Veteran dancehall star Spragga Benz marked his 57th birthday in grand style as fellow entertainers, family, and fans gathered for a sold-out tribute concert titled Step Into A Journey to Kingston at the Miramar Cultural Center on May 31.
The event, organized as a celebration of the artist’s remarkable career and influence on Jamaican music, exceeded expectations, filling the 800-seat venue to capacity and leaving additional patrons unable to gain entry.
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Coordinator Allison Hunte described the production as “a magical event,” noting that the evening successfully honored one of dancehall’s most respected and enduring figures.
Spragga Benz expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support.
“Things ran like a well-oiled machine. It was a sold-out event with patrons still on the outside. I think that speaks for itself,” he said.
The celebration featured performances from several dancehall and reggae heavyweights who helped define the genre’s global rise during the 1990s. Among those paying tribute were Wayne Wonder, Beenie Man, and Don Yute.
The event also welcomed members of Jamaica’s most famous musical family, with Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, and Ky-Mani Marley taking the stage, alongside Stephen’s son, Yohan Marley.
Other performers included Agent Sasco, Everton Blender, Pressure Busspipe, Zumjay, Alley Cat, and Kabaka Pyramid.
A native of Dunkirk in East Kingston and a graduate of Camperdown High School, Spragga Benz launched his recording career while attending the Caribbean Maritime University. His first released song, Jack It Up, arrived in 1992 through the Arrows label.
Over the years, he has built a catalogue of dancehall classics, including A1 Lover, Girls Hooray, and Wi Nuh Like. He also gained international recognition through his appearance on the remix of Turn Me On by Kevin Lyttle, a global hit that reached the Top 10 in 16 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
The South Florida celebration served as both a birthday tribute and a testament to Spragga Benz’s lasting impact on Caribbean music and culture.
