With at JA$35,000.00 donation to Martha's House, Mr. Vegas is definitely putting his money where his mouth is. The Mustard Seed Communities home on North Street in Kingston housed children affected by HIV/AIDS. In March of 2009it was destroyed by fire and they had to relocate to Spanish Town.
Vegas issued a recent statement,
"I went to the first home a few years ago and I was so disheartened and touched by the living situation there and the cheerful spirit of these kids amidst all their trials, that I had to come back and follow up with them and donate money to assist. these are kids who are affected by HIV/Aids and though the new home is almost complete, there are other things that they need and supplies always cost money. Sometimes when we go about our daily lives we forget how blessed we are and complain about the smallest of things and there are others out there in more unfortunate circumstances. Let's not continue to turn a blind eye to our neighbor, but help them in any way we can,"
Many organisations, business entities and individuals have made contributions to Martha'sHome. I am very proud to say that Leah Marville, who was featured in our 20 Questions-Stars on the Rise Feature, also contributed financially to the organisation through her charity The Love Campaign
On May 19th, Jimmy Jean-Louis will receive the Humanitarian Award at the third annual Better World Awards Glitter and Glam Ball in Cannes for his charitable work in his home country of Haiti. Known for his role on NBC's Heroes, and lets not forget the sexy doctor in Phat Girls, Jean Louis has been doing a great deal for Haiti especially since the January earthquake that wreaked havock on the country's fragile economy, and tested the strength of the nation.
Jimmy Jean Louis at the 11th Annual Children Uniting Nations Oscar Celebration, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 7, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo source
He will be honored for his work done through his charity Hollywood Unites for Haiti. The group has chagned its original mandate from provieing arts education and sporting equipment to Haiti's young, to providing earthquake relief supplies (foodm nmedicine etc). He will be handed the award by actor Sean Penn.
Naomi Campbell takes the runway at Fashion For Relief Haiti
Naomi Campbell will also receive an award at the event-the BWA Fashion Philanthropy Award. She spearheaded the Fashion For Relief Haiti which took place in New York City a month after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Many celebs including Chris Brown, Kelly Osbourne and Helena Christiansen
International Luxury Media's 3rd annual Better World Awards' Glitter and Glam Ball is an invitation-only, black-tie gala, cocktail reception and dinner, and will take place at The Lotus VIP Club on Le Goeland Beach May 19. The events special guests include Boris Becker, Prince Filliberto de Savoie, Princess Clotilde Courau, Elie Saab, Denise Rich, Hofit Golan, Troy Bayliss, Baden Cooke and Ana Cunya.
Last night Alicia Keys performed "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready) and "Empire State of Mind Part II (Broken Down)" on the show.
Idol gives back is Idol Gives Back, the historic Emmy Award-winning television event and music celebration has raised more than $140 million to benefit charities around the world and across the United States. Beneficiaries for this year's event include Children's Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children's U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation.
The Brooklyn district attorney's office is helping in the Haiti earthquake relief effort by donating counterfeit knockoff clothing to the country. According to CNN:
Haiti's children will benefit from the new clothes
Seven truckloads of confiscated counterfeit designer duds and shoes -- Ed Hardy, Nike and Diesel among the imitation brands -- are headed to earthquake victims in Haiti.
The 125,000 tons of clothing and shoes, valued at $10 million, were seized by New York police and would normally be destroyed, but in this case, the contraband will go to good use.
"Permission was obtained from manufacturers, including Nike, Timberland, Antik Denim Jeans, Black Label and Christian Audigier, to allow the knockoffs to be donated to charity," Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes told CNN affiliate WPIX.
Hynes' office came up the idea. It was decided the goods, warehoused for a while, would come to better use in Haiti.
powerful January 12 earthquake rendered more than 1 million people homeless in the Caribbean nation. Many are eking out a meager existence, living in tents and underneath tarps.
The international charity World Vision has agreed to deliver the items donated by the Brooklyn authorities.
