Huge celebrations planned for 60th Jamaica Day in Birmingham

Jamaica’s 60th Independence Day will be celebrated on August 6 in Victoria Square during the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Organizers are working with the Jamaican Nationals Association to mark a day of celebration along with a civic ceremonial moment to commemorate Jamaica’s Independence Day.

They are planning a very special day in Victoria Square to celebrate Jamaican culture and heritage. It’s also carnival time at the Bullring and Grand Central. Thousands of Jamaicans live in Birmingham and across the West Midlands with many coming from the Windrush generation who arrived in the city in the 1960s.

There has been a celebration in Victoria Square since the Commonwealth Games arrived in town with the Queen’s Baton handed over by Lenny Henry more than a week ago.

And the Jamaica Day celebrations on Saturday are getting extra special, with food and drink and the latest Commonwealth Games sporting action on the big screen throughout the day.

In morning, Sofunk Dance FitnessSharon Brown is back with her popular class featuring the best soul, funk and disco classics – a crowd pleaser for all ages! Then, show off your best moves on Perry’s Playtime Disco – your chance to have a boogie with the official Commonwealth Games mascot.

The day will start with Sofunk Dance FitnessSharon Brown is developing her signature class with the best of soul, funk and disco classics. Then, you can show your location Perry’s Playtime Disco.

For lunch, Girl Grind UK has created a group of young female and non-binary artists who represent the future of Jamaican music. Performers include Birmingham’s ChafariR&B & Punk-Rock musician Chyna Victoria, with many talents Shandanan, and Jamaican born singer-songwriter Janel Antoneshia. The event will be hosted by the founder of Girl Grind You are welcome and display excellent beats from and the third day.

There will be a civic flag raising ceremony in Victoria Square at 2.30pm on 6 August.

At 4:30 p.m., a musical showcase will be hosted in honor of Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence on the Fountain Stage.

Classically trained violent America Queely will take the stage first followed by Clifford & Jacqueline, a husband and wife duo singing with the Crystal Gospel Choir. Then, Laverne Major, a singer-songwriter and performer with a passion for female empowerment, will dazzle with her performance. And finally, BeeNiiceThe unique old school style of reggae, hip-hop, R&B and dancehall will move the crowd.

At 19:15, Amplify Sounds will present a special performance.

It will include performances from Myki Tuff, frontman of reggae band Friendly Fire. Louis D Prince + THEY will discuss a variety of topics such as equality and sociopolitical issues. The next performer will be born in Jamaica Nakeetaor Yardie Barbie, who fuses her rootsy Caribbean rhythms with stories we can all relate to. Brixx will deliver high energy performances spanning Dancehall, Grime and RnB. Dancehall Artist YungJay who often mixes it up with RnB, afrobeats and grime, will play next. Then, Juggernaut will bring powerful vocals, followed by teaa reggae artist, Scuba Bling which brings together Dancehall, Reggae and other influences, and multi-talent Lawdgad.

Dr. Beverly Lindsay OBE, OD, Chair of the Jamaican Citizens Association and a Queen’s Baton Holder, said a celebratory dinner will follow the raising of the civic flag in front of Council House.

The 60th Jamaica Grand Gala Fundraising Dinner and Awards will be held from 6.30pm in the Eastside Rooms. The Lord Mayor and Bishop of Birmingham and several other bishops and members of the Jamaican High Commission will attend the dinner. At least 400 people are expected to attend the dinner and there will also be a performance of the Games.

Huge and colorful costumes inspired by the 11 Caribbean islands will be on parade in Birmingham’s Bullring and Grand Central as Carnival It’s takes center stage in a party.

Professional dance and music company ACE along with their mini and youth companies will join DJ G-Zee, Jamaal Burkmar and Black Voices and the community choir in 2 indoor and street performances.

The festival anthem commissioned by the NBA partnership, We Risecomposed by Ken Burton, will be performed by Mighty Jamma Steel Pan and Ebony Steel Pan who bring the sounds of Trinidad and Tobago to Birmingham.

Spectacular costumes designed by Clary Salandy (Mahogany Arts) inspired by the 11 Caribbean islands and countries coming to the Games will dazzle at Carnival It’s.

Presented by Bullring & Grand Central, co-produced by ACE dance and music and Birmingham Hippodrome. Part of Birmingham Festival 2022 and North Birmingham Alliance (NBA) 34th Street: Embracing Cultures.

From August 3-7, Glee Club will host the Jamaica House pop-up. Many events are planned during this time.

August 3: Lovers Rock with legends Carroll Thompson and Winston Reedy.

Thursday 4th August: International Reggae Night with Doctor and special appearance by Stylo-G.

Friday 5th August: Comedy Night with White Yardie & Friends.

Saturday 6 August: Sound the Alarm – DJ Showdown with Big John Newood, Lady Jennie P, Mikey Biggs and JNR Banton (Blood Line Sounds).

Sunday August 7: Thanks and Praise – Gospel Exposition with Lurine Cato and Isaiah Raymond.

On August 6, Jerk and Whine Festival will be held at Secret Space Digbeth, 30-34 River Street from 3pm to 10pm. The event will feature old school Dancehall, Reggae Vibes and Jerk food throughout the day. It is perfect for those seeking the atmosphere of a Caribbean vacation.

On August 14, a church service and other events from the Association of Jamaican Citizens will be held in Handsworth.

On August 20, Jerk Festival at The Mill will feature music and street food in the day-to-night show. It will feature acts from Channel One Soundsystem, legendary radio broadcaster Sir David “Ram Jam” Rodigan’s son Jamie Rodigan and 1Xtra UK reggae and dancehall DJ Robbo Ranx TBC + more.

Black Caribbean people make up 4.4% of Birmingham’s population, according to the 2011 Census. The diaspora is in its third generation as Jamaicans have immigrated to the UK since the 1960s.

Lindsay wants young Jamaicans to learn about their heritage and stay close to their roots. She advises the younger generation to focus on their goals and achievements.

“You can be anything you want to be. Stay on the right side of the law and work hard, be more supportive of each other,” she added. “Sometimes we don’t celebrate each other’s success, but we try to lift each other up.”

She also calls for more unity among the diaspora. “Sometimes, as Jamaicans, we don’t come together enough. However, this 60th anniversary is a historical moment and a step,” she said.

On August 6, 1962 Jamaica became an independent country after almost 300 years and a member of the British Commonwealth rather than a colony. Jamaica’s new constitution was adopted in February of that year and a general election was called. Alexander Bustamante became the first Prime Minister of Jamaica in April 1962, according to the Jamaica Information Service.

Lindsay, founder of Diamond Travel and former Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, was the last woman to carry the Queen’s Baton at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She is “thrilled” to have the Games in her hometown of Birmingham and can hardly waits for Jamaica by winning medals in the sporting event.

Speaking about her homeland, she said: “We have come a long way since 1962. In the 1966 Games in Jamaica we did not get any medals, but now we are shining. We have done a lot in sports, music and food. There has been growth, but there is room for more growth.”

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