FFTPJ Band Camp Graduates Record 65 Students, Backed by Sean Paul Foundation

The programme graduated a record 65 students while celebrating 16 years of developing young Jamaican musicians

Drummer Kemar ‘Spanky’ Liking; FFTPJ Development and Marketing Manager Marsha Burrell; and Sean Paul Foundation representative Steve Wilson

Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFTPJ) celebrated a major milestone as 65 students graduated from its Band Camp on Thursday, August 20, marking the largest graduating cohort in the programme’s history.

The occasion also celebrated 16 years of the initiative using music to impact young lives in Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town, and communities across Jamaica.

Adding to the significance of the milestone was the recognition of 19-year-old Daina Craig, a graduate of the FFTPJ Band Camp programme.

“Band Camp is a lot more than just about music. It’s a space for the drums to drown out your worries, for the melodies you create to weave into a sanctuary - a safe place to create”

Denise Jefferson, Executive Director of Food For The Poor Jamaica, praised the graduates for their commitment throughout the four-week camp, noting that music helps build confidence, teamwork, creativity and discipline.

he also recognised Band Camp graduate Daina Craig, who placed third in the 2026 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Star Competition, describing her achievement as an example of the programme’s impact on young Jamaicans. “Your commitment, discipline and hard work have brought you to this moment. Music teaches much more than how to play an instrument - it builds confidence, teamwork, creativity, discipline and perseverance,” Jefferson said.

For the past three years, the Sean Paul Foundation has supported Band Camp through financial contributions and equipment, helping the programme continue developing young musicians.

Food For The Poor Jamaica Band Camp graduating class for 2026

Foundation representative Steve Wilson said its continued involvement reflects a belief in the programme’s wider purpose and impact. “Band Camp is a lot more than just about music. It’s a space for the drums to drown out your worries, for the melodies you create to weave into a sanctuary - a safe place to create,” Wilson told the graduates. “We know that Band Camp is a place where melodies breathe life into dreams and add volume to futures that were before thought to be impossible.”

Wilson said this year’s record graduating class was particularly encouraging, describing the turnout as a sign that the programme is making a difference. “Every year I worry it will be a few people, and when I see this crowd, it makes me feel like we are making a difference,” he said.

Among the standout graduates was Kayisha Skeene, who was named Most Outstanding Keyboardist despite having never played the instrument before joining the camp. “I wasn’t really too excited on the first day because I have a problem making friends, but as the weeks went by, everyone became a family to me,” Skeene said. “Winning Most Outstanding Keyboardist, I was shocked! I’d never played a keyboard before, and in three weeks I caught up to those who were there before.”

Mikey Bennett (right), renowned music producer and composer, music stalwart Desmond ‘Desi Roots’ Young (L) and saxophonist Dean Fraser.

Band Camp Director Jeffery Brown credited the Sean Paul Foundation’s support with helping make the programme more accessible, covering meals, transportation assistance and instructor stipends to ease the financial burden on participating families. “Their [SPF] generous support helped ensure the children are well taken care of by providing meals, transportation assistance, and stipends for the instructors,” Brown said. “This support relieved some of the financial challenges faced by the campers and their families, allowing the children to attend camp and fully participate without worrying about basic needs.”

Over nearly a decade, the partnership between Food For The Poor Jamaica and the Sean Paul Foundation has supported thousands of young Jamaicans across multiple programmes, creating opportunities for youth to develop their talents and reach their potential.