But there's one catch: All brand identifiers like labels and logos will be removed in order to avoid trademark issues.
Chris Brown will headline and host a benefit concert in Virginia next month.
"Virginia Stand Up! A Call to Action" will be held May 15 at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Performers will include Trey Songz, Keri Hilson, T-Pain, Mario and Ryan Leslie.
Chris Brown singing his heart out for Haiti at the BET SOS Help for Haiti concert earlier this year. Photo source
The 20-year-old R&B singer said in a statement Monday he wanted to personally contribute to the Haitian relief effort and support an organization that helps people in his home state. Proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross and the Central Virginia Foodbank.
According to Yahoo! News Hip-shaking Colombian pop star Shakira is meeting with Haitian earthquake survivors living in makeshift camps and she says she is searching for suitable land to build a school for needy children.
Arriving Sunday, the singer waved to onlookers and greeted infants living on a Haitian golf course that has turned into a sprawling makeshift camp for 50,000 quake survivors.
Her Barefoot foundation provides nutrition to more than 6,000 children in Colombia, and she is member of the ALAS foundation that advocates for children across Latin America.
Shakira was greeted by actor Sean Penn, who is providing humanitarian aid at Haitian refugee camps. The two stars spoke about challenges confronting Haiti since the Jan. 12 disaster.
BET Centric and LIAT have joined Dominica Beverage and Brewery Ltd., Fort Young Hotel, and LIME as sponsors of the second in the Year of the Child Concert Series headlined by Arturo Sandoval, Arturo Tapin, marie-claire and Jakoostick Musical Ensemble.
Footage from the jazz-themed event will be shown on SPLASH!, a BET Centric programme featuring Caribbean lifestyle and music. According to Splash’s executive producer Kibwe McGann, one of its mandates is to show the charitable efforts of Caribbean entertainers. “We recently featured Shaggy’s concert benefiting the Bustamante Children’s Hospital in Jamaica, for example. Also, one of our hosts Leah Marville, has a charity called The Love Campaign, which focuses on children living with HIV/AIDS. Year of the Child deals with charity as well as music, thus we saw that we could easily merge both products.” Leah will be joined by co-host Crystal Cunningham for the live taping that will air in late April/early May.
LIAT is also assisting this effort by providing travel for artists to Dominica. In addition, the event will receive coverage in the airline’s in-flight magazine Zing.
According to Year of the Child Concert Committee member Anna Raffoul, these two major sponsorships bode well for the organization as they will directly result in greater exposure to the public. “Millions of BET Centric Viewers and thousands of LIAT passengers will learn about what we are trying to accomplish with this concert series. It is our hope that they will also become aware of the issues we are dealing with such as at risk youth, HIV/AIDS, education for example, and find their own way of contributing whether it is by attending a future show or donating directly to a charitable organization of their choosing.”
The concert which takes place on March 27th at the Dominica State House Grounds, will feature 4-time Grammy award winning, Cuban-born Trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, Jazz Saxophonist Arturo Tapin of Barbados, Jakoostick Musical Ensemble from Jamaica and local Opera singer marie-claire who is also part of the organizing committee. Guest artistes from Guadeloupe, Trinidad and Dominica will also perform on the show dubbed “Music For Life.” Proceeds will assist the National HIV/AIDS programme in their Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) project as well as Fouche La Vie, whose mission is “to create a supportive, protective, healthy enabling environment for orphans and vulnerable children affected by or infected with HIV and AIDS in Dominica.”
The first Year of the Child Concert, headlined by Reggae artists Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel and Nelly Stharre was held on January 9th at Krazy Koconuts. A check for ECD$20,000.00 from its proceeds was presented to Camp Rescue, an organization providing life skills to at risk youth. The five members of the Year of the Child Concert Series Committee—Cornell Phillip, Anna Raffoul, Emile Raffoul, marie-claire, and Nelly Stharre, are encouraged by the support of the Dominican public towards their efforts to enhance the lives of local children. Look out for upcoming shows throughout 2010 featuring a variety of Caribbean talent at various locations throughout the island.
