A myriad of artistes who form the crèam of the crop in St. Lucia’s music industry are gearing up for what just might be the island’s biggest show of musical solidarity tomorrow.
The nation is being asked to show up in large numbers at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground from 2:00 p.m. to witness and support the “Leeboration” Concert in aid of local artiste/ producer/song writer Francis “Leebo” de Lima.
De Lima was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer and as a result, had to be hospitalised for treatment.
Almost instinctively, local artistes came together to form the “Artistes for Leebo” movement, which features dozens of popular musicians pledged to perform for free and to put 100% of the proceeds from the event towards de Lima’s mounting medical fees.
Speaking at a gathering of some of the featured artistes and the local media at the GIS headquarters on Monday morning, Carmy Joseph who is the head of the Public Relations Committee for the movement said; “One of the things that you remember about St. Lucia is actually being sung about in a calypso by Robbie…he says Saint Lucia is a Dead Hero’s Society, it’s only after you’re dead that we remember and we honour you. One of the great things about this movement happening right now is the fact that it was propelled by Francis “Leebo” de Lima, a man who has spent a lot of his life trying to build the music industry in Saint.Lucia, trying to unite the music industry in Saint Lucia and trying to grow this music industry. His illness has made all of us come together in unity and love for him. I think it’s probably the highlight…the only good to come out of this really bad situation.”
A number of the artistes present on the day stuck to their vow in pledging either 100% of the ECCO royalties or donating a minimum of $250 towards the cause, by signing their consent at the conference.
vement include; Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, Rob “Zi” Taylor, Barbara Cadet, Arthur, Ezra d’Funmachine, Sedale, Superman HD, Teddyson John, Claudia Edward, Linda “Chocolate” Berthia, Michael Robinson, DYP, and Ashanti to name a few.
The action packed event will also feature DJ HP and the Kronic Heights Crew (of which de Lima was a member), who will perform a special tribute to their multi-talented friend.
In addition, there will be performances by the Silver Shadow Dancers, Aimran Simmons of the Diamond Steel Orchestra and a modelling show.
A live telethon aspect of the show will begin at 4:00 p.m.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at The Cell Castries, Baywalk and Vieux Fort as well as Steve’s Barbershop at the cost of $20.
Children under 12 enter free and the event that will include face painting and a bouncing castle for their enjoyment.
A raffle of donated items from Anthony’s Jewelry, Diamonds International, St Lucia Distillers and Sandals will also be held.
