Let's do it for the children - Shaggy launches benefit concert

Krysta Anderson, Gleaner Writer

On the heels of Tessanne Chin's victory on 'The Voice', the following day, Wednesday, December 18, Shaggy launched his Shaggy and Friends Benefit Concert for 2014. 

The sun was out in all its glory, reflecting off the red-and-white tent that housed the specially invited guests.  The fourth staging of the event, scheduled for January 4, 2014, promises to be the most exciting yet.

The event got under way by Dr Mario Evon, who introduced the man behind the foundation, Orville 'Shaggy' Burrell. Shaggy notes that next year's show will be a special one, not only because 'The Voice' will be performing, but because the grand musical affair will also be honouring the 50th anniversary of the initiative's beneficiary recipient - the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Thanking the many sponsors who came on board this year (including the artistes), he relayed some of the success stories of the hospital, including some of the sad ones. "One out of five Jamaicans has a Bustamante story, and what this event is about is saving lives," the international recording artiste stressed.

He continued, "While the show is entertaining and quite a spectacle, we forget the true meaning of it, which is to benefit the hospital." This time around, the foundation has decided to make the cardiac wing of the hospital its focus for renovation with the proceeds from the show.

The performance line-up for next year's show includes Tessanne Chin, Ne-Yo, Chronixx, Agent Sasco, Wayne Marshall, I-Octane and, of course, lots of other surprise guests.

The launch ended with those present being given a tour of the hospital's facilities, to witness first-hand the positive changes they will be contributing to that will affect and save the lives of the children at the hospital.

Photos by Colin Hamilton