Concert for a cause

On Saturday, September 22, Richie Stephens, Stitchie, JC Lodge, Junie Ranks, Papa Biggy, Little Pinchers, Souvenir and Gyal Idiot will be performing at the Lithonia City Park in Atlanta, Georgia, with proceeds from the event earmarked for Jamaica.

Cornel Levy, president of ConnectJa, is hoping the event will be an annual fundraiser to offset costs for the ambitious robotics programme which he plans to launch this year at his alma mater - Guys Hill High School in St Catherine.

In an interview with The Gleaner, he explains that the idea for the event came about during a conversation with Courtney Porteous (Papa Biggy) after requesting a dub plate.

"Now, at the same time, I have items to be shipped that are slated for the robotics lab, so I decided that If I get a few renowned artistes, I would be able to put on a concert and some of the proceeds will go towards that lab, as well as to help ship the items to Jamaica."

He added that for the lab, an expert will be sent to Jamaica to conduct a one-day class to sensitise teachers and students about robotics.

Following that, his intention will be to monitor their progress remotely.

With ambitious plans for the show, Levy said the ticket sales are not encouraging, so he is appealing to the diaspora community in the Atlanta area and those outside to support the cause. In the meantime, he is grateful to both Papa Biggy and Richie Stephens, who have donated their services.

"If this event is successful, we can make it an annual event and we can affect the lives of more students not only in Guys Hill, but all parishes," he said.

Levy has been active in the school's welfare as he has already set up a computer lab, and is working to establish a second one at the school.

"All the artistes are excited about performing. For those attending, it will be a chance to enjoy themselves and at the same time contribute to making a difference in the lives of Jamaica's children," he ended.