Saint Ann, Jamaica-born singer, Romain Virgo, has come a long way since winning the 2007 Digicel Rising Stars competition. The singer has since released three albums on the VP label and has seen his cover version of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,” topped many Caribbean music charts.
But it is Virgo’s decision to use his talent and voice to give back that has him making the pages of CNW.
Helping athletes going to Penn Relays
The 28-year-old singer has decided to help young high school athletes from the Caribbean, who will be participating at the Penn Relays later this month.
Based on an arrangement with VP Records and Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB), the not-for-profit organization that assists Caribbean athletes who travel to Pennsylvania for the annual Penn Relays, every download of Virgo’s song, ‘Still,’ from his album ‘Lovesick,’ will see part proceeds going to assist athletes at the relay carnival this year.
“People like Romaine Virgo embody the imagery that is important to carry forth the brand,” commented TJB Founder, Irwine Clare, Sr., O.D. “He is a young man, and he produces the type of music that resonates well and sells well.”
TJB ambassador
Clare added that Virgo will be one of TJB’s special ambassadors at the Penn Relays this year from April 26-28 in Philadelphia.
“We hope to have him there with us,” Clare added. “It creates an opportunity for him because he will be exposed to the college campuses, and there are many Caribbean students at various campuses in the north, east. We hope that it becomes a win-win.”
Virgo for his part said he will be performing at an event for TJB also in April at Penn in addition to donating part of the sale of the single to the cause.
Performing at Best of the Best
Next month, will also be performing at The Best of the Best Concert in Miami and Sierra Nevada World Music Festival and Groovin in the Park in Queens, NY this June.
Since 1994, Team Jamaica Bickle has played an active role in the development and care of Caribbean athletes through its hospitality initiative. The non-profit raises money annually to provide meals and other refreshments, physical therapy, chiropractic, mentorship and medical services, ground transportation: daily hotel to stadium shuttle and airport transfers for arrival & departure and subsidized hotel rates to runners at the Penn Relays. A stellar crop of athletes have benefited from TJB, including Olympians Veronica Browne-Campbell and Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce.
