Most of us teens have never been to a major live event like Sting or Reggae Sumfest. That high energy ‘stage-show vibes’ and entertainers galore in one show is something we probably never experience firsthand. For a lucky few, the recently-concluded Music for a Cause high school tour by Konshens and friends is the closest to the ‘Sting’ experience they have ever gotten. Hard to imagine that they didn’t enjoy it. 

The tour started last month at the Camperdown High School, with stops at Charlemont and St Jago High in St Catherine. It culminated yesterday at Konshens’ alma mater Excelsior High.

After seeing the tremendous support given by other artiste at the final stop, it definitely seemed as if Konshens was saving the best for last. Just about all the established – and even up-and-coming – artistes and dance groups in the dancehall industry were there, lending their support to a good cause.

Tarrus Riley, Beenie Man, Popcaan, Aidonia, Vanessa Bling, J Capri, Dexta Daps, Bling Dawg, Voicemail, Jahmiel, Romain Virgo, Kaama, Chi Ching Ching and Vershon are just a fraction of the artistes who entertained the students. Of course, all members of the SubKonshus Music Group – including Delus, Darrio, and Tamarley were accounted for. Though not present on the last day, Denyque, Christopher Martin, Chevaughn and Kranium are among the acts who also contributed their time and talents at other schools.

Rolexx kept the students raving to hit songs throughout the shows. The host Badda Bling provided comedic relief, and gave away prizes to the students courtesy of LIME.

The purpose of the high school tour was to raise funds for the schools visited. When asked what exactly the funds will go towards, Konshens responded “whatever areas in the schools in need of renovation or addition. It is not even about what I want to see, it is what the school sees fit.”

“The funds from the tour will go towards the refurbishing of the bathrooms”, said Janice Campbell, the cultural events coordinator of the Excelsior High School. “They will also go towards the school’s health and wellness programme.”

Ackeem Mckoy, head boy of St Jago high school told teenAGE that the funds raised from the tour at his school will go towards the school’s student welfare programme, as well as teacher incentives.

Reggae stalwart and close friend of Konshens, Tarrus Riley expressed, “You always have to keep in touch with the schools, and the youth, because music influence the youth whether we want to admit it or not.” 

Christopher Martin, who is a past student of St Jago High School, came on board for that leg of the tour. “It feels nice, great to be here”, the entertainer said. “It’s always good to come back to my alma mater, to feel the energy from students and staff alike, and to contribute to its development positively.”

Beenie Man, who is currently working on his LP Unstoppable believes the tour is not only beneficial to the students, but to the artiste who participated as well. He said, “The kids are the future, you know. If you don’t get them from here they will never know you anymore.”

“I definitely will be doing this again,” expressed Konshens. “The best thing is that it’s during the week, and we normally free during the week because is mainly on the weekends we have shows. It’s just a matter of when I will be in Jamaica.”

“The schools are selected randomly, I have nothing to do with the selection of what schools we go to next.” He said, “We will not be going to these schools again, as there are other schools that need the help.”

Without a doubt, students from other schools will be eagerly awaiting the next Music For A Cause schedule, in hopes that they too will be able to experience live entertainment from some of the industry’s best acts.