ABOUT BET CENTRIC’S SPLASH! SPLASH is a Caribbean music and lifestyle show aired on BET Centric Saturday’s at 8AM and 2AM with repeats on Wednesdays at 10PM. SPLASH! celebrates the explosion of Caribbean talent on the international stage by including engaging features and profiles on celebrities and personalities such as Shaggy, Asafa Powell, Lennox Lewis, Konshens, Hal Linton and Shontelle Layne just to name a few. SPLASH! is executive produced by Jamaican Kibwe McGann (former executive producer of BET J’s Wicked Style). The show, which has covered 9 islands withn the region, as well as South Africa, has three hosts shows hosts are: Miss Barbados World 2009 Leah Marville (who also placed 17th in the 2009 Miss World pageant and was crowned Miss World Caribbean Continental Queen 2009, she was also voted Sexiest Woman in the World 2009 by Global Beauties), international actress and model Crystal Cunningham from Trinidad who along with Leah is a Saint International model and Tamara Eniss from Jamaica, formerly of Newstalk 93 FM at UWI Mona Campus. BET Centric (formerly BET on Jazz, BET Jazz and BET J) was launched in 2009 and is available in 28 million homes in the US and an additional 8 million in the Caribbean. It is a general interest channel geared towards African-American adults.
ABOUT LIAT Founded on in 1956, Leeward Island Air Transport (LIAT) operates a high-frequency inter-island scheduled service to 21 destinations in the Caribbean. The airline is headquartered on the grounds of the V.C Bird International Airport in Antigua. liat.com
First they say that he misappropriated Yele Haiti funds by paying himself and associates. He said yes he received money but he charged below market rates for services provided. Now according to Gawker Wyclef Jean is again being accused of having sticky fingers: they allege that a significant amount of Yele funds went to his assistant with whom he allegedly had an affair. Funny how it takes a major earthquake to get people digging for dirt eh. Read Wyclef's tweets about the matter below:
From Gawker.com:
Khatou-Chevassus is currently listed on Yele's web site as the organization's vice president. But according to five sources familiar with Yele's operations, in 2008 she served as Jean's personal assistant--working on his commercial endeavors as well as his charitable ones--and was involved romantically with the former Fugees star.
"She worked for Wyclef on all Wyclef matters," says one source who has worked with Jean in the past. "She did whatever Wyclef needed that day, whether it was related to Yele or not. She would do things like book flights, and she wasn't very good at it. It's a shame that she made that much money." The source said Khatou-Chevassus' salary amounted to more than three times what Suzie Sylvain, Yele Haiti's dedicated program director who is credited by many Yele Haiti insiders with actually keeping the organization running, was paid.
Jean has again come to his defense, this time on Twitter. Some of his tweets from Monday, March 15, include:
•When Donkeys spread rumors about me I dont Respond cause I'm the master that leads them to the Well to drink the Water. Yele haiti 4 life! •I have been spending money n my country since I was a Fugees! why is it now after the Quake I am being Excuse! They fear I'm gaining ground •And don't get it twisted! My Garage could fit half of the people on twitter why would I steal Charity Money! Your gotta come better den dat.
Despite whatever fustration he is feeling, I still think Clef need to handle this with class. Bragging about how big your garge is doesn't help...for all these people accussing you know, is Yele Haiti money that pay for it. All I have to say is I see Wyclef putting in work in Haiti from time. Please keep in mind people when you donate to the Red Cross only 10% or so actually goes to Haiti...so why all this scrutiny on Wyclef. I'm not saying that if he did something wrong that it has to be swept under the table but why we trying to make him a scapegoat????
