As Jamaica continues to pick up the pieces left behind by Hurricane Melissa, the dancehall fraternity has been receiving high praise for the way entertainers have stepped up to aid in disaster relief efforts.

Over the last few weeks several popular artistes as well as party promoters and producers have poured their time and resources into affected communities. Pledging to assist with rebuilding efforts, many have jump-started non-profits to help with aid.

The outpouring of love and support from a community often criticised has left industry players with a huge sense of pride.

“I feel good about how my dancehall talents are moving and working together to make things better for their fellow Jamaicans. I especially love the fact that it’s not just dancers but also promoters and producers. The entire fraternity has stepped up tremendously and has shown the true power of dancehall,” said Romeich Major.

Major, who led a massive roll-out of care packages days after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, said he’s happy entertainers have been using their platforms for good.

“The genre gets beaten more while ennuh, but the entertainers have shown that in a time when people in positions of power and influence are most needed, they show up. It’s a big look,” he said.

In addition to sending relief items to those affected, Major has promised to initiate phase two of his philanthropic pledge by assisting with rebuilding efforts. To that end, the businessman recently hosted a charity street dance from which bar proceeds will go towards the second round of his giveback initiative.

Dancehall Queen Spice shared similar sentiments as she lauded her colleagues for giving back to the country that helped to establish their careers.

The entertainer, who recently handed over trucks of building materials to several affected families, said the overwhelming support from entertainers has left her excited about the country’s recovery.

“I am very elated to see all the dancehall artistes that have rallied around the country in aid of relief. Together we’re stronger, and we as an industry have really been proving that. It warms my heart to see everyone playing their part. I’m elated and proud and just super excited to see how much more they’re going to help,” she told the Jamaica Observer. “Big up everybody who has taken the time out and has given their resources towards building back Jamaica, because at the end of the day, Jamaica put us where we are. Without Jamaica, we are nothing, so let’s just continue doing our best because this is our land. Jamaica, land we love!”

Comedian Dufton Shepherd, who mounted his own charity show last weekend, said the entertainment industry has really responded positively to a national cry for help. He outlined that, so far, everyone has pushed ego aside to come to the aid of their fellow Jamaicans.

“I applaud every single person from the industry who has been helping with relief efforts. The entertainment sector is often viewed as ‘the ugly duckling’, but there has been no hesitation from any player in the industry in this national cry for help so far, and that speaks volumes,” he shared. “Nobody cares about who’s doing what or who’s not doing, everyone is just showing up in the best ways they can, and that’s an awesome feeling as someone a part of the industry.”

Carlton Davy, of Young Kings Entertainment, agreed. Davy, whose team spearheaded the most recent staging of Livewire at the Usain Bolt Tracks and Records (UBT&R) in Kingston, said entertainers, promoters and producers alike have all sought to fill the massive gap left behind by Hurricane Melissa.

He said many promoters have been hosting charity shows in support of relief efforts and said artistes have been saying yes to lending their voices to the cause.

“When we reached out to Govana, for example, he said he didn’t want to do the show without giving back to all the hurricane victims. We already had plans to make it a charity initiative, but his saying that just shows how much entertainers are standing firm on rebuilding efforts,” said Davy. “And it’s not just entertainers, it’s other event brands, party promoters, content creators, producers. It feels good to see that artistes look at themselves as more than just entertainers. They realise their reach and that their brand is a business, and they’ve used their connections to get major support for their various relief efforts.”

For his part, Govana said the dancehall community has proven they care in substantial ways. He shared that as the face of a new Guinness campaign, he, too, has begun exploring ways he can use that relationship to help his countrymen.

“We had a whole campaign planned with Guinness, but due to the massive heartbreak from the hurricane we must re-purpose and reposition and try to push out for the people in meaningful ways. Everything is for the people, Govana is for the people, and we’re going to find the best ways to continue helping,” he said. “My dancehall brothers and sisters have been doing the work. I see all the help they’re extending, and it really makes me feel good being a part of this music community. Dancehall cares, and it shows.”

Grace Hamilton, more popularly known as Spice, chats with team members of her Grace Hamilton Foundation as they get ready to offload bags of cement and other building supplies to victims of Hurricane Melissa.

Carlton Davy (left), of Young Kings Entertainment; Angiel Shaw; and Govana at the charity edition of the Livewire series at UBT&R.

Comedian Dufton “Duffy” Shepherd mounted a November 30 edition of Slightly Unhinged to support Hurricane Melissa relief.