“Football ‘n’ Style” Black History Month Benefit Concert & Celebrity Soccer Match, February 22, 2014, Jamaica

Celebrating Black History Month, “Football `N’ Style” is an annual fundraising event consisting of a celebrity soccer match and stellar concert in aid of youth sports programs and the building of a sports complex for the parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica.  Held on February 22, 2014 at Paul Bogle High School in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, this innovative educational and athletic initiative was founded in 2002 by international reggae artist, Bushman, and his Burning Bushes Music.   The major sponsors are the group of top notch artists that lend their football and musical skills to keep you thoroughly entertained.   Admission is $1,000 adults, $500 for children.

Football.  “Football `N’ Style” is a day and night event that is sure to be fun for all.   The soccer match kicks off at noon with four teams in a D Cup School Football knockout competition.  Next is the International Reggae Signature Artists versus St. Thomas Masters and Celebrities match which includes former national and international football stars.    

Concert.   Following the soccer match will be an amazing star-studded stage show featuring Sizzla, Queen Ifrica, Ninjaman, Capleton, Beenie Man, Bushman, Lt. Stitchie, D’Angel, Busy Signal, Idonia, Ishawna, Chronixx, Black Rhino, Fantan Mojah, Hezron, Tasha T, Chuck Fenda, Ishawna, Jah Cure, Macka Diamond, Popcaan, Iba Mahr, Ghost, Nitty Kutchie, Ginjah, Peter Metro, Major Mackerel, Mr. Lex, Duane Stephenson, Twins of Twins, Chezidek, Uton Green, Thrilla U, Lukie D, Zema and many, many more – this is an event not to be missed!  Live performance and sound selectors will conclude the night.

Sports Complex.  On observing the lack of resources for youth in his home parish of St. Thomas and the negative impact this has on the children’s future, Bushman envisioned this event to raise money and give back to the community’s most marginalized and vulnerable.  This gave birth to the conception of the multipurpose sports complex which will be fittingly named after National Hero Sir Paul Bogle who led the uprising against poverty and injustice faced by the people of St. Thomas and the wider Jamaica.

No other school sport except the regional school football competition is currently recognized in St. Thomas due to the lack of resources.   The sports complex is a means to fill this gap and create a much needed pathway for youth development through sports. Partnering with the government and corporate Jamaica, the proposed site for the Paul Bogle Sports Complex is the old Goodyear Factory which will offer multiple sports activities in addition to providing jobs for its construction and maintenance.