Caribbean Festival in Miami

© © Bob Marley Movement of Jah People

February 28 is stacking up to be a very Rasta day. Rumbum.com is delighted to sponsor the 16th Annual Caribbean Festival grooves up Bayfront Park in celebration of reggae and in honor of Cedella Marley Booker, matriarch of the Marley clan who passed away last year.

After Edward Booker's death in 1976, Cedella moved to Miami, Florida, where she was present at the deathbed of her famous son who died from cancer at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in 1981. Booker lived in Miami for the remainder of her life.

Called "the keeper of the flame," Booker grew voluminous dreadlocks, adopted Rohan Marley, his son by Janet Hunt, and occasionally performed live with Marley's children, Ky-Mani, Ziggy, Stephen, Damian and Julian Marley. Later, she released the music albums Awake Zion and Smilin' Island of Song. Cedella Booker participated in the festivities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia commemorating Marley's 60th birthday in 2005. She also wrote two Marley biographies.

Cedella Marley Booker died at the age of 81 in Miami, Florida on April 8, 2008.

Be on hand for a star studded music festival to honor Booker coming soon. The lineup includes Stephen Marley, Damian Jr. Gong Marley, Julian Marley, Ky-Mani Marley, Capleton, Collie Buddz, Sizzla, and many more. This high profile, daylong festival features a variety of international food and an arts and crafts marketplace.