MONTEGO BAY, St James — In an apparent reaction to the wanton bloodletting in St James, a galaxy of performing artistes have joined forces to perform on a show dubbed ‘Entertainment Against Crime and Violence’, to be staged at the popular Dump-Up Beach in the resort city of Montego Bay on Sunday, December 4.

Captain of the Big Ship Freddy McGregor and Reggae Sumfest boss Joe Bogdanovich are the latest additions to the mega concert, which already has more than 50 acts confirmed to volunteer their services, a release from the production team stated.

According to the release, dissatisfied with the current wave of crime across St James and its effect on the music industry, McGregor was quick to jump on board, while Bogdanovich “feels his contribution to this venture will help to bring about stability to the life of the people”.

Among those already confirmed for the show are: Everton Blender, Mutabaruka, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrika, Nesbeth, Spice, Bushman, Mackie Conscious, Taddy P, I Wayne, Hezron, Nature Ellis, Persons of Interest, Live Wyya, Bung Guh Lung, Lt Stichie, and Paul Blake.

‘Entertainers Against Crime and Violence’ is a voluntary effort of entertainers, both gospel and secular.

Together they make a statement that crime and violence is crippling the entire entertainment industry, as people are not coming out to see performers, neither are police giving permits for events in what is considered war zones, according to the release.

“This further affects the persons who make a livelihood from these events.”

The production team is, meanwhile, seeking more corporate sponsors to join the venture.

“There is still room for willing sponsors to join this humanitarian initiative by supporting and financing an event of this magnitude,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Mackie Conscious, one of the organisers for the event, has indicated that following the show, efforts will be made to unearth and hone entertainment talent in Montego Bay inner-city communities.

“After the concert we go back into the inner-city and find the youth with musical potential and help them to develop their Mackie Conscious,” he said.

Additionally, efforts are to be made to establish a mediating body to respond to issues arising between members of the music industry and the authorities.