Exco Levi speaks out on upcoming Benefit, “Caribbean Relief and Rhythms”

On September 27, The Phoenix Concert Theatre will host a benefit for the Caribbean Islands which were hardest hit by Hurricane Irma. The benefit, “Caribbean Relief and Rhythms” will feature talent from Toronto and the Caribbean with proceeds going to local charities in the islands that are working tirelessly to provide aid.

If you would like to attend the event, be sure to grab tickets HERE. Doors will open at 8 pm.

Caribana Arts Group has also arranged for a container to be set up at the venue, to collect essentials for the displaced residents of Barbuda. Items needed include diapers/wipes, baby food, dried and canned milk, new baby clothes, baby bottles, soap, disinfectant, pillows, sheets (all sizes), blankets, toiletries, sanitary pads, underwear (children, males, females), large garbage bags, medical supplies, first aid kits, shaving kits (male/ female), new towels, batteries, toothbrushes, toothpaste, flashlights.

Also, even if you are unable to attend the event, you can donate, cheques should be made payable to Caribana Arts Group and sent to:

TD Bank
Transit #1020
Account # 5526306
55 King Street West
Toronto, ON
M5K 1A2

We had the chance to speak with one of the performers, Exco Levi about the event, and the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma.

First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Exco Levi, born in Jamaica, living in Canada for 12 years.  I’m a global ambassador for Reggae Music, have won 5 JUNOS for best reggae recording, and nominated 6 times.  My sophomore album, which will be released in November is called NARRATIVE, watch and listen for it.

You will be performing at the Caribbean Relief and Rhythms benefit at The Phoenix Concert Theatre on September 27, what can you tell us about the cause?

Growing up in the island of Jamaica, I have experienced hurricanes, nothing as deadly and serious as those of the 2017 hurricane season, so I am aware of how damaging they can be.  I remember hurricane Gilbert vividly.  We write music about our difficulties, the song Gilbert was a big hit.  I grew up hearing the lyrics “51 storm mi never born” That storm was also damaging to Jamaica.  I did not have to think twice about the opportunity to contribute my gift to assist my brothers and sisters from the Eastern Caribbean.  I would like to encourage everyone reading this to come out and help the relief effort.  If you like the music of the island nations or have visited any of the islands feeling the pain of the power of nature.  Come out and support – give relief as you rock to our rhythms.

There are some great talent from Toronto and the Caribbean performing alongside you, care to elaborate on who else will share the stage?

Well, it is a reggae, soca thing happening.  Respect to my fellow artists Kerwin DuBois and Lyrical and DJs who continue to spin the rhythms of the islands on their wheels of steel – yeah man

What inspired you to take part in the benefit concert?

Anything I can do to help I will.  My manager told me about this effort and I said yes to raising funds and supporting my brothers and sisters in the islands.  I know African people are strong and resilient, we have survived slavery and will survive Irma

Has the devastation of Hurricane Irma affected you personally?

Not personally, but spiritually I strengthen my brothers and sisters.

Because of the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma, there are many essentials needed, can people donate without going to the show?

Yes, they can donate without attending the show.  This is not a one-off venture, we are talking about rebuilding nations. They have been devastated.

In addition to taking part in the benefit show, do you have any upcoming projects or exciting news you wish to discuss?

Watch for my album NARRATIVE in November.  Exco Levi is expanding my bandwidth and core of supporters.  If you have never heard me, please listen and join the movement.

Connect with Exco Levi:
Facebook
Twitter