NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS… Before the winds of Hurricane Irene left The Bahamas after leaving behind a catastrophic scene in the southern part of the country, local music manager and CEO of Make ‘Em Listen Patricia Chatti was already thinking of a way to help her family and friends in Cat Island.
When the first photos emerged of the damages on the island Chatti, who resides in Nassau, was especially concerned for her grandmother, who is the oldest resident in the settlement of Arthur’s Town. Once she learned that there was no loss of life but a tough rebuilding road ahead for everyone, she decided to call on her musician friends and clients to use their talents to raise money to help.
“When I went to a family reunion earlier this year, I was fired up to breathe life into what I saw as a skeleton of an island overlooked by lawmakers,” said Chatti.
“This was before the hurricane. Now that they are living without so many of the basic necessities as a result of the hurricane, we can’t rely on groups or government completely because when one of us hurt, we all suffer. It’s our obligation as citizens, descendents and humans to help each other.”
A phone conversation with Bahamian musician KB gave Chatti the push she needed to put her plan to help into action.
“KB said, ‘Patricia, if you are thinking of doing something I’m on board’,” recalled Chatti. “He told me that he had confidence that I would put the same professionalism and energy in it that I do with my other businesses and within moments I contacted the Minister of Culture Charles Maynard. Two weeks later, the concert flyers are out and we’ve got over 26 sponsors, 28 artists and two bands stepping up to help. I couldn’t have asked for more!”
Artists performing at the concert set for October 8th, 2011 at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center Carnival Site include K.B, Ronnie Butler, Ancient Man, Terez Hepburn, Novie Pierre, Veronica Bishop, Nita, Willis the Illest, Take OVA, Alia Coley, Sammi Starr, Geno D, Det Angel, Amon Billz, Papa Smurff, Julien, Irate, Christian Massive, Manifest, Peter Runks, Richa Sands, Bigga Tea and Ovadosa , Sasha Dunn, Makariaos Smith, Blitz King, Mario O, Sheena D and Jitana. Bouncing castles, board games tournaments and more will also ensure a fun filled day for all members of the family.
“I am excited because the next time I am in Cat Island I will be there personally delivering the packages of items we collect from the concert,” said Chatti.
“We will have three tents at the concert site to collect clothes, food and cleaning items and even appliances. Some people lost absolutely everything so anything that you aren’t using that is in working condition, please bring so that we can send it to the hurricane victims.”
Chatti also revealed how funds will be allocated from monies received at the concert.
“60% of the monies collected from food will go directly to relief fund thanks to Phil’s Food Services who donated all of the food,” she explained. “40% of the bar will go to the relief fund and all vendors are contributing 10% of their profits to the relief funds. Additionally, 50% of the gate will go to relief fund. All of that money will go directly to the people of Cat Island.”
Chatti also indicated plans to go beyond helping hurricane victims with concerts in other parts of the region to help islanders preserve heritage sites and more.
“We have to lend a hand to those in need,” she said. “If we all do a little it goes a lot further.”
For more information, visit www.makeemlisten.com or call 242-558-2248.
By Arthia Nixon,
The Ambassador Agency
