Jamaica Day, a calendar event in New Jersey’s West Indian community, celebrates its 10th anniversary on August 1-2 at Eastside Park in the city of Paterson.

August 1 is observed as Emancipation Day in Jamaica. It marks the abolition of slavery in Jamaica by the British Crown in 1838.

Matthew McKoy, whose father William “Bill” McKoy started Jamaica Day, told Observer Online that the event unites the Jamaican community in Paterson, which has a population of over 150,000.

“Ten years ago, this festival started as a way to give our community a place to come together and celebrate who we are,” he said. “To be here a decade later with a lineup this powerful, honouring both our anniversary and 64 years of Jamaican independence, is something special. This isn’t just a concert — it’s a homecoming.”

That lineup is dominated by female acts led by Sister Nancy, a longtime New Jersey resident, best known for the hit song, Bam Bam; Minister Marion Hall, Lady G, Lila Ike, Rhoda Isabella and Gold McFarlane.

“Sister Nancy is a pioneer, Marion Hall’s journey speaks to so many people and Lila Iké represents where our music is headed next,” McKoy said. “When you add Lady G, Rhoda Isabella and Golda McFarlane, you have every generation and every part of our culture represented on one stage. That’s exactly what Jamaica Day is supposed to be.”

Bill McKoy, who was raised in Trench Town, served Paterson’s 3rd Ward as a councilman for 20 years. He unsuccessfully ran for the city’s mayor in 2018.

— Howard Campbell