Ricky Teetz shuns ‘calling attention to generosity’

Dancehall artiste Rickey Teetz detests what he calls the act of ‘publicising philanthropy’, an action that has become even more prevalent in recent times as thousands of Jamaicans continue to struggle to rebuild their lives in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

The artiste, who is known for his philanthropic works of helping the homeless and mentally challenged people of Montego Bay, St James, said he gave back to a lot of persons after the hurricane, but he did not record it.

“Calling attention to your generosity shifts the focus from the person in need to the giver’s own image and self-interest. I could not find the heart to do videos or pictures because no one put themselves in this distress,” he said.

“It was something everyone was going through, everyone was going through something directly or indirectly. I know people who had money in the bank, but could not find cash to buy food or gas for their vehicle because the ATM’s weren’t working.”

Rickey Teetz believes that when you give secretly, that ensures your motives are pure, focused on helping others rather than seeking applause or social status.

“To each his own, I won’t criticise anyone else who does it, but it feels a little bit like exploitation to catch people at their worst time,” Teetz said.

He believes it’s every Jamaicans responsibility to help build back the economy, whether opening back their businesses, or aiding in the return to normalcy.

“We’ve got to add new businesses inviting people to Jamaica, after the devastation of the storm. A lot of persons are left out of jobs and businesses and everyone has to contribute to get things back on track,” he reasoned.

The artiste is getting ready to release his new single High Flight by Streetfame productions,

“I plan to shoot a video for the project in this month,” he said.

To close 2025 on a high, Ricky Teetz performed at Wild Out on December 18 and Bee Hive on December 19.