Jamaican dancehall artiste, Rygin King, says he is seeking the public’s help in helping people with disabilities in need in Jamaica.
The DJ, whose real name is Matthew Smith, said he also plans to launch an official charity project in the future.
King told her followers in an Instagram video on Tuesday that the campaign will raise funds to send wheelchairs and other items to people with disabilities living in the country.
King is now paralyzed and uses a wheelchair after being shot during the 2020 attack in Westmoreland.
The dancehall star, who rose to fame with his smash hit “Tuff”, said his decision to seek out people with disabilities came after many of them, especially those in wheelchairs, reached out to him.
“It’s a public announcement… I’ve needed help for some time now… A lot of people in the wheelchair community have reached out to me and said, ‘They’re supplying,'” King said.
The St James native said such people would also need financial assistance.
“But look, I can’t do it alone… because I noticed I was getting a ton of DMs (direct messages) from them… I can’t save everybody, but at least they can ask for my help,” King said.
He then shared his idea to start a charity that would provide items such as wheelchairs, diapers and urinals to Jamaicans living with disabilities.
King explained that she couldn’t raise the money alone because of her own expenses, including physical therapy and childcare.
“I woke up this morning feeling fine in spirit but weak in body so I have a request. Anyway, if anyone sees this and can help me please send me a direct message so I know what to do,” the artist pleaded.
In May 2020, King was driving in Ashton, Westmoreland, Jamaica when gunmen began firing into her vehicle. She was shot along with a female and male passenger.
After the incident, King kept a low profile until 2022, when he finally publicly acknowledged that he was paralyzed.
In addition to “Tuff,” King is known for other dancehall hits such as “Therapy,” “No Emotion,” “Mission,” “Pop Mi Collar” and “How Me Grow.”
King is set to perform at the first ever Caribbean Music Festival in Barbados on April 28, 2024.