Paterson Jamaica Day marks decade with all-female reggae bill at Eastside Park

New Jersey’s Jamaica Day festival reaches its 10th year on August 1 and 2 at Eastside Park in Paterson. The opening date coincides with Emancipation Day in Jamaica, which commemorates the British Crown’s abolition of slavery there in 1838.

Matthew McKoy, son of founder William “Bill” McKoy, told Observer Online the gathering brings together Paterson’s Jamaican residents in a city of more than 150,000 people.

“Ten years ago, this festival started as a way to give our community a place to come together and celebrate who we are,” he said. “To be here a decade later with a lineup this powerful, honouring both our anniversary and 64 years of Jamaican independence, is something special. This isn’t just a concert — it’s a homecoming.”

Women artists headline the bill, with Sister Nancy — a longtime New Jersey resident famed for Bam Bam — joined by Minister Marion Hall, Lady G, Lila Ike, Rhoda Isabella and Gold McFarlane.

“Sister Nancy is a pioneer, Marion Hall’s journey speaks to so many people and Lila Iké represents where our music is headed next,” McKoy said. “When you add Lady G, Rhoda Isabella and Golda McFarlane, you have every generation and every part of our culture represented on one stage. That’s exactly what Jamaica Day is supposed to be.”

Bill McKoy grew up in Trench Town and represented Paterson’s 3rd Ward on the city council for two decades. His bid for mayor in 2018 was unsuccessful.