Jamaican dancehall and reggae artist Busy Signal has received the Key to the City of Tamarac, Florida. The honor was presented during the first Tamarac Food and Wine Festival held at the Tamarac Village Amphitheater in Broward County.
Busy Signal, whose real name is Reanno Devon Gordon, was recognized for his contribution to music and Caribbean culture. City officials noted that he is only the fifth person to receive the honor from the City of Tamarac.
Vice Mayor Marlon D. Bolton presented the award during the festival, which brought together residents, visitors, local chefs, food vendors, and music fans for an evening focused on food, culture, and entertainment.
Recognition for Dancehall Music
The award highlighted Busy Signal’s role in helping take Jamaican dancehall music to audiences around the world. Since emerging in the early 2000s, he has built a strong international following through music that blends dancehall, reggae, and other influences.
Busy Signal became widely known after the release of his 2005 track “Step Out.” Over the years, he continued to release songs that connected with fans in Jamaica, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America.
His music catalog includes tracks such as “Nah Go A Jail Again,” “Tic Toc,” and “Happy Birthday.” He also gained international attention through collaborations including “Watch Out for This (Bumaye)” with Major Lazer.
The Tamarac recognition adds another milestone to a career that has remained active for more than two decades.
A Festival Focused on Community and Culture
The Tamarac Food and Wine Festival was introduced as a new cultural event for the city. Organizers described it as an opportunity to celebrate food, entertainment, and the diversity of the local community.
Guests attending the festival were able to enjoy food from local chefs and food trucks along with wine tastings and live performances. The event also included chef demonstrations and VIP experiences for attendees.
Busy Signal served as the headline performer for the evening’s entertainment lineup. His appearance attracted fans from across South Florida and members of the Caribbean community.
City officials said the event reflects Tamarac’s continued effort to create activities that bring people together while supporting local businesses and culture.
Busy Signal’s Journey in Music
Busy Signal was born on January 24, 1979, in Jamaica. He spent parts of his early life in communities including Tivoli Gardens, Papine, and Spanish Town.
He attended Brown’s Town Comprehensive High School and later entered the Jamaican music industry during the rise of the modern dancehall era.
Known for his fast lyrical style and ability to move between dancehall and reggae music, Busy Signal built a reputation as one of the consistent voices in Jamaican entertainment.
His 2012 project “Reggae Music Again” received strong attention from reggae fans and music critics. Years later, his album “Parts of the Puzzle” reached number two on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
Busy Signal has also performed on stages across Europe, North America, Africa, and the Caribbean, helping introduce dancehall music to new audiences.
A Rare Honor in Tamarac
According to city officials, the Key to the City is one of Tamarac’s highest recognitions. The award is reserved for individuals who have made an impact through their work and public influence.
Busy Signal now joins a small group of honorees connected to Caribbean music and culture, including reggae group Morgan Heritage.
The presentation also reflected the connection between South Florida and the Caribbean community, especially the large Jamaican population that continues to support Caribbean music and events in the region.
For many fans attending the festival, the moment represented recognition not only for Busy Signal’s career, but also for the global reach of Jamaican dancehall music.
The inaugural Tamarac Food and Wine Festival took place in Tamarac, Florida.
