Helping a friend in need

Thu, Oct 13th 2011, 10:48 AM

Some of the country's top gospel and urban artists will raise their voice in song at a tribute and benefit concert for one of the The Bahamas' beloved gospel legends, singer and songwriter, Kevan "Kevi Kev" McKenzie, who has been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer.
Many of the performers are expected to deliver renditions of some of Kevan's hit gospel singles -- "Sunday Christian," "Junkanoo is Mine," "Together Forever" and "They Don't Know You Till Ya Dead" from his 20 years in the business during the concert scheduled for Friday, October 14 at the Diplomat Center.
Artists confirmed to participate include Alia Coley, Adrian Edgecombe & Harvest Generation, Al Gibson,  Ambassador Devon A.Rolle & the Barak Movement, Bishop Denczil Rolle, Bishop Lawrence Rolle, Charles Drake & CMA, Christian Massive, DJ Counsellor,  Dynamite Daisy and Edison Sumner & VOP.
Evangelist Emily Williams (formerly Sweet Emily), Gospel Impressions, Jackie Taylor, Karrington McKenzie, Kenyatta Taylor,  Landlord, Manifest, Mother Rachael Mackey, Nehemiah Hield, Richa, Sammi Poitier "aka" Sammi Starr, Shaback, Simeon Outten, Sweet Revival, Terrance Forbes, The Rahming Brothers, Vanessa Rolle and Vision will also take to the stage under the theme "Come Together -- A Tribute Concert in Honor of Bahamian Gospel Legend Kevan 'Kevi Kevi" McKenzie."
McKenzie is considered by many as one of the more socially conscious songwriters in the country boldly addressing many of the nation's social challenges in his music, in songs like "Too Much Crime," "Save Our Nation," "Don't Throw It Away," "Be A Man," "Parents Lend A Hand" and "Why Daddy, Why?"
Funds raised from the benefit concert will go towards McKenzie's medical bills, as he has recently lost his health insurance coverage and has to pay for chemotherapy treatments and doctor visits at the cost of $19,000 every three weeks.
McKenzie is described by many as one of those artists who gave unselfishly over the years performing free of charge at many churches and for many charitable organizations. Now his colleagues in the music industry say it is their time to give back to someone who has given to so many.
He is not the only McKenzie blessed with enormous talent.  His younger brother is artist and producer Dillon McKenzie better known as "D-Mac," who has produced many of the top Bahamian hits on radio including "Ghost Move," "Party in the Back Yard," and "Roach on My Bread."
McKenzie's sons Karrington and Antuwan are also singers and no doubt will follow in their father's footsteps. The McKenzie family has truly made an impact in both the local gospel and secular music industry.
This highly anticipated concert is being produced by Kevin "Minister K" Harris, CEO of Harris Media Group and president of the Marlin Awards and Minister Vaughn Miller, formerly of AM 1240.
A number of corporate citizens have responded positively to the cause and have signed on as sponsors -- Bahamas Faith Ministries (Diplomat Center), Zamar Group of Companies, MOVI, Ticket Masters, Fusion Graphics, Spirit Gospel 92.5FM, More 94.5FM, GEMS Radio 105.9FM, 101.9 Joy FM, Love 97, Stars 106.5FM, Glory 93.3FM, JCNTV, Consumers Choice Auto Parts, Fine Threads, Amazing Art, T.Glinton Photography, Complete Printing & KLR Management Group.
Tickets are priced at $10 in advance, $12 at the door, and children 12 and younger, $5 at the door. Ticket outlets include: 100% Bible Bookstore (Mall at Marathon), 100% Bible Bookstore (Madeira Street), The Christian Bookshop (Rosetta Street), Faith Life Book & Music Center (Carmichael Road), Logos Bookshop (Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza) and Bucks Gospel (Wulff Road).  For additional information, contact event organizers Kevin Harris (Harris Media Group) at 395-9984 and Minister Vaughn Miller at 525-9191.
 

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