Today, Monday May 8th is International Women's Day and for some enthused and generous patrons in the courtyard of Star Apples Restaurant in Kingston Jamaica it could not have started on a more positive note. They were attending WOMANBITION: Word, Sound Power-It’s a Mission”, a concert organized by influential women in Jamaican entertainment with proceeds going to two well-deserved charities. As guests mingled, sat in the yard sampling the delicious fare from Star Apple or sauntered over to the bar, they were kept entertained by Tricia Spence AKA ZJ Sparks (Naw wah, I mean--lol) of Zip FM.
Tricia "ZJ Sparks" Spence
Ayeola and Nelly Stharre
The night’s event was for a serious cause and Ms. Enid Courtney took the stage to speak about the contributions that the U.N.I.A nurses Corp has been making throughout communities on the island such as performing routine blood pressure checks; and offering alternative forms of medicine such as yoga and reflexology. “The wealth of a nation depends on the health of a nation,” said Ms. Courtney. Sentiments echoed by the capacity crowd. Ms. Nadia Williams of Mary’s Child took the stand to speak about the pregnant girls that are under her stewardship. At the Kingston location, there are 8 babies with 4 on the way, while in Montego Bay there are 2 with 4 on the way as well. The girls at the facilities range in age from 12-18 and are victims of rape, incest and or carnal abuse. The girls learn skills in the various centers at the facility: IT, cosmetology, home economics and sewing.
Jessica Yap and Etana
The first performance I saw was Jessica Yap who played “Don’t Worry” by Bob Marley and “Wrong Address” by Etana. The songstress, popularly known as “The Strong One’ was visibly moved and shared her sentiments with Jessica. After that instrumental performance came some of Jamaica’s top female vocalists, who shared stories of strength and inspiration with the crowd, with special focus on the girls from Mary’s House. Mary Isaacs performed “Don't Stay Away” by the Skatalites while serenading a very bashful guest on stage. For her encore performance she gave the crowd a taste of Bob Marley's "Nice Time". Keteis Ayunde started off with Miriam Makeba's "Pata Pata" her second song "In The Name of Life" was dedicated to the memory of her nephew who died from Leukemia. A moment of silence was observed in honor of the life of Ras Junior Manning, Chairman of the Ethio-African Diaspora Millennium Union Council, who passed earlier in the day.
Alaine
The multi-talented, host, TV personality and entrepreneur Empress performed some original renditions. She has the most beautiful skin-flawless! Alaine started off her set with “Rise In Love”she also advised the young ladies to get their education as that is something that can never be taken away. She also sang ”Deeper”and an acapella rendition of "The Lords’ Prayer" before closing with "No Ordinary Love”.
Perched on a chair with guitar in hand, Etana sang "Wrong Address" and wow does the crowd love her, they were singing word for word. "Roots" and ”I am Not Afraid” were well received as well. She got the enthusiastic crowd to repeat: ”independent,” “powerful,” ”mi love miself," "real wit it”-definitly capitalizing on the evening's theme. But the most poignant moment of the evening came when she sang her latest song "Free." Etana became so overcome with emotion, she had to turn her back to the crowd. For a moment she could not speak. She eventually told the encouraging crowd that she touched one of the girls and felt nothing-that she was empty. Speaking to the young girls from Mary’s House, Etana said that she wished she could give them her strength, but she gives them her music, her prayers. She said her tears were falling into the earth, going to place that are untouchable. She encouraged these children to believe in their prayers and that the Most High loves them "Just the same.” She told them that everything in Earth is theirs "You no have to sell your soul, sell your heart, sleep wit no body, beat nobody. You going to get it. Some don’t know what to do with it and they think they are better than others. Never you do it. God will take it away. Bad mindedness will bring you into the earth, Mother earth will swallow you. She cited the recent earthquakes around the earth and the unusually cold weather as signs from mother earth. "Everything is possible if you believe it." She finished her song.
