”
The 2026 honorees reflect decades of influence across performance, production, and cultural leadership. Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan, OD, and music executive Tommy Cowan, CD, will receive the Marcus Garvey Award for their contributions to reggae’s global reach and cultural advocacy. Davis-Cowan is one of Jamaica’s most respected gospel and reggae artists, known for her socially conscious music and decades-long career that bridges faith, culture, and activism. Tommy Cowan, a former head of talent development at VP Records and a longtime champion of Caribbean music, has played a pivotal role in promoting reggae and dancehall artists internationally through strategic marketing, artist development, and cultural diplomacy.
Veteran singer Lloyd Parks, OD, will be honored with the Reggae Icon Award in recognition of a career that spans more than five decades. Parks first gained prominence as a member of the vocal group The Termites before launching a successful solo career with classic hits such as We’ll Get Over It and Mafia. As a producer and bandleader, he has also been instrumental in nurturing emerging talent and preserving reggae’s roots through live performance and recording.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Clive “Tennors” Murphy, best known as a founding member of the 1960s vocal group The Tennors. The group achieved international success with the rocksteady classic Ride Your Donkey, one of the era’s most enduring songs. Murphy’s work helped lay the groundwork for the global spread of Jamaican popular music during its formative years.
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the awards presentation from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Organizers describe the event as a sophisticated celebration highlighting reggae’s profound influence across generations.
The Reggae Icon Awards 2026 underscores the City of Miramar’s commitment to celebrating Black history, Caribbean heritage, and the arts, reinforcing its role as a cultural hub that honors diversity, excellence, and legacy.
The event is open to the public, and advance registration is encouraged. RSVP at www.ReggaeIconAwards2026.Eventbrite.com.
