These artists need your help and support. Many of the vintage artists worked under highly unethical and unfair conditions. There were no written contracts and most of the royalties went to the producer, rather than the artist. Some are living very close to poverty despite having made huge hits and contributed significantly to the development of the music today. I am suggesting that you investigate the living conditions of your favorite artists and do what you can to help out, if help is needed.

If you are interesting in supporting vintage artists, here are ways you can help:

Support JAVAA
The JAMAICA ASSOCIATION OF VINTAGE ARTISTES & AFFILIATES (JAVAA)
Oakton Park. Entertainment. Complex;
5-7 Hagley Pk. Rd.
Kingston. 10

Tel /Fax: (876) 908-4464
E-mail: javaa_jm@yahoo.com

JAVAA is always fund raising as it seeks to expand it’s services which include Life Insurance and health benefits for the members as well as education about the business side of the music. They even have a program where they look for donors who can subsidize those artists who cannot afford the membership fee ($10,000 Jamaican annually- about $140 US). Ask about the Adopt-an-Artist program.

Dubplates
If there is a vintage artist who you would like to directly support, request for them to voice you a dubplate/special. Assuming you have a reliable contact, the money goes straight in their pocket and they are left feeling good for having worked for the money.

Local Charities
http://www.alphaboysschool.com

The Barry G Health Foundation
Veteran disc jockey, Barry G, “The Boogey man”, has launched a charitable organization to help educate people about strokes, after, he himself suffered from a stroke and made a full recovery. “In November I will officially launch The Barry G Health Foundation worldwide. This dream came about after my serious illness.”

In addition, the foundation will facilitate FREE Health Checks...Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, for people throughout Jamaica