When she got on stage Tanya Stephens stated that “Etana take way mi legs dem” referring to the preceding performance. “Mek Dem Talk" was her first song. She also sang a song written for people with HIV called “I’m Still Alive” and implored persons to work together to solve the problem from wherever they were. Now Tanya is known for some tongue-in-cheek lyrics and I think she effortlessly lightened the mood. With songs like “Home Alone (What Would You Do) she said you might have to promise a man bun if he's not attentive to your needs. Like children, if something doesn't work one has to try new methods, don't? Well ladies Tanya says in same way "Your manh ah yuh child so you have fi raise him, right." LOL . She sang favorites like "These Streets" and "It's A Pity" accompanied by the receptive crowd. I love how Tanya Stephens can say things that are so unconventional with a sweet smile and we just cyaan mad at her for that. Like when she jokingly stated how selfish it is of the woman who "finds one good man in a 100 mile radius and doh waan fi share: You wretch!" Oh Tanya how we love you, and your take on relationships.
Gotta give props to D'Angel who interacted with the girls from Mary's home who walked her onto the stage, and even did some impromptu dancing to her song "Blaze." Lady G wrapped up the night's performances with "Breeze Off" and "Nuff Respect"
Earlier performances came from Jah 9, Kai Wakling, Sharon Tucker, Sajoya, Nelly Stharre, and poet Natural Cherry
Though they did not take the stage other female entertainers and personalities such as Una Morgan, Barbee, Kim-Marie Spence and Dr. Carolyn Cooper were present and accounted for. And the men lent their support as well. Photographer Alty Benjamin Jr, singer Protoje, and Charles Campbell Chairman of Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA)-who visited to the stage on more than one occasion to drop money, were observed enjoying the performances.
Alty Benjamin Jr. and Kim-Marie Spence
I was definitely pleased that I attended this very worthwhile event. Kudos to the organisers Denise "Isis" Miller (who was the night's MC), Keteis, Nadia Stanley, Empress and Nelly Stharre. All artists performed free of charge. ZJ Sparks and ZJ Elektra as well as the all female security lent their services for free as well.
Sponsors for the event included: Calabash Heights International, Nature's Eyes, Rassis International, Pleasuremakers Sound & Equipment, Livity Veggie Meals, Stanley and empress Boutique, Star Apple Restaurant, Simiyah House, Mekyah Water, King Alarm, SecurePro Security and Sling Shot Productions (lighting)
Enjoy the clip of the performances and scenes!
2010 International Women's Day theme is "Equal rights equal opportunity progress for all". For more information click HERE!
International Women’s Day will once again be celebrated with the all female showcase dubbed “WOMANBITION” on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at the Star Apples Restaurant – 94 Hope Road, Kingston. The show which headlines Tanya Stephens, Alaine, violinist Jessica Yap among other notable and upcoming females of the entertainment industry, will begin at 6:00pm. The Security Guards the Police Officers, the Poets, Selectors, MC’s and artistes will all be a reflection of the overall theme.
Tanya Stephens one of the performers at WOMANBITION
All patrons attending are being asked to make a donation in CASH OR KIND towards the cause of this event, as there will be no admission…Just make a difference by making a donation.
The Womanbition team, Denise “Isis” Miller, Keteis Brissett, Nadia Stanley, Emprezz Mullings and Nelly Stharre are caring to make a difference in the society through their positive reinforcements and objective actions. Promoted as a holistic experience and a celebration of positive women creating empowerment, “Womnbition” promises to unearth female energies in the true spirit of talent and inspiration.
Everyone is invited to be a part of this majestic occasion with expressions in word, music, and motivations in celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8, 2010). All proceeds will go towards the two charities adopted by “Womanbition”:
1. UNIA Nursing Program – Which is a program run by the Universal Negro Improvement Association dedicated to improving the standard of living for all Jamaicans working in various communities. The program trains young women to provide essential services including infant and elderly care, raising awareness of health and environmental issues affecting their communities, as well as facilitating workshops and clinics for traditional diseases afflicting Jamaican communities such as diabetes, cancer and blood pressure related illnesses.
