In 2022, when Friday Night Cru members Djavan Warner and Damani Gardner decided to start an event called Deh Ya, the goal and objective was to create a space that promotes and highlights creatives.

The event returns today, Friday, December 5, at Skyline Levels, but with a much bigger purpose.

“We were initially planning to do a normal show this year, but then after Hurricane Melissa we immediately realised this was actually the perfect way we could help and we decided to donate 100 per cent of the proceeds. We were informed about the Lower Prospect Development Group that’s close to the Skyline Levels family. We really resonated with their work in the community and thought that by helping them to get back on their feet we would essentially be helping hundreds of people in the Santa Cruz area,” Warner told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash.

The event, which is scheduled to start at 7:00 pm, will feature electrifying performances from Sevana, Friday Night Cru, Royal Blu, Zac Jone$, Gio Mar, Akina Eman, and Elle, with sound selections from DJs Reiizzzr and Fatalic.

Warner reflected that from the first staging of Deh Ya the goal has been to create a space that promotes new artists and highlights the creatives pushing outside of the normal sounds of dancehall and reggae.

“We had one staging before in 2022 which was fully sold out with performances by Runkus, Ras I, Tessellated, and more at Skyline Levels… It was a massive success and push for the new artistes. The goal is to build a space where, eventually, labels, A&R scouts, and other people can come scout for the next big artistes to blow up in Jamaica. There’s so much talent that doesn’t get enough shine and we wanted to put a spotlight on them,” Warner stated.

He added: “Patrons can expect incredible live performances, amazing local vendors, great food and drink options, and our personal favourite view of Kingston. It’s going to be a special night with great energy all-round and, most importantly, it’s for a great cause.”

Set to benefit from the proceeds is the Lower Prosper Development Group (LPDG), which has been at the heart of community upliftment in Santa Cruz for years. As an organic farming collective the group leads greenhouse production, tree-planting drives, sustainable agriculture training, and bee-keeping initiatives that support both environmental recovery and economic resilience.

But the passage of Hurricane Melissa dealt a devastating blow, destroying critical equipment, damaging irrigation systems, and impacting the livelihoods of the farmers who depend on the land.

“Lower Prosper has played a major role in improving the quality of life for people in the area,” shared. “They’re not just farmers; they’re educators, environmental advocates, and community builders,” shared Damani Gardner, Deh Yah co-founder and Friday Night Cru member. “With support from our title sponsor Legend Jamaican Larger and partners like Caribbean Dreams, WATA, IPrint, Cooyah, GHR Legal, and Mystique Integrated, we’re rallying our networks to help restore the tools and infrastructure they desperately need. Deh Yah represents young people leading with heart, culture and responsibility.”

Funds raised from Deh Yah will go directly toward the replacement and repair of essential farming assets, including the community’s generator, water tank, drip-irrigation systems and other supplies vital to restarting their operations. Additionally, a portion of proceeds will support families.

Those unable to attend the concert are encouraged to support LPDG’s restoration efforts through in-kind donations or by participating in upcoming volunteer days that will assist with rebuilding the farm’s physical infrastructure.

— Kevin Jackson

Deh Yah co-founders and Friday Night Cru duo Damani Gardner (left) and Djavan Warner during their performance at last year’s staging.