Durrant Pate/Contributor

Jamaican fashionist and music promoter, Michael Barnett is being honoured next week during an exclusive tribute dubbed, ‘Honouring Michael Barnett: A Trip Down Memory Lane’.

The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel will host the event on February 23, 2025, starting at  5:00 PM, in what is planned to be a glamorous evening celebrating the extraordinary legacy of Michael Barnett, a pioneer in the Jamaican fashion and music industries.

Local artistes D’Angel and Leroy Sibbles will headline the exclusive tribute, which will also feature renowned saxophonist and cabaret singer Dwight Stephens and rising star Quan-Dajai. Guests will also enjoy heartfelt tributes, dazzling model showcases, and reflections on Barnett’s lasting impact.

The event will reunite former Miguel Models, artists, and cultural icons paying tribute to a visionary leader, whose work significantly shaped fashion, music, and the promotion of Jamaican culture. This nostalgic celebration will highlight Barnett’s immense contributions, from founding the renowned Miguel Models to launching the iconic Heineken Startime vintage concert series, Dennis Brown & Friends Inseparables series, Let’s Go Dancing, and the Fashion Awards Academy of Jamaica.

Each of these shows has entertained audiences for over three decades. Among Barnett’s many achievements, Barnett is celebrated for conceptualizing Heineken Startime and the Dennis Brown Series, providing a platform for countless artists. His influence extended to managing the legendary Reasons Nightclub and organizing iconic events such as The Engagement and The Summer Sunset Show. 

Barnett has also championed Jamaican talent on the international stage and founded the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artists and Affiliates (JAVAA) to advocate for veteran artists. The evening will also mark the launch of the Michael Barnett Scholarship Fund, benefiting students at his alma mater, St Richard’s Primary and St George’s College, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Tribute from Kool 97 FM and D’Angel

In paying to Barnett, the Kool 97 FM family says it is thrilled to honour one of their own adding, “Kool 97 FM is excited about this well-deserved recognition of our foundation team members. Michael Barnett exemplifies commitment and professionalism, and we are proud to have worked alongside him for 23 incredible years.”.

Artiste and former Miguel Model, D’Angel added her voice to the tributes saying, “Michael Barnett was not just a mentor but a visionary in fashion and entertainment. He had an incredible ability to guide and support his models, ensuring their success on the runway, in endorsements, and in pageantry. His professionalism, dedication, and wisdom have left an indelible mark on so many of us.”