Mahima concert promotes cancer awareness

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Zen Promotions, in collaboration with some of the most credible local artistes, is making final preparations for the Mahima benefit concert tonight.

The concert is geared at raising funds for cancer patients as well as to facilitate awareness.

To be hosted on the lawns of The Pegasus tonight, the concert will feature established entertainers, including friends of Mahima.

Proceeds will go to the Hope Institute which has dedicated much attention to fighting cancer.

The Mahima concert is named after the late Monique Geourzong who died at age 36 after a valiant fight against cancer. Her memory has galvanised others to raise funds for the Hope Institute in respect of the positive fight that Mahima had put up against the disease.

Cancer Positive

Before she died, Mahima wrote a piece called Cancer Positive, in which she released her inner thoughts.

"So you all have had, or known someone who has died from cancer and you're mad ... cancer's bad. I feel you ... it's come to mean something different to me. It has taught me to accept vulnerability, to lean on the strength of others and to question God. Then to discover God ... . It (cancer) has emptied me of all the empty things that I hold on to - looks, status and quite frankly, money. As a result, I could better experience the beauty, worth and generosity of others," she wrote.

Cherine Anderson, one of the headliners on the concert, spoke to The Gleaner, and according to the singer, cancer awareness is very important.

"Cancer is a touchy topic for some females, but my grandmother died from it so it's really important for me to assist in spreading cancer awareness," she said.

Cherine, who is also a member of the Jamaica Cancer society, says that she has always paid keen attention to the fight against the disease, even through her own charity.

The artiste said that it is always good to be able to lend her voice to a good cause.

"It's a good feeling to know that as a woman, I can give back to another and perhaps help to save lives," she said.

According to Cherine, patrons should turn out at The Pegasus today to support a positive event and she has a special performance in store.

"It's going to be amazing. I will be singing songs from the new mixtape called 9.25, and patrons should support this event because your money will be spent for a good cause, you will be able to help many people," she said.

Other artistes to perform at the Mahima Music for Life Benefit Concert include Jah Cure, Chino, Tarrus Riley, Chalice, Protoje, Rootz Underground, Jah9, Fahrenheit and Bluegrass in the Sky.

Tickets are available at Copy Cat and Loshusan Centre and cost $1,000 presold, gates open at 6 p.m.