Los Angeles-based Jamaican artist E-Dee, originally from Clarendon’s Toll Gate community, has channeled his profound concern for his hurricane-ravaged homeland into a new musical initiative. Witnessing the catastrophic impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa in late October, which unleashed destructive winds reaching 185 miles per hour and caused approximately $8 billion in damage, the artist felt compelled to take creative action. His response was writing, recording, and producing the charitable single ‘We A Rebuild’ to support relief efforts.
The devastating storm made landfall on October 28th, particularly ravaging the parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, and Trelawny, with significant damage extending to Clarendon and Manchester. E-Dee, born Everton Dennis, revealed that several of his relatives were among those affected by the hurricane’s destructive path, deepening his personal connection to the tragedy.
As a established figure in Los Angeles’ dancehall scene with three albums and three EPs to his credit, including the recently released ‘Grateful’ EP on Clarendon Records in August, E-Dee maintains strong ties to his Jamaican roots. Beyond his music career, he has expanded into acting with appearances in films including the autobiographical ‘Out The Gate,’ ‘Temperature Rising,’ and ‘Mother In Law.’
All proceeds from ‘We A Rebuild’ will be directed toward recovery and reconstruction efforts in Jamaica, representing the diaspora’s solidarity with those rebuilding their lives and communities after the natural disaster.