Jamaica’s warmth and resilience filled New York City’s UBS Arena on a frigid December night as thousands gathered for the sold-out Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert, a major fundraising event supporting communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.
By the time the curtain fell shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday, a near capacity crowd of approximately 18,000 had delivered a powerful message that Jamaica remains strong and unshaken. The concert featured an impressive lineup of Caribbean stars, including 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 several others.
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Members of the Jamaican diaspora traveled from across the tristate area, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Atlanta, and Florida, many carrying the emotional weight of the devastation back home. They left the arena energized and hopeful after a night filled with music, unity, and cultural pride. From the opening performances by Yaksta, Abby Dallas, and Aiesha Barrett, who delivered the Hurricane Melissa inspired theme song Jamaica Strong, to the closing chorus of the Jamaican National Anthem, the event pulsed with unmistakable Jamaican spirit.
Headliners Shaggy and Sean Paul reminded the audience why dancehall has remained a global force for decades. Shaggy took fans on a nostalgic journey through 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 crowd favorites including Gimme The Light, Get Busy, Like Glue, and Temperature. His biggest ovation came when he segued into I’m Still in Love With You.
Richie Stephens opened with his classic Trying to Get Close to You before transitioning into the soulful Let’s Drink to the Hard Working People. He raised the energy dramatically after revealing that promoters had challenged him to avoid performing Sam Cooke’s A Change Is Gonna Come, suggesting it would not resonate with the audience. As Stephens delivered the opening lines backed by the Derrick Barnett led Statement Band, the arena erupted as patrons rose to their feet and lit up the venue.
Mikey Spice delivered soulful performances of Lift Me Higher and Born Again, while UK based Maxi Priest warmed hearts with Wild World and House Call, his 1990s collaboration with Shabba Ranks. Inner Circle represented vintage reggae with Tenement Yard, Sweat, and Bad Boys, which closed their set. Chronic Law connected deeply with Higher Life, Tee Jay energized fans with No Friend Dem and Drift, and Aidonia stood out among dancehall acts with commanding performances of Yeah Yeah, Ukku, and Girl Yuh Want.
Trinidadian soca star Kes brought a carnival atmosphere to the arena, igniting the crowd with Hello, Wotless, Cocoa Tea, and Savannah Grass. Many attendees cited his performance as one of the highlights of the night. Gramps Morgan, joined by his sons Jemere and Piers, delivered Wash the Tears Away, Give a Little More, and a touching tribute to his late father and brother, Denroy and Peetah Morgan. Tessanne Chin showcased the vocal strength that once captivated millions on NBC’s The Voice, performing Redemption Song and her hit Hideaway.
Additional strong performances came from Demarco, I Octane, T.O.K., and reggae icon Marcia Griffiths, who was joined onstage by Lukie D. As the night came to a close, many performers returned to the stage alongside Jamaica’s Minister of Culture Olivia Babsy Grange, who traveled from Kingston for the event, US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, and VP Records co founder Patricia Chin with her sons Chris and Randy Chin for a moving rendition of the Jamaican National Anthem.
Mainstream television networks including CNN and FOX 5 aired interviews with several artistes, while major US radio stations amplified the event’s message to millions. Amazon Live and TVJ streamed the concert live on YouTube, attracting more than 1.4 million viewers worldwide.
A poignant In Memoriam segment honored cultural icons 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.
Organizers confirmed that net proceeds from ticket sales and donations are currently being tabulated and will be directed to registered charities supporting hurricane recovery efforts across Jamaica.
