Mel Cooke, Star Writer

Richie Stephens - Contributed

When Richie Stephens organised Sunday's 'Jamaica Sinting' at the Ranny Williams Centre, Hope Road, St Andrew, he intended to launch his Come To Jamaica on home soil after presenting it in Miami and New York in the USA.

He got more than he bargained for, as there were donations to his various charitable efforts. Among them, Darren Janville from Antigua, presented Stephens with "something small, US$1,000 for the kids. A more substantial amount is in the making".

Onstage donation

Rudy 'Benny' Nelson and his wife Mary Nelson also made an onstage donation, while Paul Shoucair of Jamaica Beverages teased the audience into cheering on Fruta before announcing the company's donation of "$100,000 to any charity of Richie's choice".

And at the launch, the official proceedings being a part of a wider free family fun day and concert, many spoke of Stephens generosity and commitment. Irwin Clare of Team Jamaica Bickle said Stephens "believes in Jamaica and demonstrates this not only in his music but his deeds", while Air Jamaica representative Joy Sharr said "when you listen to everyone you understand the special nature of Richie Stephens".

Product endorsements

Guest speaker Clyde McKenzie said he had been doing a casual survey of how many product endorsements Richie Stephens has done and "I cannot think of any other Jamaican artiste who as endorsed as many products..."

"Soft drinks, paint companies, you name it they are willing to associate with Richie."

"If you are not serious about the things you are doing and you are around Richie you have to tek whe yusself," McKenzie said, pointing out that "this is a man who puts his money where his mouth is."

And speaking specifically to Come To Jamaica, McKenzie said "when you listen to Richie you hear passion, you hear a man who is sincere about what he is telling you. He is credible, he is believable ... so when he tells you Come to Jamaica, if you are overseas you will want to come. His sincerity is endearing."

The family nature of the launch, McKenzie said, reflected Stephens as "he is all about family. That is why he has taken this route in launching and promoting this album".

Mento to ska, reggae and dancehall

Stephens beamed as he said "what a wonderful evening".

He pointed out that he had used various genres of Jamaican music, from mento to ska, reggae and dancehall, on Come To Jamaica. He said that many have not liked the direction Jamaican music has taken, but "I'm not here to complain an' put no strain on no brain. All we have to do is do the thing like how it is supposed to be".