Buju Banton - file

Incarcerated deejay Buju Banton reached out to the Haiti cause yesterday by donating US$1,000 ($89,000)as well as clothes and shoes to Haitian artiste Wyclef Jean's Yele Organization.

Although experiencing problems of his own as he is currently in jail in the United States facing drug charges, the deejay opened up his own closet, clothes and shoes to assist persons devastated by the earthquake.

On Tuesday, Haiti was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake followed by countless strong aftershocks leaving an immense loss of life and devastation. The earthquake was the largest the island has suffered in more than 200 years.

Yesterday, news began circulating on social networking website, Twitter.com, of Buju's deed. However, when THE WEEKEND STAR spoke to a friend of Buju's they confirmed that clothes and shoes as well as a pledge of US$1,000 ($89,000) was made to the Yele Haiti Organization. The source said: "I talked to him about the situation and he said he wanted to help."

They added, "he was very disturbed, saddened and touched by the situation and really wanted to help."

In the wake of the earthquake, Haitian superstar Wyclef Jean (former member of the popular trio, The Fugees), went on a drive to assist his country through his Yele Foundation. According to a report made on his Twitter page, the singer went to Haiti on Wednesday morning. He said: "I am on my way to the DR (Dominican Republic) to get to Haiti. Please urge your councilmen, governors etc: we need a state of emergency for Haiti."

internet donation

Jean has organised a donation page on his Yele Haiti Foundation website. Jean set up the foundation in 2005 to provide scholarships to children in Haiti after the devastation by hurricane Jeanne. On his website, Jean said persons can make a donation by texting 'Yele' to 501-501, which will automatically donate US$5 ($445) to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund.

According to www.rapradar.com yesterday, Yele Haiti organisation has received over 200,000 text donations and has raised US$1 million for the victims of Tuesday's earthquake.

Buju and Wyclef have done several songs together including Party By The Sea and Bed Time Story.

During an appearance in court last week, Banton was denied bail. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. If convicted, Buju faces 20 years' imprisonment.