Many artistes supported the Shaggy and Friends concert in aid of the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

On Saturday night, many turned out for the concert, which was held at Jamaica House. The list of entertainers included Lady Saw, Beenie Man, Tony Rebel, Freddie McGregor, D Major, Chris Martin, Etana, Tami Chynn, Morgan Heritage, Tessanne Chin, Elephant Man, Tarrus Riley, D’Angel, Wayne Marshall, Da’Ville, Allison Hinds, Omari, Goddy Goddy, Ryan Mark, Sean Paul, Macy Gray, Rik Rok, Marcia Griffiths, Rayvon, Buju Banton, Jessica Yap and Dean Fraser.

Happy to oblige

They were all happy to be part of Shaggy’s Make A Difference campaign.

Etana, who is also part of the Maya Chung Autism Foundation and the Women’s Organisation, said she was happy to be part of the concert.

“I am happy to be part of it. Whenever they say children, I am all for it. Even if it’s just one person, it will make a difference and I am part of the start,” Etana said.

Da’Ville said he decided to be part of the cause because he could relate to a lot of what the children at the hospital have been through.

“My situation may not have been as bad as most of them but I can imagine. How can someone miss out on an opportunity as good as this? All of the money in the world couldn’t have given me the satisfaction I get from being part of this,” Da’Ville told The STAR, while noting that he has plans to donate to his alma mater, Norman Manley High.

Gospel artiste Ryan Mark said he felt blessed to have made his small contribution to the campaign. He said he was able to relate because his daughter was treated at the Bustamante Hospital for Children before her death last year. Coincidentally, his daughter was treated on a machine Shaggy had bought.

“When I heard about it, I decided that I had to be part of it,” said Mark, who did the opening prayer at the concert.

He said he was also planning a concert, through the Baby Ruth Reynolds Foundation, which will also be in aid of the Bustamante Hospital for Children. However, the details of the gospel concert have not been finalised.

Beenie Man was not scheduled to perform at the concert but said he had to support the event.

“If I didn’t feel strongly about it I wouldn’t support it. If dem need all these things so that the kids can get better I support 100 per cent. If I had any more money, I would give it to them. I have eight kids of my own who all went to Bustamante Hospital,” Beenie Man told The STAR while noting that he has started the Beenie Man Foundation for Homeless Kids.

Source: JamaicaStar