their talents to the I Love Jamaica 5-concert fund-raising series, which will be staged virtually in Jamaica and cities across the world. At a press conference on Monday, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, said the initiative has garnered interest from several overseas-based and local acts. Christopher Martin, Masicka, and Nigy Boy will be performing at the first concert which will be done virtually at the CPTC [Creative Production and Training Centre] studios,” said Grange.

The virtual telethon is scheduled for Sunday, November 16, and will run from 3:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Other artistes are to be confirmed. There will be two concerts in London, one on November 13 and December 18 at Wembley Arena, and will feature Dizzee Rascal, popular British rapper Dizzee Rascal, David Rodigan, and others. More acts will be announced shortly. The concert then moves to South Florida on December 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami with Shaggy as the headliner. That same day, another concert will take place at the Miramar Regional Park in Miramar. Other concerts are planned for New York, Los Angeles, and Washington DC.

Said Minister Grange: “We will have some of the country’s most influential personalities who will accept donations during the telethons.” Curated by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, I Love Jamaica’s proceeds will support Jamaica in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Melissa, with all proceeds going towards the national recovery programme. The concert series is part of a wider programme being led by the Government to build morale, lift the national spirit, and encourage volunteerism for the long recovery. (Jamaica Observer/ Karl Mclarty)