Fostering and facilitating skills training, empowerment and peace are the principal objectives of dancehall artiste Sizzla who has partnered with the beverage brand Guinness as they put the weight of their resources behind the development of the Eastern Peace Centre (EPC), situated on Windward Road in Kingston.

The artiste and the corporate entity have collaborated in the staging of The Occasion, a stage show in support of the EPC’s efforts, which will feature a full range of dancehall acts including Sizzla himself, Bounty, Assassin and others

Funds from The Occasion will be put towards the development of the EPC, which is a central recreational facility that provides personal development facilities including specialized rooms for a reading, computers, homework, entertainment and leisure which are utalised by young persons from several surrounding communities that have been historically challenged by violence, poverty and crime.

At the EPC, young men and women also have access to the skill training and personal development programmes at the skating rink-turned recreational centre.

The proceeds of Guinness’ The Occasion will be used to complete a recording studio, which is currently under construction at the Eastern Peace Centre. “Every community should have a studio”, said Sizzla. “A recording studio is the poor-people’s factory… that’s where we produce, it’s where we vibe, it’s where we who neva’ born wid much, not only make musical products, but get rid of our stress and problems in a way that is constructive. If we did have more studios, we would need less prisons,” the dancehall artiste said. “I’ve already helped them to start the work, but now it needs to be air conditioned, soundproofed and some more equipment. That’s why we having The Occasion. It is a big occasion for a big project”, Sizzla explained.

Gary Dixon, brand manager at Guinness explained that The Occasion is not just an event, but it is part of a process of partnership between the brand and the EPC. “Ultimately, the EPC helps to build men and women of character. We mean to strengthen communities and help them find intrinsic power to build and develop, in the way we best can. With “The Occasion”, entertainment and empowerment brings greatness within reach for the community,” Dixon explained

The Occasion takes place tonight at the Eastern Peace Centre. The show features Sizzla, Bounty, Assassin, Determine, Shane-O, Tyrical and many more, with music provided by King Tafari and Rolex.