ensembles and lyming as supporters of the ISSA Trust Foundation’s For the Children charity concert turned out in their numbers to support a worthy cause. The event, which was headlined by reggae artiste Orville Burrell, more popular known Shaggy, was the latest installment of the well-supported concert series that was created by the foundation to raise awareness and funds towards the completion of the Mary Issa Child and Adolescent Centre, a paediatric care facility in Richmond, St Ann, as well as in support of several other charitable undertakings.

The ISSA Trust Foundation itself is celebrating two decades of existence, and over the years the For the Children event — a marquee activity for the organisation — has brought several big-name performers to its stage with the likes of Michael Bolton, Air Supply, Third World, Koffee, Tessanne Chin, among others. This year’s event delivered another spectacular experience for the hundreds who were spread across the resort’s perfectly manicured Lily Pond Lawn as “Mr Boombastic” delivered an energetic and interactive performance.

Shaggy, a Diamond-selling global superstar, graced the stage at approximately 10:35 pm, his signature, baritone-rich voice introducing his arrival with the unmistakable melodies of his popular hit Church Heathen. His catalogue of hits was well-manoeuvred throughout his well-executed set which also included a special appearance from Maxi Priest, with the pair thrilling the audience with their 2019 release, It’s Alright. During his hour-long performance Shaggy had patrons on their feet dancing and eagerly capturing the moment through videos and photos, in what was clearly a well-received set.

Earlier, soulful songstress Lila Ike delivered a powerful and well-paced performance with songs such as Thy Will, Where I’m coming from and Solitude. Wrapped in a lime green, one shoulder ruched gown, Lila Ike certainly lit up the stage with her outfit and delivered an equally bright performance, taking command of the stage and never putting a foot wrong throughout what was another impressive set. (Jamaica Observer/ Garfield Robinson)