There was a collective gasp inside the Miramar Cultural Center in South Florida when three men lifted reggae singer Stacey Mirander onto the stage during Spragga Benz’s ‘Journey to Kingston’ birthday concert.
The audience, uncertain of what was about to unfold, watched as Mirander — visibly surprised — was welcomed onstage by Miramar Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers and reggae-dancehall veteran Spragga Benz. What followed became one of the evening’s most memorable moments.

Handed a microphone as anticipation built in the venue, Mirander waited for Laa Lee to complete his set before stepping forward. Then, without accompaniment, she began singing her self-penned composition, Oh Mother Earth, a cappella.

Her voice cut through the auditorium with striking clarity, drawing an immediate response from the crowd. Moments later, the backing musicians joined in, followed by the background vocalists, transforming the intimate performance into a sweeping reggae showcase that carried the audience along with it.

For Mirander, the performance marked a significant personal milestone.

“It was a moment I had been waiting for, a dream unfolding in real time, and I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity,” she said. “Happy birthday to Spragga Benz for sharing such a special moment with so many people on a day meant to celebrate him.”

The appearance was especially meaningful because it marked the first time the singer had performed live with a full band before an audience.

Mirander revealed that Oh Mother Earth will feature prominently on her forthcoming debut album, a project she hopes will introduce her music to a wider audience.

“I had only done my first live band rehearsal a few days before, and it was invigorating,” she said. “I could feel the energy in the room and the spirit of reggae music flowing through me.”

The Journey to Kingston concert brought together an impressive lineup of reggae and dancehall performers, including Wayne Wonder, Agent Sasco, Everton Blender, Ky-Mani Marley, Yohan Marley, Bugle and Lici Soul. The performers were backed by the Ruff Kut Band and the Florida Memorial University Orchestra, creating a rich musical backdrop that blended reggae rhythms with orchestral flourishes.

The concert served as the opening stop of the Journey to Kingston series, which is scheduled to continue with performances in Philadelphia before culminating in Kingston, Jamaica, bringing together artists and audiences in a celebration of reggae’s enduring global reach.