The annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival – South Florida Edition is known for providing great food and entertainment. This year, despite intermittent showers at the Miramar Regional Park in Miramar, the event lived up to expectations.

Patrons began lining up at the booths of the more than 30 food vendors early, ready to enjoy the fare. From brown stewed, steamed and fried fish to jerk pork, jerk fish, jerk chicken, jerk shrimp, the mains were a hit. These were supported by jerk ice cream, kebabs, salt fish fritters, festival, rice and peas, various juices and patties. There was truly something for everyone.

On the entertainment side, the cultural stage lit up with various presentations under the guidance of actor and broadcaster Christopher “Johnny” Daley.

As the evening became night, Nigy Boy, Chalice, Elephant Man, The Fantells, and Shuga took patrons on a musical journey on the main stage.

But it was Nigy Boy who stole the show. The singer who shot to prominence with the chart-topping Continent, sang his way into the hearts of the ladies in attendance as he ran through several popular R&B and pop hits, including Michael Bolton’s Soul Provider, Keith Sweat’s Nobody, and Usher’s Nice and Slow. For good measure, he threw in a medley of Beres Hammond’s hits including Tempted to Touch and Pull Up the Vibes. Tony Rebel’s Fresh Vegetable was also well-received.

What stood out during Nigy Boy’s set was how he commanded the stage and sounded just as crisp as the original recordings. His interpretation of the inspirational hit Miracle Worker (I Worship You) was also a hit.

When the Jamaica Observer caught up with him shortly after he departed the stage, he shared that it was his second time performing at a jerk festival.

“I did the one in New York and now this one here in Florida. This is actually my first time performing in Florida and it was a great feeling just being up there on the stage. I loved every moment of it, especially, sharing a stage with the Energy God,” said Nigy Boy.

Elephant Man didn’t miss a step as he danced his way into the hearts of patrons. Love and Hip-Hop: Miami star Safaree joined Elephant Man on-stage during his set and immediately went into demonstrating the Pon Di River and Signal De Plane dance moves. Patrons could hardly contain themselves as Dip Again, Gully Creeper, and Elephant Message sent them into overdrive.

Reggae group Chalice, with Wayne Armond on lead vocals, were sharp and delightful. Their set included the favourite, Dance Hall Monic, Good to Be There, Pocomania Day, Dangerous Disturbances, Revival Time, and Sayonara, all top 10 hits on the local charts between the early 1980s to 1990. The veteran act showed no signs of slowing down and patrons appreciated their entertaining set.

The Hal “Reggaeman” Anthony led group The Fantells brought their vibe to the proceedings and delighted with their cover of Wear You To The Ball, as well as the originals I Can’t Hide and Everywhere.

Former Digicel Rising Stars winner Shuga paid tribute to reggae queen Marcia Griffiths with Fire Burning and Dreamland. Her very own My Journey, Ride Di Riddim, Cease and Sekkle, her latest single Love Doctor and her current chart hit Boxing Around were also among her hit list.

“The audience was fully engaged from start to finish. I said a prayer before I went on stage. I came here tonight to prove myself,” Shuga shared.

In-between sets DJ Richie D and Extatic Sound with DJ Brad and DJ Stretch kept patrons dancing to hits of yesteryear.

Richie D unleashed songs including Barrington Levy’s Too Experienced, Beres Hammond’s Tempted to Touch, Foxy Brown’s cover of Baby Can I Hold You, Dawn Penn’s No No No, and Bitty McLean’s cover of Walk Away From Love.

Extatic Sound upped the tempo with soca hits past and present, including JW and Blaze’s Palance, It’s Carnival by Destra, and Alison Hinds’ Faloma.

Delroy Ricketts, a resident of Broward County who has been residing in the United States for more than 20 years, said: “For me, Chalice did very well, they are from my era. It’s my second time coming to this event and I enjoyed it. It was very exciting.”

Nadine Hitchins, who was seen dancing up a storm with her mother and female friend, said Nigy Boy’s performance was tops for her.

“I always come to this event and the food is amazing. I decided that the rain wasn’t gonna stop me; so me and my mother and my friend are here enjoying ourselves. Nigy Boy was amazing. Love him,” said Hitchins.

Eddy Edwards, managing partner and CEO of Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, told the Observer: “We continue our transition to focus more on food while providing excellent entertainment options for our guests. As this was the first time at this particular location at Miramar Regional Park, we saw where we can make some improvements in some areas and add additional amenities to provide more comfort and convenience for our patrons.”

He continued: “The festival provided a mix of family friendly entertainment throughout the day, including a very active kids’ zone… culinary contests and demonstrations, interactive events such as the bun eating contest and the patty eating contest… We continue to keep pushing the food and highlighting the ultimate Sunday dinner.”

Hal “Reggaeman” Anthony, lead singer for The Fantells, excites the crowd with a rendition of Wear To You The Ball. (Jonathan Holgate)

Elephant Man takes patrons to dancing class. (Jonathan Holgate)

DJ Richie D spins the retro hits. (Jonathan Holgate)

Shuga gets down to business. (Jonathan Holgate)

Members of Extatic Sound whip up soca treats for the patrons.