International Jamaican producer Kemar “Flava” McGregor, head of Billboard King Records and now based in South Florida, has joined forces with the University of Technology (UTECH) Jamaica to deliver a substantial relief initiative across southwest Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.
Through the partnership, McGregor coordinated the donation of approximately 5,000 care packages, which included air mattresses, Starlink units, more than 50 cooking gas-powered generators, tents, and other essential supplies. He also contributed J$2 million to UTECH to support students who were affected.
“We as producers and artistes know how important the people in Jamaica are to us. All of us did not get to where we are today without the people that are affected by the hurricane. So, we’re not going to sit aside and say, ‘OK it’s the government’s responsibility only.’ All of us know that we can play a part we did,” McGregor said Tuesday at UTECH, where the auditorium was filled to capacity with care packages.
McGregor’s decorated career spans work with major international and Jamaican artists including Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, Musiq Soulchild, Mya, Maxi Priest, Sizzla Kalonji, Beenie Man, Wayne Wonder, Gregory Isaacs, Gyptian, Beres Hammond, Etana, Stefflon Don, and many others. He has earned more than 500 Billboard plaques.
The Jamaican-born producer noted that his relief mission had been in motion for nearly two weeks.
“I started out producing music here, in Jamaica, and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am. When I saw the impact and the damage that Melissa caused to Jamaica, like two or three hours after the hurricane, I put on my backpack and headed to store across South Florida, and I said, I have to play my part. So, it took me 10 days,” he explained. He added that the choice of cooking gas-powered generators was intentional after learning that a Trelawny man succumbed to toxic fumes from a generator three weeks prior.
He also urged officials to strengthen support for the entertainment sector.
“It is time for the Government of Jamaica to acknowledge that dancehall and reggae music do not only encourage violence, as is often the narrative, but that there is good within it… it is time for the government to mandate that every equipment musicians and producers bring into the country are tax free. We have spoken (and) we have done—in the time of need— so, it is time that the Jamaican government helps our music industry,” he said.
McGregor and his team are coordinating with Members of Parliament and relevant agencies to ensure the supplies reach the hardest-hit communities. He plans to continue supporting relief efforts for as long as needed.
