These patrons watch Shaggy perform on a big screen at the I Dare You concert on Saturday at Jamaica House. - photo by Colin Hamilton

From the moment international mega-star Shaggy made the decision to keep a benefit concert for the Bustamante Hospital for Children and gathered Jamaica's corporate power brokers at his home to share his idea, the emphasis was on quality entertainment in the name of charity.

Shaggy, whose real name is Orville Burrell, has been donating to the Bustamante Hospital for Children since 2001, but this year decided to up the ante for the poorly equipped hospital.

While two of the biggest names - Sean Kingston and J Holiday - failed to show, fans were not robbed of anything as they were treated to a first-class show on the lawns of Jamaica House on Saturday night.

"Oh yes! I enjoyed myself. This show reminds me of a jazz and blues festival. The line-up is diverse and, most important, the people are here supporting a charity concert," said Tamiann Young, public relations executive at Digicel.

Young commended Shaggy's generosity and described the move as inspirational.

Thank you

"I want to say thank you (Shaggy) for coming out and creating an awareness and starting a trend among entertainers and I hope he continues," Young said.

She continued: "This has inspired me to spend more time with my family and work more with people. I actually wanted to study social work at school and everything tonight has showed me that it can work."

The same could be said for Shanae Wright and Sangean Allen. Both women were doing volunteer work for Wisynco Group Limited.

"This show is great and I am enjoying myself. I like the fact that so many people turned out to support the Bustamante Hospital for Children," said Wright.

After the performance of international R&B singer Macy Gray, who thrilled the audience with her hit song I Try, Latoy Williams could be seen in a celebratory mood.

"I guess the vibes make you want to get up and dance. I mean Macy Gray was good, Daville and the others were also good," said Williams, who works at HITZ 92 FM.

"It's not too loud and it was good to see so many banners up, given that it is a charity show. It's a good show and I will come again," she added.