Reggae band Steel Pulse to perform in Miramar for first time at Afro-Carib Fest
British band Steel Pulse is bringing roots reggae to Miramar for the first time and is ready to celebrate the city’s multi-cultural audience.
As headliners of the fifth annual Afro-Carib Festival at Miramar Regional Park on Saturday, Feb. 28, Steel Pulse will showcase the band’s Jamaican roots as a celebration of African heritage in the Caribbean.
“It’s not often we get these kind of invitations, so we feel as if we’re part of the family,” lead vocalist David Hinds said in an interview with the Miramar News on Feb. 24.
Listeners may be surprised that Jamaicans are not known for accepting the band in its early days. Their Rastafarian background can be seen as controversial among Caribbeans.
Roots reggae is a genre tied to the religion and often addresses the history of African people in the Caribbean, attempting to reclaim it.
“So I feel delighted that we’re invited to something which … has predominant Jamaican vibes to it,” Hinds continued. “I’m hoping that not only Jamaicans would attend, but people from Haiti … and Cuba.”
Miramar Commissioner Carson “Eddy” Edwards, who is hosting Afro-Carib Fest, said the event “ is a beautiful reflection of who we are as a community.”
“It celebrates the cultures, creativity, and contributions of the African and Caribbean diaspora while bringing us together through music, food, and shared pride,” Edwards said in a news release. “Events like this strengthen our city and remind us that our diversity is one of our greatest assets.”
Steel Pulse is a Grammy-award winning roots reggae band that has never been afraid to speak on racial and political issues, one of its most popular songs being “Ku Klux Klan.” The song is an anthem against race-based violence.
Albums such as “Earth Crisis” and “True Democracy” continue the theme of liberation.
Hinds said the U.S. audience is most up-to-date with the band’s new music. Its most recent album, “Mass Manipulation,” is its 12th after four decades of performing.
Awareness, inspiration, freedom from control and compassion are the album’s biggest themes.
“Florida has grown up with the Jamaican music more than anywhere else,” said Hinds, adding that South America, Europe and Africa have embraced roots even more.
As for South Florida, “[Roots reggae is] still there, but not to the magnitude it deserves to be.”
Afro-Carib Fest officially celebrates Black History Month and Reggae Month, emphasizing cultural messages at the heart of roots reggae.
Hinds said the content of the music is what wins people over. His goal is to hear audience members who say, “I don’t normally listen to that kind of music,” but that they enjoyed Steel Pulse’s performance.
If you’re planning to see the performance, Hinds said you’re not just supporting Jamaican music, but “liberty and love for mankind,” during a divisive time in history.
The festival will also have the authentic Caribbean and African food choices, and attendees are encouraged to wear clothes representing their island.
Registration is free, and parking is $15 on site. Get discounted parking in advance at Afrocaribfestmiramar.com.
