I love Lady Saw.
Her high energy, command of the stage, voice.......She has everything that makes a great performer.
However, it's not simply her performing skills which have caused me to be a lifelong fan, but also the fact that she is such a generous and caring person. For ever since she declared publicly that she couldn't have children, she has adopted so many needy ones and even stray animals as well.
I have never seen or heard her since her conversion to Christianity, which caused her to turn to gospel music, ditching her moniker Lady Saw and performing under her own name, Marion Hall.
About three years ago, we went on our regular trek to Sumfest, hoping to get a taste of the transition of Lady Saw to Marion Hall, but she never came on stage until after 6 am and as we had to drive back to Trelawny, we had to skip her performance.
Well she is the main reason why I decided not to miss the fund raising concert put on at Faith Chapel in Florida last night.
These fundraising events are coming fast and furious. I only hope the people we are all trying to help, get the assistance!
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| See how many ways they tell u to donate! |
The affair was anchored by Jamaica's Consul General, Oliver Mair and Bishop Hernandez, who is known for his fund- raising skills.
He is even reputed to have raised funds in record time for his Lear jet, but that's for another discussion.😁
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| Bishop Fernandez And Oliver Mair. |
The target for the night was US$175,000 and I am sure they met it, for I left immediately after Lady Saw finished her explosive performance and they were at $140,000.
There was a surprise appearance by Father Richard Holung who is often thought of as Jamaica's male Mother Theresa.
This is because, though born into wealth and privilege, he gave it all up to establish Brothers of the Poor, which operates in the ghettos, bringing relief to the poorest, the indigent and neediest. He has been doing this for perhaps more than 50 years!
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| Consul General Mair introduces Father Richard Holung. Father Holung is not just a do-gooder but also a very talented musician and songwriter whose concerts I never missed while living in Jamaica. His appearance at this event was to promote an upcoming concert they are having in Hollywood, Florida next week to raise funds for his organisation. Three of his brothers showcased their skills for the upcoming event. |
Bwoy, am I happy I attended for it exceeded my expectations or as we say in Jamaica " it sell off."👏🥳.
Interestingly, it kicked off with a dynamic performance by Omari, whom I had never heard of before, but he touched the nerve of Jamaican Christians by bunning (condemning) obeah.
Obeah is a West African ritual brought to Jamaica by our enslaved ancestors centuries ago.
Obeahmen use spirits and indigenous elements, herbs, oils, candles and supposedly supernatural forces, to heal or cast spells, give protection etc.
It was banned by the slavers but recently in Jamaica there has been calls for the Obeah Act to be repealed.
This is something objected to by many spokespersons in so-called Christian community at home and apparently in Florida too, as Omari certainly stirred up the passions.
A TASTE!
Omari
Carlene Davis
As expected, Lady Saw, sorry, Marion Hall, brought down the house.
2 comments:
Interesting. How much did they end up with. I am always weary of fund raisers. Who is incharge of the money. What happens to it. What percentage goes to the handlers? Do the people in need actually get the help they need. Who decides what they need?
Those are my concerns too. That is why I only donate through the Salvation Army which always has a strong, unbiased presence on the ground and which auditors verify that 95% of the contributions they receive, go to those who they were meant for.
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