Gramps Morgan, one of the founding members of Grammy-winning reggae group Morgan Heritage, is excited about his upcoming performance at the Issa Trust Foundations' For The Children Gala, slated for Cipriania's 42nd Street in Manhattan on May 11.
"Anytime I’m in New York City. It’s always a joy to be there, especially to perform. There’s no place like home. This is the city of my birth, particularly Brooklyn, New York so it’s always a joy to be in the city," he shared.
Gramps has performed in NY many times as part of Morgan Heritage. The May 11 gig will be a bittersweet occasion since it will be his first New York performance since the death of his brother and sparring partner Peetah Morgan, who passed on February 25, 2024.
"I’ve lost my best friend that I took to the first grade when we were children. The healing process has started, but it will take many years before a feeling like this subsides. The only thing is that we will learn to live with the pain, but it will never go away," he shared.
For over two decades, Gramps and siblings Una, Mojo, Lukes and Peetah toured the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, North America and South America, performing some of the biggest roots-reggae anthems, including "She’s Still Loving Me," "Don’t Haffi Dread," "Down by the River" and "I'm Coming Home."
"What really gives me strength is because I know what he would’ve wanted. He would’ve told me to get back to work and finish the mission. This is how we were growing up in the 12 Tribes of Israel organization. It was a very militant mindset, so although my heart will take many years to heal, we have to gather ourselves to get back on the battlefield to bring this message of love, peace and unity through reggae music," Gramps explained.
Speaking about performing at the 'For The Children Gala,' Gramps said, "It feels great to be a part of such an amazing event, especially for the occasion of the purpose I believe being an ambassador of the music is one thing, but being a part of helping to bring about the awareness of such a project of this magnitude is important medical care, and the island of Jamaica is very important, and we need more projects like this.
Monies raised from the gala will be used for the construction of the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center, which will provide expertise in cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology, oncology, and mental health support. Vision screening and free glasses will be offered if needed.
"We are passionately committed to providing world-class holistic services that address the physical, mental, and social needs of our young people and their families," said Diane Pollard, President and CEO of the Issa Trust Foundation.
"The “For The Children” Charity Gala will be a night to remember, featuring dinner, dancing, a silent auction and a spectacular show featuring Luciano, Gramps Morgan, Kumar and Third World. We invite you to join us and help us raise funds to complete our mission. Our facility will specifically cater to children and young people, offering pediatric health care and adolescent services to the youth of the Ocho Rios general area with a holistic approach that considers not only the physical but the mental and social support for our young people. We graciously thank those who have contributed to the Issa Trust Foundation in the past. We look forward to your new or continued participation as we collectively shine new rays of light and hope at the dawn of a new day for Jamaica’s youth," she added.