Beenie Man to headline Jamaica Independence celebration in Lauderhill

Florida’s Jamaican community is preparing for an evening of music and culture as the City of Lauderhill hosts its Jamaica Independence celebration featuring dancehall icon Beenie Man.

The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, located at 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, Florida, beginning at 6 p.m. The celebration is being presented by Mayor Denise D. Grant and Commissioner John T. Hodgson and will commemorate Jamaica’s 64th year of Independence.

The event will also serve as an early birthday celebration for Beenie Man, who turns 53 on Aug. 22.

With a career spanning more than four decades, the Grammy Award-winning deejay has built one of dancehall’s most influential catalogs. His international hits, including “Who Am I (Sim Simma),” “Girls Dem Sugar,” “King of the Dancehall,” “Romie,” “Dude” and “Feel It Boy,” have helped establish him as one of Jamaica’s most recognizable musical ambassadors.

Joining Beenie Man on the stage will be reggae legend Marcia Griffiths, whose decades-long career has produced classics such as “Electric Boogie,” “Dreamland,” “Feel Like Jumping” and “Stepping Out of Babylon.”

Griffiths has enjoyed success as both a solo artiste and collaborator, with her smooth vocals and timeless catalog earning her a place among reggae’s most celebrated female performers.

Lovers rock fans will also be treated to a performance from Mikey Spice, known for his soulful voice and romantic hits such as “Born Again,” “Practice What You Preach,” “I Am I Said” and “So Much Things to Say.”

The lineup also features singer Shuga, who has gained recognition for her powerful vocals and conscious musical themes, as well as performers Empress Uneek and Mical Rustle Mustle.

With a mix of dancehall, reggae and lovers rock artists, organizers say the Lauderhill Independence celebration will showcase the diversity of