Richie Stephens and JC Lodge fuel soul-out masterclass at Miramar Rhythms of Africa 2026

The 13th annual Rhythms of Africa concert, held last Saturday and Sunday at the Miramar Cultural Center in Florida, was driven by heritage, mentorship, and world-class talent.

Headliner Richie Stephens was in a musical zone when he stormed the stage, immediately connecting with the audience as he effortlessly weaved through hits including “Trying to Get to You,” “Fight Back,” “Color of Love,” and “Weakness for Sweetness,” striking a balance between nostalgia and contemporary sounds.

The “Trying to Get to You” singer quickly elevated the experience further with a powerful tribute segment, performing his current hit “Trapped” in honor of deceased singer-songwriter Jimmy Cliff, while also paying homage to Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, Sly Dunbar, and Ernie Smith, who all passed in recent months. The emotional tribute transformed the Miramar Cultural Center into a mammoth celebration and a reflective moment for the full house. Stephens, who earned compliments both nights for his attire and acrobatic maneuvers, closed with a spirited set that included “Wings of a Dove” and “Simmer Down,” bringing the audience to a euphoric high.

The rest of the star-studded lineup delivered equally compelling moments from JC Lodge and Gem Myers, whose artistry and stage presence were top tier.

Myers captivated fans with her rich vocals on covers including “My Boy Lollipop,” “No No No,” and her perennial hit “One Man Woman,” before segueing into “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” Meanwhile, Lodge’s timeless hits — “Telephone Love” and “Someone Loves You Honey” — helped bridge generations of reggae lovers. She also earned rapturous applause for “More Than I Can Say,” “Make It Up to You,” and “Crysis.”

Stephens praised event curator Willie Stewart, calling him “a very important man to Jamaica’s music and culture.” He emphasized that Stewart’s vision for Rhythms of Africa goes far beyond entertainment.

“What he’s doing with the kids is such a great thing,” Stephens reiterated. “He is giving them an opportunity to become a part of musical greatness… helping them to stay focused and stay out of trouble.”

Reflecting on the experience, Stephens called it “a magnificent experience to be part of such a meaningful production. And being given the opportunity to perform ‘Trapped’ was a great platform to say to the world, we miss our icons,” he shared.

The Rhythms of Africa Band anchored the entire production with precision, seamlessly navigating genres from Afrobeat to soca, and R&B to reggae. The carefully curated song list celebrated the rhythms of Africa, Cuba, Brazil, and Jamaica, reinforcing reggae’s deep ties to Africa and its global influence. Kudos to curator Stewart, whose vision continues to shape the event.

That impact was evident as students from Somerset Academy High School delivered a vibrant, high-energy drumming showcase that opened the show.

“The young performers didn’t just complement the show, they helped define it, bringing authenticity and purpose to every beat. Their precision and cultural awareness reflected Stewart’s dedication as a mentor,” he shared.

Wayne Messam, who has long championed and encouraged the Rhythms of Africa initiative, described it as a bridge between generations. At the close of the performances each night, Stewart announced that 100 percent of proceeds raised from the song “Have a Little Faith,” which he produced with Sean Wedderburn and singers Leroy Sibbles, Glen Washington, Carlene Davis, Wayne Armond, Dwisdom, Gem Myers, Patrick Ulysees Pinkney, Alecia Marie, and Carl McDonald, will be donated to support Jamaica’s hurricane victims following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

As the music faded and the audience rose in appreciation, one thing was undeniable: Rhythms of Africa 2026 was a living, breathing testament to music’s power to educate, inspire, and connect.