Bad Gyal Marie turns beats into relief

Following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, Japanese DJ and music promoter Bad Gyal Marie has been able to mobilise the reggae-loving communities in Japan to assist with the relief efforts.

The Japanese have so far sent $2 million, all of which will be used to purchase care packages for those in need.

"It's about love, respect, and unity between two cultures -- Japan and Jamaica. It's a story of people helping people, across the ocean, through music and heart," Bad Gyal Marie, whose given name is Marie Sano, told THE STAR.

She was at home in Kingston with her Jamaican-Japanese daughter when Melissa struck. Afterwards, Marie started seeing videos and photos of the devastation in the west on social media.

"I honestly, honestly, can't believe mi eyes. St Elizabeth, St James, Westmoreland, all these parishes I love so much [are] totally damaged. I see people crying, it broke my heart. So I just keep thinking there must be something I can do."

Friends from Japan started asking how they could help, and that's when Marie decided to start the relief project.

"I also remember the big earthquake in Japan back in 2011 and so many people from around the world helped us at a time. And now I feel like it's my turn ...our time to give back. When I post the image on social media calling for support, the response was huge. Even some well-known Japanese artistes and DJs shared it and within just a few hours, the post had over 600 shares on Instagram," Marie said.

She explained that international transfers to Jamaica can be quite difficult, therefore the most realistic way was to let people send donations to her Japanese bank account. She would then use the money to buy what's needed locally. In a few hours, approximately $700,000 was raised, and by the next day it passed $1 million, and is still growing.

"Some Japanese artistes have even started collecting donations during their live shows, and a few Japanese owners of restaurants and bars have a set of donation boxes for customers to contribute. I am grateful for all the love, and from Japan," she said.

"It has made me so emotional. Jamaica and Japan are so far apart, literally on the opposite sides of the world, but through this project, it feels like we are one family. I'm so thankful to everyone in Japan for their support. It makes me feel a big sense of responsibility to make sure I deliver properly and from the heart," she added.

Marie, who emphasised that the warmth and love from Jamaicans is what keeps her grounded and inspired every day, will start in Montego Bay. She has joined forces with trusted local promoters, "the team behind '90s Joyride at Pier One", and there are plans to expand the relief efforts to St Elizabeth, Westmoreland and other affected areas.

"I have also been getting advice from the mayor of St James as we check which areas need help the most and what kind of supplies are really needed. As someone who has been embraced by the people of Jamaica and blessed to live and create music here, I feel a deep responsibility to stand with this country in hard times," she said.