Anthony Malvo To Host Benefit Concert For Tiger

Anthony Malvo, veteran reggae singer and close friend of dancehall deejay Tiger, says fans shouldn’t be apprehensive in donating to Tiger’s medical bill fundraisers.

Speaking to DancehallMag, Malvo noted that there is a popular belief that all artists ‘have money’, but he said this isn’t so.

“Tiger was one of Jamaica’s favourite artists and he had a tragic accident. Him need a strength him cyaa work like him used to. Nothing is going on for him. The money him mek a old one. Dem money deh gone down the drain. He’s not the same person again. Him only do music; he didn’t do plumbing or electrician or learn anything other trade, (and) they hardly give him gigs because of his medical condition. Everybody feel seh once you a artist you always have money; but the reality is that money comes and goes,” he said.

“We haffi try do weh we can do fi him ‘till him can go to the Heaven’s gate,” Malvo added.

Tiger recently suffered a minor stroke. He has fallen ill multiple times since a near-fatal car accident in 1993.  The artist’s family had set up a Real Helping Hands account to raise US$8,000 to cover medical bills.  The account has amassed over US$3,600 from 64 donors so far.

Malvo is spearheading a concert on Sunday at the Premier Restaurant & Lounge, Lithonia, Atlanta, Georgia to raise funds to help cushion the costs. The event will feature Delly Ranx, Pressure Busspipe, Rasfrazier, Little Pinchers, and Dajah.

Malvo said he has known Tiger, whose given name is Norman Jackson, since childhood, so he was very touched when he heard of his condition.

“We grow up inna the Kingston 6 area together, and attended Mona Primary. Years and years me know him. So, when mi see seh him need a strength, me call up everybody and dem seh dem willing fi give a helping hand,” Malvo explained.

Tiger and Malvo recorded the hit Come Back To Me in 1987, which Malvo says is still one of his most popular singles to date.

“The song did big all over the world. Japan, Europe, Jamaica… all bout. To this day a it (the song) people know me by,” the singer added.

Malvo also said the fundraiser is aimed at setting an example for the younger generation of entertainers.

“Everything is out of the goodness of our hearts and it’s also about setting an example for the next generation. This is how you come together when one person is in need to help them out,” he said.

Tiger first hit Jamaican charts in 1986 with the song No Wanga Gut. After his 1993 motorcycle accident, his career suffered a decline.