Some of the biggest stars in reggae and Caribbean music are joining forces in New York City for a major fundraising push to support Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa.
The Jamaica Strong Relief Concert is set for Friday, December 12, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, with organizers hoping to raise $1 million to aid rebuilding and restoration efforts across the island.
Proceeds from the event will go toward Jamaica’s official Hurricane Relief & Recovery Fund, along with other registered charities supporting families affected by the storm.
“This is New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania — the whole USA coming together,” said Kacy Rankine, co-producer of the concert and CEO of Roadblock Radio, in an interview with Caribbean Life. “We’re going to send something big to Jamaica.”
Rankine’s comments echoed those of Jammins Entertainment CEO George Crooks during the recent Jamaica Strong relief radiothon in Queens, where he stressed the scale of their mission. “That is the minimum we’re looking for at this event,” Crooks said.
The concert boasts a stacked lineup of reggae, dancehall, and gospel favorites. GRAMMY winner Shaggy and global star Sean Paul are headlining, alongside Kes, Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, Aidonia, Chronic Law, T.O.K., Gramps Morgan, Richie Stephens, Mikey Spice, I-Octane, Marcia Griffiths, and gospel artist Kevin Downwell.
Tessanne Chin, Season 5 winner of The Voice, is also set to take the stage. Rankine pointed out that Chin previously performed at the White House during the Obama era.
Shaggy has been especially vocal about raising awareness for the ongoing crisis caused by Hurricane Melissa, stressing that conditions are still dire.
In a conversation with TMZ, he revealed that an estimated 60–70% of the island remains without electricity or water, and full recovery may take until early 2026. Many of the most devastated regions are major tourism spots, he added, and countless residents lack insurance to rebuild their homes.
Along with teaming up with SiriusXM, iHeart, and Audacy for the Jamaica Strong initiative, Shaggy will also perform music connected to his upcoming album Lottery, dropping in February 2026.
