Etana (ninth left) is joined by Kemar “Flava” McGregor (ninth right) and a representative of the August Town Primary School after handing out several tablets and flatscreen television sets during a visit on Friday.
Reggae singer Etana was ecstatic as she reviewed the One August Town event held at African Gardens in the community on Saturday last.
For the Grammy-nominated daughter of the soil, the all-day event unfolded seamlessly and was a shining example of what can happen when like-minded individuals work together in peace, love and harmony.
In an interview with the Jamaica Observer following the event’s success, Etana, acknowledging the stereotypes that often afflict August Town, said she was immensely pleased that the community continues to rise above all obstacles.
Expressing that much of who she is is owed to the community she was raised in, the singer said she was happy to partner with some of her closest associates to give back.
“When I was a little girl I used to dream of doing this… I used to see my relatives do so much and I always had it in my heart to help in whichever way I could. To see us doing it now on this level, with people I love and trust like Kemar McGregor, my cousins, my aunt, it’s just such an overwhelming blessing,” she shared. “I am extremely proud of August Town. They showed up and we were able to have a successful, mishap-free event. It was one August Town! All the artistes, all the children, and political affiliates from both sides came together for one mission. There were no issues, no fights. It was so peaceful. That was the biggest thing for me. It’s something to replicate and makes us want to aim bigger and do better next year.”
In addition to the fun day which saw the unfolding of numerous activities, including a netball and football competition, Saturday’s One August Town initiative came to a close with a vibrant stage show. The mini concert saw performances from reggae and dancehall stars, among them Aidonia and Beenie Man. The showcase meant community members partied with the stars until way past midnight.
In agreeing with Etana, Billboard King Records’ Kemar “Flava” McGregor, co-organiser of the event, also shared that common narratives about the August Town community never tell the whole story, as the people remain committed to keeping the peace and living in love.
“Seeing the community step up… neighbours helping neighbours, elders offering guidance, the youth volunteering…that’s when I knew the ancestors were walking with us,” he said. “We didn’t just pull it off; we orchestrated a miracle on pure heart, respect, and relentless work. The sheer scale of the turnout… humbled me. Every face was a reminder of why this had to happen.”
He continued: “This means the love and pride in this community are stronger than any negative force. It means the youth who saw Beenie and Aidonia light up that stage now know their dreams are valid, right here. It means the mothers and fathers could bring their children without a flicker of fear to enjoy netball, bounce-a-bout, ice cream and more. It means August Town, for one glorious night, shone exactly as I’ve always known it could.”
Etana hopes such success can be replicated in other inner-city areas across Jamaica. She expressed that if August Town can do it, the mission is not impossible.
“All of Jamaica can do this. We know that the crime rate in the country has been a little less than before, but if we could just for a second realise that we can chose to put our differences aside for the greater good, I think we could replicate August Town’s peace,” she said. “We all want united communities and I pray we can come together to make that happen.”
In addition to Saturday’s fun day and stage show, Etana and McGregor also partnered in the handing over of several tablets to schoolchildren in the community on Friday.