Grammy-winning R&B legend Faith Evans is set to take the stage in Miramar, Florida, on Saturday, 8th February, alongside fellow soul powerhouse Bilal. Ahead of her much-anticipated performance, the singer sat down with Jamaicans.com to talk about her deep admiration for Jamaican culture, the island’s love for her music, and her favourite places to visit when in Jamaica.
Jamaica’s Love for Faith Evans
Jamaicans have embraced Faith Evans’ music for decades, making her songs a staple at events and parties across the island. While she was aware of her popularity, Evans admitted she was pleasantly surprised by how deeply her music resonates within the community. “I didn’t realise how heavy on the musical side it was,” she shared, acknowledging that she hasn’t been to many reggae or dancehall parties recently. However, she has strong ties to Jamaica, having been married to the late Christopher Wallace (The Notorious B.I.G.), whose family hails from the island. She also mentioned that she frequently visits Wallace’s parents when she travels to Jamaica, keeping close ties with the family.
A Love for Jamaican Music and Culture
Although she has yet to collaborate with any Jamaican artists, Faith Evans grew up surrounded by reggae and dancehall. With family members marrying West Indian partners, she was exposed to the sounds of Yellowman, Lady Saw, and Marcia Griffiths from a young age. “I would absolutely love to work with a Jamaican artist,” she said, extending an open invitation to potential collaborators.
Beyond music, Evans is deeply appreciative of Jamaica’s culture, particularly its food. She confessed a love for whole fish prepared in various styles, whether escovitch or stewed, and expressed admiration for the island’s easygoing, free-spirited atmosphere. “It just feels free,” she noted, crediting the relaxed energy of the island with a strong spiritual undertone. “Maybe that’s a spiritual thing as well. I’m not Rasta or anything, but I believe in God. I was raised traditionally in a Baptist church, but as I’ve grown older, I realise some of those things in the written word can be taken out of context. I feel like the whole vibe is that as long as you’re not hurting anybody, you’re good.”
Favourite Spots in Jamaica
Over the years, Evans has visited Montego Bay and Ocho Rios but has yet to explore many of the island’s hidden gems. She fondly recalled visiting the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston but expressed interest in returning to discover more. When recommended Portland—a lush, tranquil parish known for its breathtaking scenery and excellent seafood—she made a mental note to add it to her list.
Performing with Bilal
Faith Evans is particularly excited about sharing the stage with Bilal at the upcoming concert. A long-time admirer of his work, she revealed that she often listens to his music for inspiration. “I am a huge fan of Bilal,” she admitted. “There are a couple of his songs that I put on just to play around with the vocals and challenge myself. His talent is incredible.” Although they have crossed paths before, this will be the first time they perform on the same stage. “Now I’ve got to keep my nerves together because I know I have to perform alongside him,” she joked. “But I’m really looking forward to it.”
Music as a Universal Language
As an artist whose lyrics are deeply emotional, Evans hopes her music continues to touch the hearts of her Caribbean fans. “I hope they feel the emotion and love in my songs,” she said, reflecting on the power of music to help people process emotions. Whether through her classic ballads or more upbeat hits, she wants listeners to connect with the sincerity behind her words.
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Get Your Tickets to See Faith Evans Live!
Faith Evans is eager to meet her Jamaican and Caribbean fans at her upcoming concert, promising an unforgettable night of soul-stirring music. Don’t miss your chance to see her perform live alongside Bilal at the Miramar Cultural Centre on Saturday, 8th February, hosted by Commissioner Yvette Colbourne. Secure your tickets here and experience a night of timeless R&B and soul classics.
