Impressive Line-Up of Female Acts for Int’l Women’s Day Fund-Raiser-March 8

An impressive line-up of female singers, deejays, dancers and poets have confirmed their participation in the first-ever all female fund-raising concert and telethon being planned by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports (MICYS) to mark International Women’s Day, March 8 . The event is scheduled for the Courtleigh auditorium on March 8.
The line-up will include Judy Mowatt, Nadine Sutherland, Carlene Davis, Cecile, Yashemabeth, Etana, Cherine Anderson, Queen Ifrica, Chevelle Franklyn, Pam Hall, Tessane, Brick and Lace, Gem Myers, LaCadco, Jessica Yapp, Lenya Wilks, Nikisha Barnes, Jovi, Kris Kelly, Cherry Natural and Dawn Marie Virtue.
Proceeds from the concert and telethon will go to the Bureau of Women’s Affair (BWA) for the construction of a shelter for battered women and the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation. The funds will also be used to assist pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers to continue their education.
Recently, several of the performers visited the Women’s Centre, located on Trafalgar Road in Kingston, and had the opportunity to meet a number of the teen mothers and battered teenagers. The artistes said that they were moved to tears from the stories they heard. Singer Etana is among those who have committed to not just performing for the fund-raiser, but she will be volunteering her services to help in several other ways. Singers Nadine Sutherland and Queen Ifrica, have also pledged to provide mentoring for the girls and to work along with the programme to help them to realize their dreams.
The all-female fund-raising concert and telethon will be presented under the International Women’s Day theme ‘Financing for Gender Equality’. The event is being organized by a committee Chaired by MICYS’ Minister, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, along with members of the Bureau of Women’s Affairs and Gender Affairs and leading players in the music industry. Miss Grange noted that the performers would be giving of their talent towards the cause, while technical services would be contributed by the various service providers.
The music industry team includes Entertainment Consultant/Special Advisor to MICYS, Clifton ‘Specialist’ Dillion, Ronnie Burke of ‘Reggae Sunsplash’ fame, promoter Sharon Burke and upcoming producer Marlon Burke. Representing the Bureau of Women’s Affairs (BWA) and Gender Affairs are, Executive Director, Mrs. Faith Webster and Miss Jennifer Williams, Policy and Research Manager, for the BWA.