Despite New York’s winter chill, the Jamaica Strong benefit concert brought warmth and energy on Friday night, thanks to some of the Caribbean’s most famous performers.
Hosted at Long Island’s UBS Arena on December 12, the event featured top reggae, dancehall, and soca artists raising funds for Hurricane Melissa relief. Grammy winners Shaggy and Sean Paul performed their hits, while Teejay showcased his popular track “Drift.” Reggae legends like Marcia Griffiths and Gramps Morgan delivered soulful performances, and I-Octane engaged with the audience directly. The event, part of a series of successful Caribbean shows at the arena, emphasized the unity of the West Indies in times of crisis.
Announced on November 12, the lineup also included 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. Radio hosts DJ Roy, DJ Norie, Dubbmaster Chris, and Dahved Levy emceed the event. The concert was livestreamed on YouTube and Amazon, with proceeds going to the Jamaica Official Hurricane Relief & Recovery Fund.
Hurricane Melissa, occurring on October 28, was the strongest storm to hit Jamaica since Hurricane Gilbert nearly 40 years ago, resulting in at least 45 fatalities, according to the AP. This prompted Jamaica’s stars to support affected communities.
The Jamaica Strong concert preceded another benefit, Nice Up Jamaica, featuring Yellowman and Johnny Osbourne, scheduled for December 16.
Here are the five standout moments from the Jamaica Strong benefit concert.
Chronic Law Performs ‘NY Girls’ in Namesake State
Chronic Law captivated the UBS Arena with his hit “NY Girls,” a track that has received remixes from artists like Armanii and French Montana. The performance set the tone for an exciting night of dancehall music.
In Memoriam Honors New Ancestors
A tribute segment honored late West Indian icons, featuring a video montage set to Jimmy Cliff’s “Many Rivers to Cross,” celebrating figures like Cocoa Tea, Owen Gray, and Max Romeo.
All Artists Join Stage for Jamaican National Anthem
The event concluded with all performers uniting on stage to sing “Jamaica, Land We Love,” showcasing the spirit of unity and resilience among the artists and audience.
Kes Delivers Night’s Best Performance
Trini soca artist Kes delivered a standout performance with hits like “Hello” and “Savannah Grass,” engaging the crowd and highlighting Caribbean unity by catching a Jamaican flag from the audience.
Jerry Wonda Previews Star-Studded New ‘Jam for Jamaica’ Charity Single
Backstage, producer Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis discussed his upcoming charity single “Jam for Jamaica,” featuring artists like Buju Banton, Shaggy, and Damian Marley. The song is set for release on Bob Marley’s birthday, February 6.
