A night for Jamaica - London’s music greats rally at KOKO for hurricane aid

Camden’s award-winning music venue, KOKO, played host to the first I Love Jamaica concert in London on Thursday, including a number of the United Kingdom’s biggest names in pop and British reggae. All had gathered to support relief efforts in Jamaica as the island recovers from the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa. Organised by legendary UB40 singer Ali Campbell and promoter Rob Hallett, it united an incredible line-up to raise money for the island.

As the stage screens relayed pictures of the devastation caused islandwide, DJ Robbo Ranx reminded everyone that “we’ve had Hurricane Ivan, Beryl, Katrina, and now Melissa. Jamaicans have been brilliant and resilient”.

“The man and his team that made all this happen in the space of two weeks is called Rob Hallett,” DJ David Rodigan preached later in the evening to the crowd. “Rob has been promoting reggae music in the UK since the early ‘70s in Camden,” Rodigan added. Hallett was impressively able to assemble a stellar list of artistes to help raise funds and awareness for those impacted.

The night was hosted by comedians Christopher Savage and Kane Brown and by MC and artiste Tyrone Lindo, more popularly known as Big Narstie.

Throughout the evening, there was music for every mood. General Levy caused a rush for the dancefloor several times by rolling out his legendary Incredible hit single. Queens of Lovers’ Rock Caroll Thompson and Janet Kay laid out a nostalgic set of cover hits, including Rose Royce’s Wishing on a Star, Bill Withers’ Lovely Day, Ken Boothe’s Help Me Make It Through The Night (originally by Kris Kristofferson), alongside Thompson’s I’m So Sorry, with Kay ending on a literal high note with her timeless hit Silly Games.

With a diverse and supportive audience, guided by compère Brown, it was clear that although artistes such as Big Narstie, General Levy, and Tippa Irie had lent their celebrity to the cause to raise awareness of the island’s plight, the real star of the show was Jamaica itself.

A soulful set was performed by reggae stalwarts Aswad, who played their eternal crowd pleasers, Need Your Loving and Don’t Turn Around. It was followed by DJ Daddy Ernie’s old ‘skool’ set.

This set the stage for Birmingham’s Bitty McLean, who later teamed up on a cool duet with Ali Campbell on Would I Lie to You?. Ali Campbell also performed serene versions of his band’s hits, Kingston Town and Jimmy Cliff’s Many Rivers to Cross.

Bitty McLean shared a heartfelt message for his homeland, sending his thoughts and prayers to Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. “While I’m far away from you, Jamaica, I know it’s hard for you, Jamaica. Each night before you go to bed, Jamaica, I wish a little prayer for you, Jamaica.”

With iconic disc jockey dynamo David Rodigan bounding on stage, holding up a flag of Jamaica, he played everything from Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam to Chronixx’s cover of Jacob Miller’s Tenement Yard via his set of exclusive dubplates — old and new.

As the evening entered its third and final act, multiplatinum record-selling singer Emeli Sandé gifted poignant and stripped-back versions of Read All About It (Part III) and Next to Me alongside her keyboard player.

To conclude the evening, headliner Boy George celebrated with fans and followers a selection of hits from his recent UK Top 40 SE18 album. With an obvious nod to his love of reggae, the 1980s pop legend alongside his full live band played future hits, including the gloriously cheeky Butt Butt Butt, the traditional pop of Dirty Little Limited Company, the heavily roots-influenced Eye & Eye, and the infectious Eyeliner Voodoo. George’s confessed love of Jamaica’s music and ‘riddims’ has never been more apparent.

He finished his eclectic musical tour with a dancehall-infused remix of his classic 1983 Culture Club hit, Karma Chameleon. George gave a fitting end to an event that sought to entertain the masses, raise awareness of the plight of Jamaica’s hurricane-afflicted, and help raise money for relief efforts.

Everyone involved had selflessly given up their time and waived any fees for an evening of charity and humanity all around.

“Remember, tonight, that it’s all about Jamaica,” DJ Daddy Ernie had reminded the crowd earlier. “Thank you all for coming out.”

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange expressed heartfelt gratitude for the UK concert. “I am extremely moved by the outpouring of goodwill towards Jamaica in this moment of great need. On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, we are deeply appreciative of this very kind gesture by Rob Hallett and the many artistes who have graciously agreed to come together to raise much-needed hurricane relief funds. We ask the wider public in the UK, Jamaicans, and friends of Jamaica to support this noble effort.”

The Government’s official portal for donations and support is www.supportjamaica.gov.jm.

Toussaint Davy is the former editor of Touch Magazine. His published work, features, and credits include BBC Radio 4’s Front Row, The Power List, The Independent, MOBO Magazine, Blues & Soul, The Mirror, The Sun, BBC News, MTV Base and various undisclosed ghostwritten projects. Send feedback to entertainment@gleanerjm.com.