2. Mary’s Child - This is a home for Teenage mothers which is run by the Mustard Seed Communities that cares for young teenage girls who have become pregnant as a result of incest, rape, abandonment by caregivers or through ignorance and vulnerability. Currently Mary’s Child is caring for 16 teenage mothers and 9 babies. Girls range in ages between 12 and 17 currently. It is located on North Street, Kingston and began operating in 1992. They are in need of personal care items for themselves and their babies, computers, items for their home economics and cosmetology departments.
WOMANBITION 2010 promises an unforgettable and therapeutic aura of moralistic essence.
The revamped "We Are the World" made its world premiere Friday during NBC's coverage of the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics, and a simultaneous worldwide screening of the full, seven-minute version of the music video is planned for Saturday.
The worldwide simulcast on 53 domestic and international channels is planned for 2 p.m. (1900 GMT) Eastern time.
A three-minute version of the video aired Friday. Filmed by Oscar winner Paul Haggis, the video shows images of devastation from the island nation after the January 12 earthquake that has claimed more than 200,000 lives.
It also shows some of the 85 artists who gathered in Los Angeles earlier this month to re-record the 1985 charity anthem.
Teen sensation Justin Bieber opens the song. Also featured are Jennifer Hudson and Nicole Scherzinger, Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion and Fergie. Josh Groban, LL Cool J, Nick Jonas, Lil Wayne (and his auto-tune), Jeff Bridges, Kanye West, Miley Cyrus and Haitian-American singer Wyclef Jean also get screen time.
Michael Jackson, who co-wrote the original hit with Lionel Richie, is shown in a clip from the original music video. In the new version, Jackson, wearing his trademark 1980s pseudomilitary regalia, sings alongside his sister, Janet Jackson.
Richie and fellow producer Quincy Jones introduced the song Friday via video, saying money raised by its sales will provide food, shelter and medicine for the Haitian people.
Fans can download "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" online now. All proceeds will benefit earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti.
Rootz Underground is a band with a heart and is giving their fans the opportunity to download "Power to the People" for free on their website…
Two years since the debut of their last album Rootz Underground is set to release their latest work Gravity. Rootz Underground has ‘livicated’ the first single off Gravity, "Power to the People" to the people of Haiti. After the devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, the Jamaican people and government have rallied in their support of the victims and survivors in our sister land. In an effort of solidarity, and to encourage all who can to assist our Creole brothers and sisters, Rootz Underground has ‘livicated’ their first single from their sophomore album, Gravity.
“We prefer to use the word ‘livicate’ because we feel that dedicate is negative and signifies death. This track is for the survivors, the living; in a time of struggle we all need upliftment.” – Stevie G, Rootz’ lead singer.
With lyrics such as: “Destruction across my nation...no matter where we’re from we’ll still be rising tall...In this a worldwide struggle, mi seh Power to My People”, this track is a apt tribute to the Haitian people and reminisces on their struggle while prompting their ultimate victory.
Rootz Underground is a band with a heart and is giving their fans the opportunity to download "Power to the People" for free on their website www.rootzunderground.com. Additionally, to encourage fans to help the Haitian cause, the band will also be directing visitors of their website to various charity sites who are on the ground helping the people of Haiti. The aim is to allow their fans all over the world to be able to donate money through these charities to help the people of Haiti through an easy web portal.
“The fact is that there are so many people suffering without basic amenities in Haiti that we in Jamaica take for granted. We must give a helping hand in whatever way we can no matter how small. Go to www.rootzundergound.com now and follow the links to the charities listed and help Haiti” – Colin Bass Guitar player for Rootz Undergound
Rootz Underground’s sophomore album, Gravity, will premiere worldwide this summer and follows on from their groundbreaking debut album, Movement. Movement was well received worldwide and cemented Rootz Underground’s position as one of Jamaica’s premiere reggae rock bands. The album was launched at the Hope Gardens band shell on Saturday, May 17 2008 and received a tremendous amount of positive reviews.
With Power to the People Rootz Underground wants to start the year on a right footing, identifying with the plight of their fellow man by doing their part to increase awareness of the Haitian struggle.
