Rastafarian artiste Sizzla was among several local acts, invited by the St Vincent and Grenadines government, to perform at a benefit concert in Dominica recently.

All proceeds from the concert, held at Victoria Park on November 1, would be used to assist victims of Tropical Storm Erika.

“It is the duty of artistes to do something productive for the people when we are called to do so, especially during times of disaster. We have a social responsibility to use our art to help and heal. Although our music is also entertainment, there are many times when it is necessary to use our talent to advance the nation and solve problems when we can,” said Sizzla.

In addition to Sizzla, the other artistes contributing their talents to the effort were Half Pint, Jah Mason, TOK, and producer Richard Breadback Bramwell.

In August, Tropical storm battered the Caribbean island of Dominica killing 30 people and leaving thousands homeless. Damage ran in the millions of dollars.

“Dominica has lost 50 per cent of their gross domestic product in loss and damage. Entire villages have been washed away. So, it’s not an odd house here and there, entire villages are gone and hundreds of people are homeless,” said Camillo Gonsalves, St Vincent & Grenadines’s Foreign Affairs Minister and son of the prime minister Ralph Gonsalves, while assuring all the proceeds would be given to the victims.

Sizzla (given name Miguel Collins) is known for hits including Just One of Those Days, Thank U Mamma and Solid As A Rock.