Shaggy and Sean Paul are headlining the Jamaica Strong Relief Concert.
This star-studded event will support the island’s ongoing recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane caused nearly $9 billion in damage and displaced more than a million people.
Hosted by the Irie Jam Foundation, the concert will take place on December 12 at UBS Arena.
Organized by the Irie Jam Foundation, Jammins Events, Roadblock Radio, and the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation, the concert “aims to fund housing assistance, medical relief, and long-term rebuilding across regions hit hardest by the October 21 storm.”
“We are the culture. We are Jamaica,” Shaggy said. “Some of your favorite artists wanted to be here today, but this came together so quickly that a lot of them already had commitments. Even if they can’t stand on the stage that night, they’re supporting this in every way they can. And honestly, Jamaica is the biggest artist on this show. Jamaica is the star we’re all showing up for.”
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, said the response required a sense of urgency to pull off the concert.
“It’s incredibly important that cultural leaders and government leaders work side by side,” Clarke told HOT 97 after the press conference. “We can take what we hear from our constituencies straight to the State Department. We can push them to meet the moment. Jamaica has always been an ally of the United States, and so many Americans consider it a second home. Seeing the island struggle like this has moved people deeply.”
“My hope is that this concert—and others like it—keep galvanizing people to give, to stay engaged, and to stand with the people of Jamaica through the long recovery ahead,” Clake continued. As organizers repeated throughout the afternoon, the message was simple. Rebuilding is a global effort, and New York is determined to lead.
Other performers’ include Chronic Law, T.O.K, Tessane Chin, Aidonia, Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, Teejay, Richie Stephens, Gramps Morgan, and Mikey Spice.