In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Grammy Award-winning artist Shaggy, through his Make a Difference Foundation, has partnered with Jamaica Strong NYC to present the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert. The event is scheduled for Friday, December 12, 2025, at the UBS Arena in Queens.

Jamaica Strong NYC is led by George Crooks of Jammins Event, Robert ‘Bobby’ Clarke of Irie Jam Media, and Kacy Rankine of Roadblock Radio LLC. Crooks, who will co-produce the concert, said the goal is to raise at least one million US dollars for relief efforts.

Kacy Rankine emphasized the collective effort of Caribbean communities across the region. He said communities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania are pooling their resources to support Jamaica.

The all-star lineup includes Shaggy, Sean Paul, KES, Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, Tessanne Chin, Aidonia, Chronic Law, T.O.K., Gramps Morgan, Richie Stephens, Mikey Spice, Marcia Griffiths, I-Octane, and gospel singer Kevin Downwell.

Bobby Clarke announced that rising artist Aiesha Barrett’s patriotic song, Jamaica Strong, has been selected as the official theme for the event. Barrett is the daughter of Wailers bassist Aston “Familyman” Barrett and niece of drummer Carlton “Carly” Barrett. She said the song became her way of giving hope back to Jamaica after seeing the impact of Hurricane Melissa. The song has already surpassed one million views on Facebook and Instagram.

Richie Stephens, who will also perform at the benefit, recorded a tribute song titled Hurricane. He described Hurricane Melissa as the largest to ever make landfall in Jamaica and plans to perform the song at the concert.

Tickets for the concert are available through Ticketmaster. The event is produced under the I Love Jamaica Concert Series in partnership with the Government of Jamaica. Proceeds will benefit Jamaica’s official Hurricane Relief and Recovery Fund and other registered charities supporting families and communities affected by the hurricane. All funds will be transparently distributed to approved beneficiaries.

Tickets available here.

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.