ABOUT

MISSION

They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO) is a U.S.-based not-for-profit organization founded by St. Lucian artist Taj Weekes and is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged, at-risk and orphaned children in the Caribbean through sport, enrichment, educational and wellness programs.

FOUNDER - TAJ WEEKES

Founder Taj Weekes is committed to utilizing his talents to bring awareness to the issues of poverty, global warming, HIV/AIDS and diabetes through his music as well as through TOCO's programs and strategic partnerships. In light of positive contributions to the Caribbean community, Weekes has been named a Goodwill Ambassador by the International Consortium of Caribbean Professionals (ICCP) in conjunction with WAFUNIF (World Association of Former U.N. Interns & Fellows), a division of the United Nations.

Born and raised on the island of St. Lucia, Taj Weekes grew up the youngest of ten children in a musical family, singing in church and playing shows with his brothers in local parish centers around the island. Soccer was also a constant passion for him as he grew up.

In his late teens, Weekes left home to fulfill his musical ambitions in North America. There he formed his band Taj Weekes & Adowa and multi-media company Jatta Entertainment. To date, the band has released two full-length albums to critical acclaim, Hope & Doubt and Deidem, and look forward to the imminent release of A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen, an acoustic reggae album due out in 2010.

Taj Weekes' commitment to illuminating the plight of the voiceless and the oppressed is evident in the message of his music as well as through his efforts to give back to the Caribbean community through TOCO.

For more information on Taj Weekes and Adowa, visit www.TajWeekes.com and www.TajAndAdowa.com.