KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Shaggy and Friends benefit concert kicked off at Jamaica House in St Andrew a short while ago. 

Shaggy started with his hit ‘Church Heathen’ and was quickly joined on stage by Jamaican singer Jovi Rockwell, who did her rendition of ‘I Got You’.

However, before Shaggy started his set, he thanked the crowd for coming out to the event and apologised for the cost of the tickets. He explained that the beds they are raising money to purchase are very expensive.

Some of his other hits include It wasnt me and Strength of a Woman, which were met with loud cheers from the audience, who sang along with the artiste.

Patrons are still streaming into the venue in droves looking forward to the excellent line-up of local and international acts in the name of charity.

One patron, who came here before 7:00 pm told OBSERVER ONLINE that she always supports the show because it’s for a good cause.

“I don’t love this stage show because of its long standing and the crowd, this is good, clean entertainment,” she said.

The concert, which is in its sixth year is seeking to raise US$1,000,000 for the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston.

This year, the focus of the concert is the Intensive Care Unit of the BHC, which has only five beds catering to the needs of Jamaicans and the English-speaking Caribbean.

The cost of one bed is approximately US$100,000 and the promoters are seeking to raise the number to 15.

 International acts such as Sting, Wyclef Jean, Fetty Wap, and Doug E Fresh are expected to entertain the crowd tonight along with a slew of Jamaican and Caribbean acts, including Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons, Christopher Martin, Aidonia, Dexta Daps, Junior Reid, Shenseea, Barrington Levy, Third World, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Capleton, Professor Nuts, and Wayne Wonder, on the grounds of Jamaica House, for the event.

Sting and Shaggy are expected to perform a new song during tonight’s show.

Shanica Blair