International dancehall group T.O.K raised $3 million to assist victims severely impacted by the passage of Hurricane Mellisa.

The group, which comprises Roshaun “Bay-C” Clarke, Craig “Craigy T” Thompson, Alistaire “Alex” McCalla, and Xavier “Flexx” Davidson, raised this sum by doing a dub session which was extremely successful.

“T.O.K felt extremely moved by how the disaster affected our brothers and sisters on the south and west end of the island. We have family in Westmoreland and Black River specifically, as well as have a deep connection with the Bluefields and Pedro areas, so we’re just playing our part to give back,” Bay-C told the Jamaica Observer.

The funds were used to purchase goods, medical supplies, hardware essentials, and more. The group identified some of those in need and supported the organisations reaching them directly, among them Romeich Major, as well as its own charitable arm.

Adding that T.O.K will continue to provide support, Bay-C explained that it is extremely meaningful that the group plays a role in rebuilding the country.

“As the longest-standing and most-successful dancehall group, it’s very important to give back to the country that put us on the map. It’s really bigger than T.O.K, it’s our culture, our music, our supporters and even non-supporters. It’s for our country,” he charged.

For his part, Craigy T said that their altruism was an innate reaction.

“A man will always respond to an emergency. It’s who we are. It’s in our DNA,” he told the Observer.

Bay-C is encouraging as many people as possible to assist those in need.

T.O.K is a part of the line-up for the Jamaica Strong benefit concert scheduled for the UBS Arena in New York in December.

“We are moved by the overwhelming support from the music industry. There are too many names to mention, but it’s been beautiful to see my fellow colleagues step up. On December 12 we will join forces with the music industry again for a benefit concert in New York, and most likely that’s when we will have the chance to share our sentiments in person with the fellow acts booked. Let’s rebuild Jamaica, brick by brick, step by step. One love,” he added.

— Kediesha Perry