Visit rootzunderground.com to download "Power to the People" and follow the links to donate to the Haitian cause.
Celebs came out in full force to support Haiti at BET’s “SOS Save Ourselves: Help for Haiti” telethon which was held Friday Feb. 5th at the American Airlines Arena in Miami. Reportedly the event was spearheaded by Queen Latifah, Diddy and Pharrell who had the support of many stars including Common, Monica, Chris Brown, Wyclef Jean, Debra Lee and more.
The event started of with Haiti's most popular entertainer Wyclef Jean. He was joined by several Haitian artists for his song "Hold On" originally featuring Mavado.
Take a look at the video below of him shaking hands with President Bill Clinton before going into a medley which included his song "Sweetest Girl" featuring Akon, then came Black Dada with Imma Zoe and Haitian Fresh. They broke into Rara and Clef asked the crowd to wave something as they chanted Sak Pase Nam boule!
Here is Justin Beiber who starts off his song "One Less Lonely Girl" in French. He was also joined on stage by Ludacris. Talk about an unlikely pair.
India Arie who had been in Jamaica the night before for the EME awards performed at the event as well.
Nas and Damian Marley performed "The Strong Will Continue" from their Distant Relatives album.
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“This is for the strong,” Nas shouted. “This is for Haiti!”
I am so glad that Chris Brown is on somebody's stage. They boy is talented and I think he deserves to contribute to the event. I love the song "Crawl" which he performed and it is definitely inspiring.
The show ended with a "Lean On Me" sing-a-long by hosts Diddy, Pharell and Queen Latifah. They were joined on stage by the performers and other stars such as Sean Kingston and Gloria Estefan.
Here's some pics from the event below:
Black Dada (brown top) and other Haitian artists join Wyclef on stage
Photo source
Akon with a Haitian flag
Photo source
Chris Brown, Justin Beiber, Sean Kingston and Monica at BET's SOS telethon for Haiti Feb. 5th 2010 at the Ameican Airlines arena in Miami FL. Photo source
The "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon has so far raised $61 million and the album featuring performances from the event is on sale on iTunes and Amazon and already boasts a #1 single in Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris' cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."
According to Rolling Stone:
Friday night’s “Hope For Haiti Now” telethon raised more than $61 million for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck then average of 24 million people watched the entire two-hour special, while an astounding 83 million total U.S. viewers tuned in at various points of the telecast and an additional 5.8 million streamed the special online.the performance that has drawn the most charity downloads on iTunes internationally has been Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris’ duet on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” In fact, as of press time, JT’s “Hallelujah” continues to top U.S. iTunes Top Singles chart, beating out Taylor Swift’s “Today Was a Fairytale”; it’s also the lone “Hope For Haiti Now” performance on the iTunes Top 10 songs chart. The entire Hope For Haiti Now album currently sits at Number One on iTunes’ Albums Chart, and is all but guaranteed the top spot on tomorrow’s Billboard 200 chart. According to Reuters, organizers will continue to collect money from “Hope For Haiti Now” for the next six months.
Miami rapper Trina (Katrina Tayor) says she is giving serious consideration to adopting a Haitian child. I know she has Dominican roots (as in la Republica) but she also says in the statement that she has Haitian relatives, so I guess the situation is hitting very close to home for her.
In an official statement on the subject, she says:
“With the current state that Haiti is in right now, I personally feel like donating monetary and physical possessions is an enormous and vast donation; however, I would like to contribute on a higher level for more personal reasons like being ready to raise/nurture a child and by being involved on a day to day basis,” Trina states.
“The tragic and untimely list of events that have happened in Haiti–even before the recent “Earthquake”–have made me realize how blessed I am as an individual. I want to share that with a child who is a victim in this disturbing time, in addition to adding on to my immediate family circle.”
“I am in the financial position to adopt, therefore, I am taking it into deep consideration at this time. I have always admired other individuals for adopting children not so much for their celebrity status, but more so because of the nurturing and invaluable change and joy it will bring to a child’s life.”
