‘Reggae 4 Japan’ in Queens, New York | June 5th, 2011

“Reggae 4 Japan” is produced by Japanese sound system and ambassador of
Reggae music Mighty Crown and their management team Irish and Chin with
executive sponsorship from VP Records. Additional sponsorship for the
concert is being provided by Irie Jam Radio (official media sponsor),
Scion, Rocker’s Island, 24×7 Records, Woofin’, NRL, Far East Connection,
Nesta Brand, Bennett Limo, Riddim Driven and Conkur Printing.  A number
of top artists are confirmed to perform at “Reggae 4 Japan,” including
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Maxi Priest, Freddie McGregor and the Big Ship
family, Capleton, Tarrus Riley, Mr. Vegas, Gramps Morgan, Peter Morgan,
Duane Stevenson, Alaine, Tanya Stephens,  Etana and New Kingston band.
There will also likely be some surprise guests.  

As “Reggae 4 Japan” quickly approaches, the excitement surrounding the
benefit concert is blossoming.  Many Reggae music fans are buying
tickets to the event and expressing a desire to support Japan relief
efforts in any way possible.  Meanwhile, “Reggae 4 Japan’s” fanfare has
attracted a wealth of attention from national and international media,
who are confirmed to cover the highly anticipated benefit concert.  Over
the past few months, many Reggae artists and industry professionals
have expressed a sincere commitment to aiding Japan. The overwhelming
support of the Reggae industry is visible by “Reggae 4 Japan’s”
extensive line up — so much so that the concert’s producers Mighty
Crown and Irish and Chin had to get creative with fitting so many
artists into a 4-hour concert. However, there were no complaints on
behalf of Mighty Crown and Irish and Chin, who are overjoyed by the huge
response.  

The interest of the Reggae music industry expands beyond Japan, as it
reflects an overall dedication to humanitarian issues. While the mission
of “Reggae 4 Japan” is to support relief efforts in Japan, it will also
shed a positive light on Reggae music, which has been ill-characterized
at times.  “Reggae 4 Japan” boldly shows that Reggae artists can come
together under on accord to support their brothers and sisters in Japan.
And it shows that now more than ever before — Reggae music is a
universal music and force that brings all people together.

Newly confirmed singer and songwriter Duane Stephenson (VP Records) is
anxious for his performance at “Reggae 4 Japan.” In fact, Stephenson’s
interest in “Reggae 4 Japan” is directly alligned with his ongoing
humanitarian efforts.  “I am an advocate for the United Nations World
Food Programme, not only do they feed millions of people, they are 
involved on the ground in disaster stricken areas to provide logistical
support to organizations such as the Red Cross,” Stephenson says.  “Its
an honor for me to participate in ‘Reggae 4 Japan’ which will directly
benefit the victims of this disaster and give back to those in need.” 

Reggae singer Tanya Stephens says “The disaster which hit Japan
geographically affects us all socially…the Jamaican music industry has
benefited enormously from the patronage of the Japanese reggae
community, and we are too intertwined for the recent events to not be
seen as a shared experience to grow from.”  “I am proud to be a part of
this re-growth as the affected areas regain their footing and Japan
becomes an even greater nation than before,” Stephens adds with
enthusiasm.

Following the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, Japan suffered
great devastation.  Japan’s recovery from this catastrophe will take
years.  International support is critical to Japan’s recovery efforts. 
The American Red Cross will continue to direct funds to help meet the
survivors’ unprecedented and evolving needs by making another $30
million donation to the Japanese Red Cross, bringing its contributions
to date to more than $160 million.  The Japanese Red Cross announced a
$350 million long-term recovery plan support by donations from its
international partners, including the American Red Cross.

Many of the donations that Japanese Red Cross has received  from the
American Red Cross and other international partners are being utilized
to improve the living conditions for people in evacuation centers and
temporary homes being constructed by the government. The Japanese Red
Cross is supplying water, shower and kitchen facilities in evacuation
centers.  Donations are also being used to outfit the 72,000
pre-fabricated houses with six electrical appliances each, which will
help help an estimated 280,000 people resume normal activities and jump
start their recovery. The Japanese Red Cross has many efforts planned
including social welfare programs for the elderly and children;
improvements to the Japanese Red Cross disaster response capacity; 
emergency healthcare, psychological counseling and emotional support
services; and procurement and distribution of relief items, such as
blankets and clothes. 

“I have been to the beautiful country of Japan – it’s one of my most
memorable tours with Morgan Heritage, and when my long time friend
‘Chin’ called and asked me if I was available I was naturally inclined
to participate in this benefit concert…I believe it is critical that
we as entertainers give when we can give, whether it is our time, money
or talent,” says singer Gramps Morgan. “I am looking forward to working
with all the great Artists on the ‘Reggae 4 Japan’ event to raise funds
that will go towards assisting Japan in its rebuilding efforts.”