As a budding musician in the 1960s, Willie Stewart backed Ken Boothe in what was one of his first big gigs. On April 26-27, the veteran drummer will direct a band on his Rhythms OF Africa show, which salutes the influential singer.

Boothe, who turns 77 on March 22, is one of the performers for the popular event which Stewart has staged in South Florida since 2010. The two shows take place at Miramar Cultural Center.

“My memories of working with Ken goes back to when I was 16, the youngest member of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires at Carib Theatre. The honour to back up Ken on stage as a drummer was like a feeling of joy, a great achievement,” Stewart recalled.

That show took place during the late 1960s when Boothe was hitting his stride as an artiste, thanks to hit songs like Puppet On A String, Just Another Girl and Say You. Stewart, born in London, joined The Dragonaires while still at Wolmer’s Boys’ High School.

Willie Stewart and Alison Hinds at the 2024 Rhythms Of Africa show in Miramar, South Florida.

Although Boothe was just a few years older, he remembers the singer making a big impression on him.

“His singing was so unique and distinctive. His songs touch our hearts as they easily relate to our everyday life and his skill of writing songs was a testament to his amazing talent,” said Stewart, best known for his 22 years as a member of Third World.

Since the inception of Rhythms Of Africa, he has honoured several stalwarts of Jamaican music including guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore and keyboardist Ibo Cooper, his colleagues in Third World. Last year’s show featured Etana and Barbadian soca artiste, Alison Hinds.

Rhythms Of Africa 2025 will be held under the theme, ‘Music To My Ears’. It has Houston-based Nigerian violinist Demola as headliner.

A rising star, his sound is a blend of Afro Beats, pop and reggae.

Stewart, who played on Third World’s biggest hit songs including Try Jah Love, Now That We Found Love and Sense of Purpose, has mentored hundreds of students in the Broward County school system, many of whom have played in the Rhythms Of Africa band.