COUPLES San Souci in Ocho Rios, St Ann, was brought to life once again through an evening of specially orchestrated musical ensembles and lyming as supporters of the ISSA Trust Foundation’s For the Children charity concert turned out in their numbers to support a worthy cause.

The event, which was headlined by reggae artiste Orville Burrell, more popular known Shaggy, was the latest installment of the well-supported concert series that was created by the foundation to raise awareness and funds towards the completion of the Mary Issa Child and Adolescent Centre, a paediatric care facility in Richmond, St Ann, as well as in support of several other charitable undertakings.

The ISSA Trust Foundation itself is celebrating two decades of existence, and over the years the For the Children event — a marquee activity for the organisation — has brought several big-name performers to its stage with the likes of Michael Bolton, Air Supply, Third World, Koffee, Tessanne Chin, among others.

Lila Ike delivers a soulful performance. (Garfield Robinson)

This year’s event delivered another spectacular experience for the hundreds who were spread across the resort’s perfectly manicured Lily Pond Lawn as “Mr Boombastic” delivered an energetic and interactive performance.

Shaggy, a Diamond-selling global superstar, graced the stage at approximately 10:35 pm, his signature, baritone-rich voice introducing his arrival with the unmistakable melodies of his popular hit Church Heathen.

His catalogue of hits was well-manoeuvred throughout his well-executed set which also included a special appearance from Maxi Priest, with the pair thrilling the audience with their 2019 release,
It’s Alright.

During his hour-long performance Shaggy had patrons on their feet dancing and eagerly capturing the moment through videos and photos, in what was clearly a well-received set.

Earlier, soulful songstress Lila Ike delivered a powerful and well-paced performance with songs such as Thy Will, Where I’m coming from and Solitude.

Wrapped in a lime green, one shoulder ruched gown, Lila Ike certainly lit up the stage with her outfit and delivered an equally bright performance, taking command of the stage and never putting a foot wrong throughout what was another impressive set.

Voice Box opens with a well-received set at the For the Children concert at Couples Sans Souci. (Garfield Robinson)

“Big up to the ISSA Trust Foundation for what they are doing; and we need more of these initiatives for the youths,” said Lila Ike during her performance.

The attendees also showed appreciation for the incorporation of musical children group Voice Box, who were the first performers on the night.

“It was a really great evening; we had a fabulous turnout. The performances were superb — that wonderful singing group Voice Box; then we had Lila Ike, a beautiful singer who is gonna be very very big as her career progresses. There was, of course, Shaggy — a great performer and the audience loved him — so it was a good show,” said organiser of the event and chairman of the ISSA Trust Foundation, Paul Issa during an interview with the Jamaica Observer following the event.

The Mary Issa Child and Adolescent Centre is curently 70 per cent complete and the foundation is still seeking to raise more funds to complete the project.

Issa went on to further express a special appreciation to those who continue to support the charity.

“Thank you for your support, for coming out tonight and buying a ticket. It’s the same for the sponsors, because we couldn’t do it without them. Continue to donate to the ISSA Trust Foundation because we need to raise a lot of funds to finish the health centre,” he said.

First-time attendee Tameka, who stated that she left feeling pleased about supporting the initiative, was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the charity and enjoy top-level performances at the same time.

“I did enjoy the event. I got invited here by my friend, and I love what they are doing for the children and hope to see everything come to fruition very soon,” she said.

In addition to Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Juliet Holness, the event also brought out several members of the business, political and social communities.

For the Children continues its legacy of high-level production and significant contributions to the local health sector.