Renowned producer Kemar “Flava” McGregor is calling for Jamaica’s entertainment industry to be given the respect that it deserves after the overwhelming support shown by players in response to Hurricane Melissa relief efforts.

McGregor, who is the head of Billboard King Records, partnered with the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica to donate approximately 5,000 care packages across south-west Jamaica, inclusive of air mattresses, Starlink connections, over 50 cooking gas-powered generators, tents, and other essentials.

He also donated $2 million cash to the university to assist students who had been affected.

“We as producers and artistes know how important the people in Jamaica are to us. All of us did not get to where we are today without the people that are affected by the hurricane. So we’re not going to sit aside and say, ‘OK, it’s the Government’s responsibility only.’ All of us know that we can play a part…” McGregor told the Jamaica Observer at UTech’s Papine Campus, on Tuesday, where the auditorium was filled to capacity with packages.

McGregor continued: “It is time for the Government of Jamaica to acknowledge that dancehall and reggae music do not only encourage violence, as is often the narrative, but that there is good within it… It is time for the Government to mandate that every equipment musicians and producers bring into the country [is] tax-free. We have spoken, we have done in the time of need; so it is time that the Jamaican Government helps our music industry.”

The music executive has seen an incredibly successful career having earning over 500 Billboard plaques and has worked with a slew of local and international artistes such as Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, Musiq Soulchild, Mya, Maxi Priest, Sizzla Kalonji, Beenie Man, Wayne Wonder, Gregory Isaacs, Gyptian, Beres Hammond, Etana, Stefflon Don, and more.

The Jamaican-born, South Florida-based producer and songwriter said that relief efforts have been in the works for almost two weeks.

“I started out producing music here in Jamaica, and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am. When I saw the impact and the damage that Melissa caused to Jamaica, like two or three hours after the hurricane, I put on my backpack and headed to store across South Florida, and I said, ‘I have to play my part.’ So it took me 10 days,” he said, adding that intricate thought was put into the cooking gas-powered generators after learning that a Trelawny man succumbed to toxic fumes from a generator after the hurricane took out electricity supply.

McGregor and his team are working alongside several Members of Parliament and the engaged entities to ensure targeted distribution to those most affected.

He will continue relief efforts for the foreseeable future until there is marked improvements.

— Kediesha Perry

MCGREGOR…it is time for the Government to mandate that every equipment musicians and producers bring into the country [is] tax-free.