Packed houses for Rhythms Of Africa are not new to Willie Stewart. Since the master drummer first staged the event in 2010, South Florida’s Caribbean community has turned out in heavy numbers for the musical showcase.

This year was no different. Dubbed Run di Riddim: Every Beat For Jamaica, two shows were held on April 18 and 19 at Miramar Cultural Center.

There were riveting performances from Stewart and his percussive youth orchestra, as well as from guest acts Richie Stephens, J C Lodge, and Gem Myers.

But there was also a sombre tone that came in the tribute section for Jimmy Cliff, Cat Coore, and Sly Dunbar, who died last November and January.

In a salute to the resilience shown by Jamaicans in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Stewart and guests performed Have A Little Faith, a song he wrote and co-produced with Sean Wedderburn.

“I felt a little tears on my part while it was being played live to see the wonderful reaction from the crowd, the artistes and musicians. It was like the birth of the song coming out to the public. I could only say, ‘Thank you, God. Thank you’,” Stewart told the Jamaica Observer.

Released in February, Have A Little Faith features Lodge, Myers, Leroy Sibbles, Carl McDonald, Dwisdom, Carlene Davis, Glen Washington, Alecia Marie, Wayne Armond, and Patrick Ulysees Pinkney.

The ‘21 Reggae One Drop Salute’ segment was dedicated to Jimmy Cliff, Cat Coore, and Sly Dunbar, who helped make reggae an international force during the 1970s and 1980s. Stewart and Coore were members of Third World band from 1976 to 1997.

Shortly after leaving Third World, Stewart became a mentor and teacher for musically-inclined students in the Broward County school system. Many of them have participated in Rhythms Of Africa since its inception.

The orchestra performs Afro-inspired songs and sounds from various regions including the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

— Howard Campbell

Willie Stewart (Photo: Natasha Wright)

Gem Myers (Photo: Natasha Wright)

Richie Stephens thrills his Miramar audience. (Photo: Natasha Wright)