While attending the University of Miami (UM) in the 1970s, Abdul Muhsin met a fellow Jamaican who took him under his wings, teaching him a culinary skill that continues to serve him, and others, well.

That fellow Jamaican was Noel “King Sporty” Williams, a well-known figure in South Florida music circles. Portland-born Sporty was a singer, husband of American soul singer Betty Wright and co-writer of Bob Marley’s hit song, Buffalo Soldier.

“King Sporty was one of those people who took care of young brothers coming into the radio and music industry. I met him at UM while I was with the Student Entertainment Committee,” Muhsin recalled in a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer.

“When he found out I was Jamaican, we became instant friends. He actually taught me how to make jerk chicken and how to make the perfect rice.”

Sporty, who died in 2015 at age 71, lived long enough to see jerked food become popular throughout the United States.

He also saw his protege become production manager and chairman of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, which had its 18th staging on November 10.

The 62-year-old Muhsin was born Kevin Anthony Williams in Kingston, and migrated to the United States in 1968.

Initially, he lived in New York City but moved to South Florida in the mid-1970s to attend the UM where he majored in Broadcast Communication. There, his batchmates included future broadcaster Ruth-Ann Wynter.

At the time, jerked food was only known in the region’s small Jamaican community.

The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival has helped transform that, attracting high-profile sponsorship from Publix, Florida’s largest supermarket chain and coverage from mainstream media.

“I can remember many years ago when one would mention jerk chicken in this market, people would question its nomenclature. Today, it’s top of mind for foodies and quick service restaurant customer,” said Muhsin.

A practicing Muslim since 1975, Muhsin has been a vegetarian for 30 years. Jerked chicken, however, remains one of his favourite dishes to prepare for family and clients.

The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is a staple on the South Florida entertainment calendar. This year, it drew a full house to the expansive Miramar Regional Park, its new venue; it has also been held in Queens, New York and Washington DC.

Muhsin and his team expect that growth trend to continue. “All of our sponsors agree that this venue brought new excitement and desired marketing value.

Miramar has the highest density of Caribbean residents in Florida, and this gave our sponsors a great opportunity to put their product in front of a lucrative, active consumer market,” he explained.