Sean Paul and Shaggy will headline a December 12 concert in New York to help raise funds for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.
Sean Paul and Shaggy are set to lead a star-studded benefit concert at UBS Arena in New York on December 12 to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.
The event, dubbed Jamaica Strong, will feature a lineup of Caribbean heavyweights including Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley and KES the Band. The show aims to channel proceeds toward recovery efforts through several organizations, including Shaggy‘s Make A Difference Foundation, Sean Paul’s supported nonprofit Food for the Poor, the Irie Jam Radio Foundation and the Jamaican consulate’s aid programs.
Organized in partnership with the Jamaican government and cultural groups like Jammins Events, Irie Jam Radio and Roadblock Radio, the concert is being positioned as more than just a musical gathering.
“This is more than a concert — it’s a movement,” said event producer George Crooks. “Every ticket purchased directly supports rebuilding lives, homes, and hope in Jamaica.”
Tickets go on sale November 14 via Ticketmaster.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Shaggy described the dire situation on the ground after the hurricane ravaged parts of Jamaica. He said, “People are homeless. There’s no running water, there’s no electricity, there’s no shelter. They were sleeping on the streets. We came in last night, we gave out water, we gave out food. There are actually bodies trapped in homes that people haven’t been able to clear.”
The Grammy-winning artist personally arranged for private planes to deliver urgent supplies, including food, water and medical gear to affected areas. Sean Paul also stepped in by matching donations to boost the relief push.
Despite the destruction, Shaggy praised the island’s unity and resilience.
“One thing about Jamaicans, we’re resilient and we’re all gathering,” he said. “Even going down yesterday, there were people from the neighborhood that were clearing the roads for us and helping us to get in. They all helped us to organize in Black River. The community is also assisting us.”