Young producer in need of blood

Stephanie Lyew

STAR Writer

Son of award-winning producer Mikie Bennett, singer T'Jean, is in need of blood at The University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew.

T'Jean, a producer-turned-artiste, has been battling with aplastic anaemia, an autoimmune disease in which the body fails to produce blood cells in sufficient numbers.

Bennett said that T'Jean is one of several young patients "who have been affected by the disruption caused by COVID-19".

He is unable to get the medication he used to get on a regular basis from the US.

"The response for T'Jean has been quite positive," Bennett told THE STAR. "We are confident that the blood drive is working."

He continued: "The need for blood in the country is really crucial so there can never be too many donations."

Musicians, including Jamila Falak, Kim Nain and Nicky B (T'Jean's brother) have taken to social media to plead to persons to donate to the various blood banks.

Nicky B wrote on Instagram: "So I know that things are a bit crazy right now but my brother [T'Jean] needs blood badly as he has a rare autoimmune disease and his blood count is extremely low at this point. Any and every donation would be greatly appreciated."

Acquiring much of the knowledge from being around his father at Grafton Studios, T'Jean has explored the faculties of music production, engineering, singing and songwriting, and has collaborated on the releases Prayer with Tarrus Riley, Energy with Chronic Law and Never Fail I Yet with Squash.

He has also experienced success with solo singles Dry Bones and Brainwash, released two years ago.