QUEENS, NEW YORK — In a powerful demonstration of solidarity following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, Grammy Award-winning superstar Shaggy has partnered with Jamaica Strong NYC to organize a major benefit concert at UBS Arena in Queens on Friday, December 12, 2025.
The event brings together Shaggy’s Make a Difference Foundation with Jamaica Strong NYC organizers George Crooks of Jammins Event, Robert ‘Bobby’ Clarke of Irie Jam Media, and Kacy Rankine of Roadblock Radio LLC. Their ambitious goal is to raise at least one million dollars for hurricane relief efforts.
“Our goal is to make at least a million dollars for the Jamaica Strong Relief Concert. That is the minimum we’re looking for at this event,” declared Crooks, who serves as co-producer of the concert.
A Regional Caribbean Effort
Kacy Rankine, CEO of Roadblock Radio 101.1FM-HD3 NY, emphasized the unprecedented regional collaboration behind the event. “This is New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania pooling our resources. We’re going to send something big to Jamaica,” he stated.
Star-Studded Lineup
The benefit concert features an impressive roster of Caribbean music legends and contemporary stars. Joining headliners Shaggy and Sean Paul will be 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 artist Kevin Downwell.
“Jamaica Strong” Becomes Anthem of Hope
Bobby Clarke, CEO of the Irie Jam Foundation, announced that rising artist Aiesha Barrett’s patriotic anthem “Jamaica Strong” has been selected as the official theme song for the event. The daughter of iconic Wailers bassist Aston “Familyman” Barrett and niece of legendary drummer Carlton “Carly” Barrett, Aiesha has struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
“It’s one thing to create a song — it’s another to see it become part of something much bigger than yourself,” she reflected. “When Hurricane Melissa hit, I was overwhelmed by the images and messages coming in from home. ‘Jamaica Strong’ became my way of giving hope back to the island.”
The song has already generated remarkable engagement, surpassing one million views across Facebook and Instagram. “Honestly, I didn’t expect the reaction to be this massive,” Aiesha confessed, attributing the response to the anthem’s emotional resonance.
Musical Tributes to Resilience
Veteran singer Richie Stephens has also created his own tribute called ‘Hurricane’ in response to the disaster. “This is the biggest hurricane to ever make landfall on our island Jamaica,” Stephens shared. “I plan to perform the song for patrons on December 12.”
Supporting Jamaica’s Recovery
Produced under the “I Love Jamaica Concert Series” in partnership with the Government of Jamaica, the event will raise vital funds for Jamaica’s official Hurricane Relief & Recovery Fund and other registered charities dedicated to helping families and communities rebuild. Net proceeds will be transparently distributed to approved beneficiaries.
Tickets for this historic event are now available via Ticketmaster.
Media contact: Howard Renrut
