While winter holds a tight grip on New York, several of the Caribbean’s biggest stars brought some much-needed heat at Friday night’s Jamaica Strong benefit concert.
Held at Long Island’s UBS Arena on Dec. 12, Jamaica Strong brought together some of the biggest acts across reggae, dancehall and soca music to mount a fundraiser collecting donations for Hurricane Melissa relief. Billboard chart-topping Grammy winners Shaggy and Sean Paul delivered career-spanning hit medleys, new-gen dancehall star Teejay proved the timelessness of his signature hit “Drift,” and reggae giants like Marcia Griffiths and Gramps Morgan kept soul at the center of it all. Dancehall star I-Octane even leapt into the stands to get up close and personal with some lucky audience members. As fans filed into the arena, which has notably hosted an impressive string of Caribbean-headlined, million-dollar-grossing shows this year, everyone banded together for the cause of rebuilding Jamaica — an umpteenth reminder of the West Indies’ unity, especially in the face of natural disasters.
Shaggy Details Post-Hurricane Melissa Relief Efforts in Jamaica: ‘You’re Never Really Prepared for Something Like This’
First announced on Nov. 12, Jamaica Strong also featured performances by Chronic Law, T.O.K, Tessanne Chin, Aidonia, Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, Yaksta Richie Stephens, Mikey Spice, Abby Dallas, Kevin Downswell, Maxi Priest, I-Octane and DeMarco. Noted radio personalities DJ Roy, DJ Norie, Dubbmaster Chris and Dahved Levy shared hosting duties throughout the night. YouTube and Amazon both livestreamed the event, with the four-hour show remaining available to rewatch on the latter platform. Net proceeds from ticket sales and in-stadium donations went directly to the Jamaica Official Hurricane Relief & Recovery Fund.
On Oct. 28, nearly 40 years after Hurricane Gilbert, Hurricane Melissa marked the strongest storm to strike Jamaica in the island’s history. With a death toll of at least 45, according to AP, Melissa’s devastation inspired Jamaica’s biggest stars to jump into action and support their home’s most affected communities.
Friday’s Jamaica Strong concert also preceded a second, separate Nice Up Jamaica benefit show, led by Yellowman and Johnny Osbourne, set for Tuesday (Dec. 16).
Here are the five best moments from the Jamaica Strong benefit concert.
