The enduring legacy, cultural power, and global influence of reggae music will be celebrated in South Florida when the Reggae Icon Awards 2026 takes place on Thursday, February 26, at the Miramar Cultural Center Banquet Hall.
Running from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the prestigious ceremony will honor pioneering figures whose contributions have helped shape reggae music and Caribbean culture on the world stage. The awards ceremony is a cornerstone event of the Afro Carib Weekend Experience, a Black History Month celebration that also features the Afro Carib Festival and the popular Selecta Showdown.
Dahlia Harris, broadcaster, actress & playwright
Hosted by Miramar Commissioner Carson “Eddy” Edwards, the Reggae Icon Awards serves as a premier cultural platform recognizing excellence, legacy, and lasting impact within reggae music. The evening will be emceed by media personality Jody-Ann Gray, with veteran broadcaster Dahlia Harris delivering the keynote address.
“Reggae music has always been more than a sound—it is a movement, a message, and a powerful cultural force,” Edwards said. “This event honors the pioneers who laid the foundation for this global genre while continuing to inspire unity, pride, and purpose.”
The 2026 honorees represent decades of influence across performance, production, and cultural leadership. Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan, OD, and renowned music executive Tommy Cowan, CD, will receive the Marcus Garvey Award for their outstanding contributions to reggae’s global reach and cultural advocacy.
Dr. Davis-Cowan is one of Jamaica’s most respected gospel and reggae artists, celebrated for a decades-long career that bridges music, faith, culture, and social consciousness. Tommy Cowan, former head of talent development at VP Records, has been instrumental in advancing reggae and dancehall music internationally through artist development, strategic marketing, and cultural diplomacy.
Veteran singer Lloyd Parks, OD, will be honored with the Reggae Icon Award for a career spanning more than five decades. First rising to prominence as a member of The Termites, Parks later achieved solo success with classic hits such as We’ll Get Over It and Mafia. As a producer and bandleader, he has remained a key figure in nurturing emerging talent and preserving reggae’s roots.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Clive “Tennors” Murphy, founding member of the legendary 1960s vocal group The Tennors. The group’s international hit Ride Your Donkey remains one of rocksteady’s most enduring classics and played a vital role in the early global spread of Jamaican popular music.
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the awards presentation from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Organizers describe the event as a sophisticated and culturally rich celebration honoring reggae’s influence across generations.
The Reggae Icon Awards 2026 underscores the City of Miramar’s ongoing commitment to celebrating Black history, Caribbean heritage, and the arts—reinforcing its role as a vibrant cultural hub that honors diversity, excellence, and legacy.
The event is open to the public, and advance registration is encouraged.
RSVP at: www.ReggaeIconAwards2026.Eventbrite.com
