Staff writer - Latoya Wakefield
It’s around this time that Jamaicans and others that love our festivities are thinking about Sting, Wifey & Matey and Jazz & Blues. One such event with a different cause but which provides just as much or even more entertainment is the Shaggy & Friends Benefit Concert that will be held on January 7th, 2012 on the lawns of Jamaica House in St. Andrew. This year might be the best yet as not only will we be entertained by our own Jamaican breed superstars but we’ll be knighted with the likes of the Ladies’ first choice, Neyo, songstress Lauryn Hill and gangster-girl, Eve.
Both these singers and female rapper are favourites in the Caribbean. Neyo,
Superstar Shaggy
who is well known for his hits, ‘Hate that I love you so’, ‘Nothing’ and ‘Miss Independent’ (this soundtrack was used to create the dancehall’s hit known as Romping’ shop by Spice and Vybz Kartel). Lauryn Hill is well known for ‘Can’t take my eyes off of you’. ‘Everything is Everything’ and most of all her collaboration with the infamous late Bob Marley called ‘Turn your lights down low’. She is known to be married to one of Bob’s sons, Rohan Marley. Eve is a well known rapper here, her hits include ‘Love is Blind’, ‘Let me blow your mind’ (collaborated with Gwen Stefani) and ‘Who’s that girl’. She’s also popular for her role in the comedy film, Barber Shop.
Gangster Girl Eve
The greatest thing about this concert is that all the proceeds will be going towards aiding the Bustamante Children’s hospital with equipment. Now, believe me the equipment needed to tend to children with all kinds of ailments is very expensive. According to Urbanislandz.com, the charity has made up to JA 57,000,000 to date. The concert itself was launched in 2009, even though it was not held last year. This year’s concert proceeds will assist in furnishing the new cardiac centre and intensive care unit at the hospital.
The international star’s foundation united forces with Chain of hope, a group of volunteer doctors and nurses who perform surgeries on Jamaica’s children with heart disease each year. Shaggy whose real name is Orville Burrell is committed to helping our children and urges everyone to join in on this cause.
This year there will be three ticket levels, these are : Platinum, $25,000;
Crooner Neyo
Gold, $10,000 and Silver $5,000 and can be bought at Sun Island outlets island wide, selected lime outlets, Susie’s Bakery and Coffee Bar (Southdale), Liguanea Drug & garden, Music mart and LG Service Station (Constant Spring road). Gates open at 6pm; show time will be at 8 pm. Other acts included will be by Maxi Priest, Coco Tea, I-Octane, Deneice Williams, Romaine Virgo, Assasin aka Agent Sasco, Tami Chynn, Wayne Marshall, Gyptian, Mr. Vegas, Destra and the man himself, Shaggy.
There’s no greater cause than charity. There’s no better way to have fun than when helping others. So I urge you, all of you, that is, if you can, to support this cause in protecting our nation’s future.
Shaggy and Friends Benefits Concert:
Partying for a Purpose