“Lastly, the fact that I am considering adopting a child from Haiti is even more significant to me because a great deal of adopted children come into the United States from larger countries–like China, Russia and African countries. I also have family members that are of Haitian descent.”
The two-hour "Hope For Haiti" telethon aired Friday night on the major networks and dozens of other channels, including MTV, Bravo, and PBS, and was also streamed live online. I personally watched on MySpace. Stars like Brad Pitt, Beyonce, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Reese Witherspoon, Steven Spielberg, George Clooney reached out to viewers to encourage donations for Haiti, following a Jan. 12 earthquake that killed an estimated 200,000 people.
Bono, Jay-Z and Rihanna perform the Swizz Beatz produced "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)"
It started off with Alicia Keys singing "Prelude to a Kiss." I don't know how she held in the emotion because I could tell that she was ready to cry. She even tweeted about that. Some persons have said the event was melancholic and sad but that is what you need in a telethon. You play the saddest songs, retell the saddest stories and show the saddest images so that even someone in maximum security prison will want to share some of his (or her:-) commissary. I loved Coldplay's performance as well as Justin Timberlake's. And Sting. Wow! Oh he made that guitar wail and on top of that he was backed by The Roots! Oh yes I'm in musical heaven. Beyonce's performace of "Halo" was moving and of course Jennifer Hudson delivered with "Let It Be." Wyclef brought in a bit of Haitian Rara music in his performance of "Rivers of Babylon/Yele." Bono, Jay-Z and Rihanna's performance was good, not a waw but I was kinda bewildered why she could not cover herself up for this event. There is a time and place for everything and that was not a moment to make a fashion statement. Just sayin'.
Apart from the performances you had a lot of celebs on the phones taking calls. Haitian actors Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon and Jimmy Jean-Louis were present. We heard Reese Witherspoon and Taylor Swift take calls. And others spoke directly to viewers including Bill Clinton, Mohammed Ali (through a note read by Chris Rock), and George Clooney who spearheaded the entire event.
We also got glimpses of personal stories of people affected by the earthquake. It was so cute seeing Anderson Cooper trying to speak French. Overall I was touched by the event and I am sure many, many, people around the globe are as well.
The $57 million total released Saturday, includes money raised by phone, text and the Web. It does not include donations by corporations or via iTunes, where people are able to buy performances of the event for 99 cents each, or the entire album for $7.99. Those funds also go to Haiti relief.
The "Hope for Haiti Now" CD is the biggest one-day pre-order in the site's history and the new song "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)" by Jay-Z, Rihanna, Bono and the Edge, debuted during the telethon, is the No. 1 single on iTunes.
People can donate via text, phone or through the "Hope for Haiti" Web site for the next six months. Among the organizations who will receive funds from the telethon include Oxfam America, UNICEF, and the Clinton-Bush Haiti Foundation.
Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon(who is from Haiti) and Ellen Barkin
Peep Rihanna and Maxwell's performance on Oprah's show focusing on Haiti and the earthquake relief.
Remember Rihanna's cover of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" can be downloaded on iTunes. All the funds from purchases will go to Haiti relief efforts.
Maxwell who is of Haitian descent performed "Fistful of Tears." His song can be downloaded on iTunes and for the next 48 hrs proceeds will go towards Haiti relief efforts.
Like so many of us around the world, the heartbreaking images coming from Haiti have profoundly affected Barbados-born Rihanna. Now, in partnership with Oprah, Rihanna has made her performance of Bob Marley's anthem "Redemption Song" - live from the stage of today's Oprah show - available for charitable purchase through iTunes. Proceeds from the track will directly benefit organizations spearheading the relief efforts in Haiti, including the Red Cross, UNICEF, Oxfam America and Partners In Health. Visit Rihannanow.com or Oprah.com and click to buy the track, or send "Redemption Song" as a gift to friends and family.
