Following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, the island’s biggest music stars are joining forces for a historic event! Grammy Award winning superstar Shaggy, through his Make a Difference Foundation, has teamed up with the Jamaica Strong NYC coalition—led by George Crooks of Jammins Event, Robert ‘Bobby’ Clarke of Irie Jam Media, and Kacy Rankine of Roadblock Radio LLC—to present the “Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert.” This powerful show of unity is set for Friday, December 12, 2025, at the UBS Arena in Queens, and the goal is massive. Crooks, the concert’s co producer, declared, “Our goal is to make at least a million dollars for the Jamaica Strong Relief Concert. That is the minimum we’re looking for at this event.” Kacy Rankine emphasized the collective strength of Caribbean communities across the region, stating, “This is New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania pooling our resources. We’re going to send something big to Jamaica.”
The all star lineup is absolutely incredible, featuring Shaggy and Sean Paul, alongside KES, Inner Circle, Ky Mani Marley, Tessanne Chin, Aidonia, Chronic Law, T.O.K., Gramps Morgan, Richie Stephens, Mikey Spice, Marcia Griffiths, I Octane, and gospel standout Kevin Downwell. This concert is clearly a huge cultural moment for a powerful cause. Bobby Clarke announced that the patriotic anthem “Jamaica Strong” by rising artist Aiesha Barrett has been chosen as the official theme song for the event. Aiesha, who is the daughter of iconic Wailers bassist Aston “Familyman” Barrett and niece of legendary drummer Carlton “Carly” Barrett, was inspired to write the song after seeing the images coming from home when the storm hit. She said, “’Jamaica Strong’ became my way of giving hope back to the island.” The song has already surpassed one million views across Facebook and Instagram, a response Aiesha attributes to its powerful emotional resonance. Veteran singer Richie Stephens, who will perform, has also recorded his own tribute song, “Hurricane,” and shared that he plans to perform it for patrons on December 12th.
This benefit concert is a must attend event, not just for the incredible music and iconic lineup, but to be a part of a movement dedicated to the island’s recovery. Tickets for this historic night of unity and purpose are available now via Ticketmaster.