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Jamaica Day Celebration

The 10th annual Jamaica Day Celebration took place at Eastside Park in Paterson, New Jersey, on August 1, 2026. Hosted by the Bill McKoy Foundation, the festival celebrated Jamaican heritage and Emancipation with performances by prominent artists including Sister Nancy, Lady G, and Lila Iké, drawing over 10,000 attendees.

Date
Aug 1, 2026
Location
Paterson
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Jamaica Day Celebration

Event summary

Highlights

  • Sister Nancy's performance of her iconic 1982 track 'Bam Bam'
  • Presentation of the Keys to the City of Paterson to Sister Nancy, Lady G, and Lila Iké
  • Special duet between Lady G and 10-year-old rising star RJ
  • Commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the festival at Eastside Park
The Jamaica Day Celebration is an annual festival held in Paterson, New Jersey, to honor Jamaican culture and commemorate Emancipation. The 2026 edition marked the event's 10th anniversary, bringing together more than 10,000 patrons at Eastside Park for a day of music and community recognition.

The 2026 lineup featured a mix of legendary and contemporary reggae and dancehall talent. Dancehall pioneer Sister Nancy headlined the event, performing her world-renowned anthem 'Bam Bam' to an enthusiastic crowd. Other notable performers included Lady G, who invited a 10-year-old singer named RJ for a popular duet, and Grammy-nominated artist Lila Iké, who delivered a set of tracks from her debut EP.

A major highlight of the celebration was the formal recognition of the performing artists by the city. Sister Nancy, Lady G, and Lila Iké were each presented with the Key to the City of Paterson. These honors were delivered by Bill McKoy on behalf of Mayor Andre Sayegh, acknowledging the musicians' significant cultural impact and musical legacies.

Practical details

Location described by the source
Eastside Park
jamaica-gleaner.com
Area for browsing nearby events
Paterson

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