All of Miramar experienced the vibrant force of percussion! The rich tapestry of African/Caribbean rhythms – encompassing Reggae, Blues, Soca, Samba, Ska, Dance Hall, Calypso, Latin, New Orleans Jazz, Funk, Pop, and Afro-Beats – creates a visual and auditory spectacle that has captivated and thrilled audiences worldwide. In homage to the legendary Third World Band, Willie Stewart, alongside students from Everglades High School and 20 renowned international artists and dancers, delivered a dynamic, rhythm-fueled show designed to elevate everyone from their seats to their feet in excitement.
Willie Stewart, hailing from Jamaica, is a revered musician, educator, and advocate for cultural exchange. Through the non-profit initiative, Rhythms of Africa, he champions cultural awareness and educational outreach via the arts, focusing on the music, dance, and stories of Africa and its diaspora. Stewart’s prowess in African and Caribbean percussion is well-established, having shared stages with iconic figures like Bob Marley and the Wailers, Third World, and Ziggy Marley. His contributions to the cultural and artistic landscape of South Florida have been widely acknowledged, earning him a plethora of accolades, including a special commendation from the City of Miramar for his endeavors with Rhythms of Africa.
Beyond his performances, Stewart is a dedicated educator, serving as an adjunct music professor at Broward College. He enriches the academic and cultural communities with workshops and masterclasses on percussion and world music, sharing his knowledge and passion at universities and cultural institutions globally.
This year’s event theme was “Strength of a Woman.” Stewart highlighted how it was “our guiding light,m spotlighting, iconic female musicians’ resilience, power and grace. The show featured narrator Kamila McDonald along with a plethora of musicians, including Etana, Alison HInds, D Wisdom, and so many more.
