Music aficionados across the world, especially those who appreciate conscious reggae music have heard of THIRD WORLD band. To be sure, during my 22 years with the band from 1976 to 1997, our lead guitarist/cellist Stephen (Cat) Coore, keyboardist Michael (Ibo) Cooper, percussionist Irving (Carrot) Jarrett, bassist Richard (Richie) Daley, drummer and percussionist William (Willie) Stewart, and vocalist William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke became household names, not just in Jamaica and the Jamaican diaspora but beyond.

Saying this is not meant in any way to diminish the legacy and contributions to the band of those who came before and after. Those like Milton "Prilly" Hamilton and drummer Carl Barovier. But I think it is fair to say that THIRD WORLD achieved its greatest creative heights over the 22 years that the six members I named previously remained integral to the core of the band. During that time, we created 13 albums — including five (5) Grammy-nominated projects — with global hits like "Now That We Found Love.”

I will always be grateful for my experience with THIRD WORLD. But one of the things that became clear to me was the call of the Spirit in a new direction. By 1997, that call was LOUD. As was the overwhelming conviction to give back to the next generation and pay forward what had been so graciously — and I believe, divinely — bestowed upon me. In obedience, I came to understand and see that there was, indeed, life after THIRD WORLD.

Many of you are already familiar with the work that I do now through my Embrace Music Foundation and its annual flagship international program “Rhythms of Africa — Music Around The World,“ housed for the past several years at the Miramar Cultural Center in Florida. But what feeds this program is Embrace Music Foundation’s signature outreach, Rhythms In Conversation / Introduction To Percussion Workshop, which is now an entrenched music program within the school system of Broward County in Florida. At the annual Rhythms of Africa concert, we showcase the youth who have been training in our Rhythms In Conversation / Introduction To Percussion Workshop under my direct tutelage and give them the opportunity to demonstrate their new-found percussion skills alongside nationally and internationally recognized guest artists, musicians and dancers.

Our Rhythms of Africa program has highlighted over a thousand children within a 12-year period. However, what you may not know is that, within that time period, we have worked with over 30,000 kids in one-hour workshops in elementary, middle, high school, and colleges — introducing at-risk, foster and delinquent kids to percussion in workshops that are fun and up-lifting. The program also includes a “one of” motivational workshop annually for children living with autism, anxiety, and depression.

The ripple effect of such a program within our own schools should not be underestimated as music has always been a cathartic promoter of wellness. Music has a unique ability to break barriers, promote healing, build confidence, encourage emotional expression, and inspire everyone it touches. Therefore, it is imperative to keep music alive and thriving in our schools.

What becomes clear to anybody who has seen our work at this level is that character-building is as important a component of this program as is the elevation of self-esteem and acknowledgement that greater achievements can be accomplished as part of a team. Such are all facets that we should not ignore in an environment in which so many of our youth need redirection and to be refocussed away from crime and oft-useless pursuits such as video games and social-media “doomscrolling,” which have been proven to increase anxiety, depression, and physical fatigue.

The passion for music that I bring is infectious, and to see the effect on the youth who are directly engaged in the programs is deeply rewarding. The testimonials of these children are riveting and inspiring and it becomes obvious very quickly that the influence of this program goes well beyond learning an instrument.

Now, may I tell you bluntly that Embrace Music Foundation needs your financial support?

Financial grants that I have worked tirelessly to secure have been drying up in recent years — each year successively more so than the last. We have managed to keep going, but the situation is at a critical place where I humbly ask that you please do not turn away from this appeal. To be truthful, this is not about me or my wife. It is about the children. The children whose faces haunt my dreams and whose testimonials resonate within my ears when I am tempted to throw in the towel.

The next iteration of “Willie Stewart” — “Willie Stewart & Friends” — is coming. We have already released our band new single “Have a Little Faith,” which I have shared with you, and there’s more to come. However, this appeal is from my heart — for the children.

Please help in whatever way you can. If each of the 6.4K followers on my Facebook would feel led to donate $25, we could meet our financial obligations for this year.

My daughter, Kezia (Salmon), set up a GoFundMe fundraiser on February 9, 2026 to help in this regard. But I must tell you, the response mek mi shame like dawg. It has only achieved 9% of its $4K goal with $350 in donations.

Seriously, can we fix this? Can I count on YOU?

Please know that I would deeply, deeply appreciate your help. For the children, mi nuh shame fi beg. Indeed, now that we’ve found love, what are we gonna do with it” were not just mere words to me. What do they represent to YOU?

PLEASE GIVE. DONATE. SHARE THIS POST WITH THE GOFUNDME LINK.

And as you give, please let me know your thoughts.

Blessings, my friends, and thank you in advance.

Wille.

Jah Love is One Love.