Ken Boothe Honored with Island SPACE Lifetime Achievement Award at Rhythms of Africa
On the weekend of April 27 and 28, the Miramar Cultural Center came alive with the sounds of reggae, rhythm, and youth-powered energy during the 12th annual Rhythms of Africa: Music Around the World, presented by Willie Stewart and the Embrace Music Foundation. The event, now a mainstay on South Florida’s cultural calendar, delivered an unforgettable duo of evenings that celebrated musical education, Caribbean excellence, and a legacy of global influence.
This year, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum joined the Sunday staging of the production in a special way, helping to pay tribute to an icon of Jamaican music: the legendary Ken Boothe.
Music Education Meets Cultural Tribute
Throughout the show, Stewart—a former member of the internationally acclaimed band Third World—reflected on his passion for music education, highlighting the joy and discipline that music brings to young lives. More than just a concert, Rhythms of Africa demonstrated how melody, rhythm, and movement can serve as tools for learning and empowerment, especially for students in under-resourced communities.
The show featured dynamic performances by local youth alongside professional musicians, culminating in a showstopping headline performance by Ken Boothe. The beloved artist performed timeless hits that had the crowd on their feet, singing every lyric in harmony with the reggae great.
A Well-Deserved Honor
In a touching moment of recognition, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum presented Boothe with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary contributions to Caribbean music and culture. Representing the museum, Executive Director Calibe Thompson delivered a heartfelt tribute that captured the magnitude of Boothe’s impact on generations of fans.
TRIBUTE:
Tonight, we celebrate a true giant of Jamaican music—Ken Boothe.
With a career spanning more than six decades, Boothe’s soulful voice has become a symbol of reggae, rocksteady, and lovers rock around the world.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Ken Boothe first captured attention in the 1960s with timeless rocksteady hits like ‘The Train Is Coming’ and ‘Moving Away.’ His distinct voice, blending grit and velvet, set him apart from his peers.
His international breakthrough came with his 1974 hit ‘Everything I Own,’ which topped the UK Singles Chart and introduced reggae to a broader global audience. Other classics like ‘Puppet on a String,’ and ‘Left With a Broken Heart’ have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest voices of his generation.
Throughout his career, Boothe collaborated with industry titans like Clement “Coxsone” Dodd of Studio One, Leslie Kong, and later with producers like Lloyd Charmers, helping to shape the golden eras of ska, rocksteady, and early reggae. His influence is still felt today, sampled and covered by generations of artists across genres.
Recognized with numerous awards, including Jamaica’s Order of Distinction for his contributions to music, Ken Boothe remains a beloved icon—continuing to perform, inspire, and uplift audiences worldwide.
Tonight, we honor Ken Boothe, a true original whose voice and spirit have become part of reggae’s very soul. Congratulations on your richly deserved Island SPACE Reggae Genealogy Lifetime Achievement Award.
An emotional Boothe expressed his gratitude to the presenters and the audience, receiving a powerful standing ovation that underscored his enduring legacy.
A Partnership Built on Shared Purpose
The award presentation highlighted one of Island SPACE’s most meaningful partnerships. As producers of the annual Reggae Genealogy Music Festival, where cultural icons are honored annually, the museum’s involvement in Rhythms of Africa reflects its broader mission: to preserve and promote Caribbean excellence through strategic collaborations with like-minded organizations like Embrace Music Foundation.
Together, the two nonprofits delivered a night of magic—reminding audiences of what’s possible when education, culture, and legacy come together in harmony.
Listen to the tribute and see some of the photos here!
To support Island SPACE or learn more about our work, visit islandspacefl.org.
