Grammy-nominated musician Willie Stewart and drum team entertain passengers

In celebration of Black History Month, Miami International Airport hosted two drumming performances on February 12 inside its busiest concourse featuring acclaimed, Grammy-nominated musician Willie Stewart, who was the principal drummer and percussionist for the international supergroup Third World, the reggae ambassadors of Jamaica.  Stewart and a team of drummers thrilled travelers in the pre- and post-security areas of Concourse D with two 30-minute performances characteristic of his signature Rhythms of Africa concerts.

With nonstop flights to nearly 200 cities around the world, including 45 Caribbean destinations and others in the African diaspora, MIA and Miami-Dade County are proud to celebrate Black History Month with today’s joyous and electrifying performances. Events like today at our community’s gateway to the world reflect the rich cultural diversity we enjoy in Miami-Dade County, which we can share with thousands of daily visitors at MIA.

Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava

During an illustrious career spanning 23 years as Third World’s principal drummer and percussionist, Willie Stewart co-produced 13 albums, five of which received Grammy nominations. He has received world acclaim as the recipient of the NAACP Image Award, the Diamond Award, and the United Nations Peace Medal. Willie has teamed with composers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, recorded and performed live with Stevie Wonder, Eddy Grant, Carlos Santana, and Bob Marley, and shared billing with Quincy Jones, U2, and The Police.

Miami International Airport, America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, is receiving an unprecedented investment of $9 billion in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades. MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport and is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating $181 billion in business revenue and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida annually.

To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services, and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events, please email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office at 305-869-1859 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).