Dillgin has reinforced his commitment to the lupus fight by pledging that part proceeds of the sale of his EP, Money Tree , be donated towards the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica.

“We need to bring further awareness to the plight of persons living with the disease. I have a mother and female relatives and I found that there is no definite way to avoid getting lupus or to predict whether you will get it. I am just lighting a candle in the darkness by pledging my support to this fight,” Dillgin said.

The EP was launched at Kingston 10 Sports Bar and Grill on Hillview Avenue in St Andrew on Wednesday.

Miss Jamaica Universe 2014 contestant Zandrea Bailey succumbed to the disease on January 13 in a New York hospital. She was 29. Comedienne Elva Ruddock also died from the autoimmune disease on October 7, 2018.

“By being aware of the disease, you can recognise symptoms quickly and be diagnosed and treated early, which can make a big difference,” Dillgin said.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease that occurs when the immune system of the body attacks its own cells and tissues. It results in damage to various sections of the body, such as the skin, joints and organs. Doctors are still not sure what definitively causes lupus, but it is believed that genes play a role in its development.

Dillgin, backed by his Million Miles band, performed several of the songs from his album. Reggae star Gyptian also joined him and performed several songs from his own catalogue.

Money Tree EP has been officially released and can be purchased on all major digital platforms.

­— Kedisha Perry