A steady stream of some 30 entertainers came out to support Sunday’s staging of the I Love Jamaica Telethon and virtual concert powered by the Ministry of Entertainment and Culture.

Staged at National Indoor Sports Centre it feature several stunning performances all for a worthy cause — to raise urgently needed funds for to assist people affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Among the personalities who took to the phone lines to accept pledges were track legend Usain Bolt, ministers of Government Christopher Tufton and Dana Morris Dixon, and superstar Sean Paul.

Up to press time, funds raised totalled near $66 million, with $45,765,495) already deposited to the Support Jamaica account, and $19,970,000 in pledges.

“Thank you to the man and the woman in the street on the island and in the Diaspora as well as members of corporate Jamaica, and the people of the world who are rallying in every way possible to support our brothers and sisters who were hardest hit by this most powerful of hurricanes,” said Minister of Entertainment and Culture Olivia Grange in a release on Thursday.

Songbird Tessanne Chin performed a touching set featuring songs such as the 2010 We Shall Rise Again (originally recorded in tribute to Haiti relief efforts), Bridge Over Troubled Water, and a stripped-down version of her 2006 breakthrough hit Hideaway.

“Performing We Shall Rise Again, I think it was important to remind Jamaicans that, even though we are in a really tough place, we have to remember who we are, and that we are the most incredible, resourceful, indomitable, and just resilient strong people… And I believe it, our better and brighter days are indeed ahead,” Chin told the Jamaica Observer shortly after her performance.

For singer Tarrus Riley, the passage of the hurricane affected members of his family.

“Mi madda come from New Market in St Elizabeth, so mi uncle dem and mi cousin dem directly affected,” Riley shared.

Carey Sayles, who along with Chevelle Franklyn, Kevin Downswell, and Johnmark Wiggan added gospel music to the proceedings, told the Observer: “There’s no way I could turn down an opportunity like this, especially when it comes to helping the nation, especially after the passage of a hurricane.”

Sean Paul who touched the stage briefly to excite those in attendance, has been involved in relief efforts in communities affected by the hurricane. He was glad to be associated with the concert.

“I wanted to partake in every one of the shows. I’m doing one in December in New York. Its just an amazing cause for all of us to pull together,” he told the Observer.

Dancehall artiste Govana, who also embarked on numerous give back initiatives since the hurricane, said: “I have a few friends who were impacted by the hurricane. Some are getting back on their feet and some haven’t started the rebuilding process. It took a hurricane to bring us closer and to appreciate life more” he said.

Jahshii created ripples with an urgent plea on his chart-topping hit Born Fighter.

“This event is for a great cause and whether mi did busy or not mi did haffi mek sure come and perform. The hurricane mek mi haffi out deh a help as much as mi can,” said Jahshii.

Recording artiste Yaksta, whose farm was destroyed during the passage of the hurricane, said some of his family members were impacted by the hurricane.

“We lost lots of acres of crops, farms were trashed, but wi have life and we have to pick up the pieces and go on with life. I’m just happy to be here because duty calls,” he shared.

Among the other artistes who performed were Pamputtae, G Whizz, Anthony Cruz, Nexxus, Khalia, Tommy Lee Sparta, Christopher Martin, Nadine Sutherland, George Nooks, and Tanya Stephens who was in fine form with What a Day, These Streets, and It’s a Pity.

Beenie Man raised the roof with Romie, Girls Dem Sugar, Who Am I, and Rum and Red Bull, while Ding Dong and Ravers conducted dancing class with Stir Fry, Zip it Up, and Holiday.

People could still donate to the national hurricane relief programme at any time through www.supportjamaica.gov.jm or japromise.org. Donations are also being accepted through text messaging.

Tommy Lee Sparta (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Beenie Man (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Ding Dong (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Sean Paul (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Pamputtae (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Usain Bolt (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Chevelle Franklin (Photo: Karl Mclarty)