This year’s Afro-Carib Festival features music, crafts and food from the islands

When Miramar holds its third annual Afro Carib Fest on Feb. 25, it will bring some of the Caribbean’s top musical acts to a city with among the highest concentrations of Jamaican residents in the United States.

And there’s much more, says Miramar Commissioner Alexandra Davis, who helped found the event: 

“We want to immerse people in the Afro-Caribbean culture,’’ Davis said. 

But music is a great place to start. The festival will feature such musical artists as Jacob Forever, Koffee, J. Perry, and Tekno. 

The festival brings a lot of excitement by celebrating African and Caribbean cultures. (Photo courtesy of City of Miramar)

Cuban artist Jacob Forever has 1.3 million listeners on Spotify.

Jamaican-born reggae artist Koffee made history by becoming the youngest artist and the only woman to win the Best Reggae Album at the 62nd Grammy awards with her album “Gifted.”

Haitian singer J. Perry’s single “Tylenol” has over 243,000 views on Youtube.

Tekno is a Nigerian singer and songwriter whose songs have been recorded by prominent artists such as Ciara, Drake, Beyonce and Swae Lee.

Afrobeats has been popularized in the states with the help of musical artists such as Davo, Tems, Burna Boy, Rotimi, Wizkid, and more.

Both African and Caribbean cultures hold center stage at the festival, which takes place in the epicenter of South Florida’s rich Caribbean community. According to worldpopulationreview.com, Miramar has the greatest concentration of Jamaican residents of any U.S. city, at 15.4%.

The festival takes place at Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater, 16801 Miramar Parkway. Ticket prices start at $25.

Commissioner Davis said she started the festival in February to mark Black History Month and Reggae Month.

“Folks who come can enjoy all things Caribbean and African, from the smells, sights, and sounds,” Davis said.

Jason Oboh is a Florida International University student in his senior year pursuing a bachelor’s degree in digital journalism. He enjoys listening to music and watching sports. After graduation, he plans to work in the sports and music media.