On a biting December night in New York City, the warmth and resilience of Jamaica took center stage at the sold-out Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert, held at the UBS Arena. As nearly 18,000 attendees filled the venue from the evening of December 14 through the early hours of December 16, 2025, the message was clear: Jamaica’s spirit is unbroken, even in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.
The concert, which quickly became a rallying point for the Jamaican diaspora and supporters from across the United States, served as a major fundraising event to support communities hardest hit by the hurricane back home. According to reporting by Caribbean National Weekly, the lineup read like a who’s who of Caribbean music royalty—Shaggy, Sean Paul, Kes, Inner Circle, Ky Mani Marley, Tessanne Chin, Aidonia, Chronic Law, T.O.K., Gramps Morgan, Richie Stephens, Tee Jay, Kevin Downswell, and more, all lending their voices and energy to the cause.
From the opening notes, the arena pulsed with unmistakable Jamaican pride. The first performers—Yaksta, Abby Dallas, and Aiesha Barrett—delivered the Hurricane Melissa-inspired theme song, "Jamaica Strong," setting the tone for an evening that was as much about healing as it was about celebration. The night’s headliners reminded everyone why Jamaican music has become a global force. Shaggy took the crowd on a nostalgia trip with his 1990s New York hit "Big Up," before launching into "Boombastic" and his signature anthem "It Wasn’t Me." Sean Paul electrified the arena with his chart-toppers, including "Gimme The Light," "Get Busy," "Like Glue," and "Temperature." The biggest ovation came when he performed "I’m Still in Love With You."
Richie Stephens opened his set with the classic "Trying to Get Close to You" and transitioned into the soulful "Let’s Drink to the Hard Working People." In a memorable moment, Stephens revealed that promoters had challenged him to skip Sam Cooke’s "A Change Is Gonna Come," fearing it might not resonate. Yet, as soon as he began singing, the crowd rose to its feet, lighting up the venue in a spontaneous show of unity and hope.
The concert showcased the full spectrum of Caribbean music. Mikey Spice delivered "Lift Me Higher" and "Born Again," while UK-based Maxi Priest warmed hearts with "Wild World" and "House Call." Inner Circle brought vintage reggae with "Tenement Yard," "Sweat," and "Bad Boys." Chronic Law connected deeply with "Higher Life," Tee Jay energized fans with "No Friend Dem" and "Drift," and Aidonia stood out among the dancehall acts with "Yeah Yeah," "Ukku," and "Girl Yuh Want." Trinidadian soca star Kes brought a carnival atmosphere, igniting the crowd with "Hello," "Wotless," "Cocoa Tea," and "Savannah Grass," a performance many cited as a highlight.
Family and legacy were front and center as Gramps Morgan, joined by his sons Jemere and Piers, performed "Wash the Tears Away" and "Give a Little More," and paid tribute to the late Denroy and Peetah Morgan. Tessanne Chin, whose vocals once captivated millions on NBC’s The Voice, wowed the crowd with "Redemption Song" and her hit "Hideaway." The night also featured strong appearances from Demarco, I Octane, T.O.K., and reggae icon Marcia Griffiths, who was joined onstage by Lukie D.
Beyond the music, the concert honored the memory of cultural icons lost, including Jimmy Cliff, Allan Skill Cole, Cocoa Tea, Pluto Shervington, Owen Gray, Junior Byles, Leroy Gibbons, Joe Lick Shot, Determine, George Rhoden, and Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alison Wilson. The In Memoriam segment was a poignant reminder of the deep roots and enduring legacy of Jamaican culture.
The event’s reach extended far beyond the arena. According to Caribbean National Weekly, mainstream networks such as CNN and FOX 5 aired interviews with several performers, while major U.S. radio stations amplified the message. Amazon Live and TVJ streamed the concert live on YouTube, drawing more than 1.4 million viewers worldwide. As the night drew to a close, many performers returned to the stage alongside Jamaica’s Minister of Culture Olivia Babsy Grange, U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, and VP Records co-founder Patricia Chin and her sons for a moving rendition of the Jamaican National Anthem.
Organizers confirmed that net proceeds from ticket sales and donations are being tabulated and will be directed to registered charities supporting hurricane recovery efforts across Jamaica. The sense of unity and purpose was palpable, with attendees leaving the arena energized and hopeful for the future.
Meanwhile, on the ground in Jamaica, efforts to rebuild and support those affected by Hurricane Melissa have been bolstered by initiatives from the private sector. Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurants, a brand synonymous with Jamaican cuisine in North America, announced a J$3 million agricultural recovery initiative in partnership with the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), as reported by Caribbean National Weekly. The program provides direct support to 10 farmers across St. Elizabeth, Clarendon, St. Catherine, St. Mary, and Manchester, each receiving J$300,000 worth of seedlings, equipment, and essential farming supplies.
Golden Krust’s leadership team traveled to Jamaica to distribute supplies, assess damage, and meet with producers who supply key ingredients like scotch bonnet peppers, escallion, and thyme—staples in the company’s bakery and restaurant products. Chairman and CEO Jacqueline Hawthorne-Robinson explained, "This is just the beginning of an ongoing rehabilitation effort. These farmers are part of our extended Golden Krust family. It was their labour and commitment that helped shape the Jamaican flavours we’re known for. This effort is about helping families rebuild, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening the agricultural communities that are essential to Jamaica’s future."
Farmers expressed deep gratitude for the support. Luke Lee, director of Clarendon-based Gen Paradise Company Limited, described the impact of the storm and the critical nature of the assistance: "Melissa was devastating for our crops and for the team. The support from Golden Krust is immeasurable. Them being here in person has really lifted our spirits. We know we have a partner who is not only just talk, but who takes action, and that is where the rubber meets the road."
Golden Krust’s broader relief effort, in collaboration with AFJ and partners including the NCB Foundation, Food For The Poor, Global Empowerment Mission, Sanmerna Foundation, ODPEM, JetBlue, and Dennis Shipping, has included donation drives and the distribution of food, household items, and community assistance. Additionally, two shipping containers of medical supplies, valued at more than J$300,000, were handed over to the Ministry of Health as part of the initial response.
In the world of entertainment, the relief efforts have also found a spotlight. On December 16, 2025, Jamaican dancehall artist Macka Diamond appeared on Hot Ones Caribbean, dedicating her episode to Hurricane Melissa relief, according to EIN Presswire. Macka Diamond, who was in Jamaica during the storm, witnessed the destruction firsthand. "It was traumatizing," she said. "But giving up is not an option. My people need support, and I’m committed to doing everything I can." She activated her charitable foundation, the Macka Diamond Pregnant Mothers in Need Foundation, delivering essentials, emergency supplies, and emotional care to expectant mothers affected by the hurricane. Her annual birthday give-back in January 2026 will also be dedicated to families recovering from the disaster.
TEMPO Networks, which aired Macka Diamond’s episode, is amplifying awareness and helping drive vital donations. Influential voices such as Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Konshens, Barrington Irving, Ato Boldon, Briana Williams, Snoop Dogg, Tyrese, Sean Paul, Skillibeng, and Cutty Ranks have all supported recovery efforts, while organizations like Golden Krust continue to play a pivotal role.
As the recovery continues, the collective response from artists, businesses, civic leaders, and the diaspora underscores a core truth: Jamaica’s strength lies in its people’s unity, creativity, and determination to rebuild—no matter the odds.
