Every year on August 6, Jamaicans around the world celebrate Independence Day, commemorating the island’s independence from Britain in 1962. But beyond the parades, flags and festivities, the day is also an opportunity to celebrate something that’s become impossible to ignore: Jamaica’s extraordinary influence on global culture.

For an island of just under three million people, Jamaica has consistently punched well above its weight. Its fingerprints are everywhere. You can hear it in the music, see it in fashion collections inspired by the Caribbean, and feel it in the way Jamaican slang, style and storytelling have become part of the cultural lexicon. The country’s impact stretches far beyond reggae and dancehall, reaching film, sports, beauty, food and entertainment in ways both obvious and unexpected.

That influence isn’t limited to those born on the island. Across generations, the Jamaican diaspora has carried those traditions, values and cultural pride around the world. Children and grandchildren of Jamaican immigrants have gone on to become Grammy winners, award-winning actors, supermodels, entrepreneurs, athletes and designers, all while proudly acknowledging the heritage that helped shape them.

In honor of Jamaican Independence Day, we’re celebrating some of the stars with Jamaican roots who continue to leave their mark across industries. Some have spoken openly about how their heritage influences their work. Others simply carry that legacy with them. Either way, they’re all part of the reason Jamaica’s cultural footprint continues to be one of the most influential in the world.

Ella Mai

The Grammy-winning singer was born in London to a Jamaican mother and an English-Irish father.

Daniel Caesar

Born in Ontario, Canada, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is the son of Jamaican parents.

Mahalia

British singer-songwriter Mahalia was born to a Jamaican father and an English mother.

Joey Bada$$

The Brooklyn rapper and actor is of Jamaican and Saint Lucian descent.

Lashana Lynch

The British actress, known for ‘No Time to Die,’ ‘The Woman King’ and ‘The Day of the Jackal,’ was born in London to Jamaican parents.

Shameik Moore

Best known as the voice of Miles Morales in the Spider-Verse films, Shameik Moore was born in Atlanta to Jamaican parents.

Stefflon Don

Born in Birmingham, England, the rapper comes from a Jamaican family and often incorporates dancehall influences and Jamaican patois into her music.

NLE Choppa

The Memphis rapper has spoken publicly about his Jamaican heritage through his mother.

Alicia Keys

The 17-time Grammy Award winner is the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Italian-Irish mother.

Chrisette Michele

The Grammy-winning singer has Jamaican ancestry and has long been recognized among artists of Jamaican descent.

will.i.am

The Black Eyed Peas frontman has spoken about being raised by a Jamaican mother.

Winnie Harlow

The internationally renowned supermodel was born in Toronto to Jamaican parents.

Grace Wales Bonner

The award-winning British fashion designer was born to an English mother and a Jamaican father.

Ayesha Curry

The entrepreneur, restaurateur, bestselling author and television personality is the daughter of a Jamaican mother.

Corbin Bleu

The actor and Broadway performer was born in Brooklyn to Jamaican American actor David Reivers and an Italian American mother.

Jalen Brunson

The New York Knicks All-Star has Jamaican roots through his mother, Sandra Brunson, whose family hails from Jamaica.

Jude Bellingham

One of the world’s brightest soccer stars, Jude Bellingham has Jamaican roots through his mother, Denise Bellingham, who is of Jamaican and Kenyan descent.

Author: Shelby Stewart

Read the original article on Essence.