South Florida’s reggae community turned out in numbers at the Blue Martini nightclub in Fort Lauderdale on February 4 for an event dubbed, ‘Tribute To Dennis Brown’. It took place three days after the singer, who died in 1999, would have turned 67.

A highlight of the evening was Freddie McGregor performing an impromptu version of Love Has Found Its Way, one of Brown’s biggest hit songs. McGregor, who suffered a stroke in late 2022, was a close friend of the Crown Prince of Reggae.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, McGregor said he was pleased to attend the event, especially as it was endorsed by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) of which he is a co-founder.

“It was a pleasure to behold, it felt really great. I am a very proud member of the JaRIA team. Nuff thanks to (entertainment) minister (Olivia) Grange and the Inner Circle team for the great support. Also to Blue Martini for hosting the event,” he said.

Mykal Rose, Marla Brown (daughter of Dennis), McGregor’s son Chino, Conrad Sax Melody and the Visions Band also performed at the show which had music industry stalwart Copeland Forbes as MC. Ian Lewis of Inner Circle, his son Abebe, Rachel and Tamika Parks (daughters of Lloyd Parks, Dennis Brown’s band leader), Tifa, Ed Robinson, King Banton, JaRIA member Steve James and Oliver Mair, Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, also turned out for the show.

Reggae Month in South Florida was launched on February 1 in the city of Miramar by vice mayor Alexandra P Davis, a Jamaican. Events include Reggae Genealogy (on the 10th), Rastafari Day and Drum Circle (the 14th) and Praise On The Green Gospel Extravaganza, on February 18.

JaRIA first staged Reggae Month in Jamaica in 2008. It debuted in South Florida five years ago.