THE WEEKLY GLEANER | JUNE 12 - JULY 12, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 9 FLORIDA, USA: IN OBSERVANCE of Caribbean American Heritage Month , The Gleaner/NA and Da Global Baes Entertainment, Inc, Florida, proudly spotlight Marcia Griffiths, the queen of reggae. With a remarkable 60-year journey in the music industry, Marcia Griffiths stands as a true icon and the undisputed Queen of Reggae. From her early beginnings in West Kingston to becoming a global ambassador of Jamaican music, Marcia has not only delivered timeless hits but has uplifted generations with her voice and message. Griffiths began her career in 1964 and rose to fame at Studio One, later touring with Bob Marley and The Wailers as part of the legendary I-Threes. Her solo catalogue includes classics like “Electric Boogie”, “Stepping Out of Babylon”, and “I Shall Sing.” She’s released 19 solo albums and collaborated extensively, leaving an indelible mark on reggae. In 2023, she was awarded the Order of Jamaica (OJ), becoming the only Jamaican female artiste to receive this honour. Throughout her career, she has remained a powerful advocate for women in the male-dominated reggae scene and continues to inspire countless artistes. After celebrating six decades in music, Marcia Griffiths shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to blaze the trail while relentlessly executing her mission to educate, uplift, and empower the world through her music. Marcia Griffiths – the queen of reggae REGGAE ROYALTY. Marcia Griffiths, OJ. The Queen of the genre. CONTRIBUTED AN HERITAGE MONTH Derrick Scott/Contributor “GLEN CAMPBELL Day” and the man himself were the toast of Dekalb County in Atlanta Georgia, on May 25, to honour renowned Jamaican actor and comedian Glen Campbell, O.D. A second proclamation – compliments of the Georgia State Senate – recognised Campbell’s exceptional artistic achievements and cultural impact. The accolades heaped on the veteran Jamaican actor marked a moment of pride for the Caribbean diaspora and supporters of Jamaican theatre, and coincided with Campbell’s jubilant visit to the Peach State recently. Campbell was in Atlanta to lead the cast of the acclaimed stage play “Room 513,” both shows on Sunday, May 25, at Shiloh High School in Lithonia, playing to a full house. The performances were met with enthusiastic acclaim, highlighting Campbell’s enduring appeal and the strong support for Jamaican theatre abroad. With an illustrious career spanning over four decades, Campbell was presented with the official Dekalb County Proclamation at a private reception in Atlanta, hosted in his honour by Gail Dunwell. The event was attended by close friends, patrons of the arts, and members of the Jamaican American community. The proclamation was formally presented by fellow Jamaican, Professor Dr. Conrad Ingram, on behalf of Dekalb County Commissioner Dr. Ladena Bolton, acknowledging Campbell’s outstanding contributions to the performing arts and his role as a cultural ambassador for Jamaica. Meanwhile, the Georgia State Senate proclamation recognising Campbell’s exceptional cultural impact was presented by fellow Jamaican and Georgia Superior Court Judge, Jewell Scott, Esq., underscoring the significance of Campbell’s work beyond entertainment – as a figure of inspiration and cultural preservation. The celebrations continued with a special award presented by the Jamaican Museum and Cultural Centre (JMCC) in Atlanta. The award recognised Campbell’s 44 years of excellence in Jamaican theatre and comedy. The presentation was made by Dr. Apolone Reid, president of the JMCC, who praised Campbell for his lifelong dedication to enriching Jamaican culture and uplifting audiences around the world. Campbell, best known for his comedic genius and dynamic stage presence, expressed deep gratitude for the honours, noting the importance of cultural legacy and the continued support of the Jamaican diaspora. “It’s heartwarming to see the love for Jamaican theatre alive and well so far from home,” he said. As the curtains closed on a weekend of celebration, Glen Campbell’s impact was made unmistakably clear – not just as a talented performer, but as a beloved cultural icon whose influence continues to resonate across generations and borders. ATLANTA, GA: The Jamaican Museum and Cultural Centre (JMCC), has honoured internationally acclaimed dancehall artiste Moses Anthony Davis, OD, known to the world as ‘Beenie Man’, with the Distinguished Cultural Award, recognising his outstanding contributions to Jamaican music and global culture. The honour was presented during a special event held in Atlanta, Georgia, in May by Dr Apollone Reid, president of JMCC, alongside Vice President Christine Marzouca. “It is with immense pride and deep cultural appreciation that we present this award to Moses ‘Beenie Man’ Davis,” said Dr Reid. “His artistry, resilience, and global reach have not only shaped dancehall but have helped to define Jamaica’s musical identity on the world stage. His legacy is indelible.” The award plaque reads: The Jamaican Museum and Cultural Centre, Inc presents this award to Moses Anthony Davis, O.D., aka “Beenie Man,” King of Dancehall – Cultural Icon – in recognition of your trailblazing rhythms, unmatched artistry, and your profound impact in elevating Jamaican music and culture on the global stage. Your legacy continues to inspire generations. Vice President Marzouca added a personal tribute: “Di crown was neva borrowed… it was always yours.” She noted that from humble beginnings in Kingston to commanding the world’s biggest stages, ‘Beenie Man’ has remained a lyrical genius and cultural icon whose music continues to unite, uplift, and celebrate Jamaican heritage across generations. From Kingston to Tokyo, London to New York, ‘Beenie Man’ has carried the soul of Jamaica through sound, passion, and performance. His continued impact, even through challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual showcases like Verzuz, speak to his unwavering commitment to the culture. The organisation (JMCC) also used the moment to extend heartfelt thanks to Beenie Man’s manager, and Twilight Entertainment 2, for their partnership in making the event a memorable and historic one, with special thanks to the guests, cultural advocates, and supporters who continue to champion JMCC’s mission to serve and promote Jamaican heritage. Beenie Man gets culture award ATL HOUSE CALL. The Doctor, Moses David, (left) is all attention as Dr Appolone Reid (right), president, reads a citation from the Jamaica Museum & Cultural Centre (JMCC), Atlanta, GA, honouring the multi-award winning, reggae recording artiste for his outstanding body of work during a recent performance in the USA. Christine Marzouca (centre), VP/JMCC, with plaque in hand, looks on admiringly. CONTRIBUTED JAMAICAN MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTRE HONOURS JAMAICAN DANCEHALL ICON Georgia honours heaped on veteran Jamaican actor Veteran Jamaican actor Glen Campbell (right) listens attentively as Jamaica’s former honorary counsel to Atlanta and Georgia Superior Court Judge, Jewell Scott, Esq, reads the Georgia State Senate proclamation recognising Campbell’s exceptional cultural impact during a presentation after the performance of his acclaimed stage play “Room 513,” on Sunday, May 25, at Shiloh High School in Lithonia. Looking on are members of the cast. DERRICK SCOTT GLEN CAMPBELL RECEIVES DAY AND A STATE SENATE RECOGNITION
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