IN September as Jamaicans braced for the worst from Hurricane Matthew, musician Richard Gager and his wife Mary followed its path from their home in Atlanta, Georgia. Committed social workers in that city, the couple planned to visit the country and assist with clean-up operations in Matthews’ aftermath.

Jamaica was spared Matthew’s wrath which meant a change in plan for the Gagers. They have rescheduled their first trip to Jamaica for February when they will visit the Strathmore Gardens Orphanage in St Catherine.

Gager, a multi-instrumentalist known as RIP G, said he and his wife will stage a fundraising event to “bring a little joy to the orphans” and help purchase much-needed items for the Strathmore home.

“Jason “Sledge” Roberts brought the idea to Cyber-Leaf Entertainment that the orphanage in his local area needs the basic necessities. Without hesitation, we stepped up to offer a lending hand,” Gager told the Jamaica Observer.

Sledge is a singjay from Spanish Town. He is signed to Cyber Leaf Entertainment, an independent company operated by Jamaican Marlon Wright in Stony Point, New York.

While he is a Christian, Gager made his name in secular music. He played guitar on rapper Nelly’s 2004 album Suit. He has also toured with singers Betty Wright and Jahiem, as well as rappers the Goodie Mob.

Mary Gager is from Mississippi. Influenced by Deniece Williams, she has recorded mainly gospel songs; her latest song, Wishing For Love, is a reggae number produced by her husband.

Black Skin, an anti-skin bleaching song written by Gager, will be released soon.

– Howard Campbell