When nearly 10,000 people packed into UBS Arena in Queens on December 12th, they came for more than just a concert. They came to make a difference. And in one powerful evening, they helped change the trajectory of Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts across Jamaica.
The Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert exceeded expectations, pulling in over half a million dollars in net proceeds. But the real story isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about what those numbers represent: a diaspora community refusing to sit on the sidelines while their homeland struggles.
Music as Medicine
For Caribbean artists who took the stage that night, donating their time and talent was never a question. In moments of national crisis, culture has always been Jamaica’s backbone. The concert embodied that principle, using rhythm and melody to channel collective concern into concrete action.
“Caribbean artists understand something fundamental,” explained Kacy Rankine, CEO of Roadblock Radio, one of the four organizations that spearheaded the effort. “Music doesn’t just entertain—it unites, it heals, and it gives people a voice during their darkest moments.”
Where the Money Goes
The beauty of this initiative lies in how thoughtfully the funds have been allocated. Rather than concentrating resources in one place, organizers directed the half-million dollars to ensure help reaches those who need it most:
The Sean Paul Foundation and Shaggy’s Make a Difference Foundation each received $150,000, recognizing the power of artist-driven philanthropic work. Another $150,000 went directly to the Government of Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund. And perhaps most significantly, $50,000 was designated specifically for rebuilding primary schools in Cornwall County—one of the hardest-hit regions.
“When you direct funds this way, you’re not just sending money into the void,” noted Bobby Clarke, co-founder of the Irie Jam Foundation. “You’re ensuring that support reaches the families, the children, the communities where the impact will be immediate and meaningful.”
The Long Road Ahead
What makes this concert remarkable isn’t just what happened in that arena on one December night. It’s the recognition from organizers that a benefit concert, however successful, is only one chapter in a much longer story.
Recovery from a hurricane isn’t measured in weeks or months. Communities need sustained investment, continued attention, and resources that keep flowing long after the headlines fade. The Jamaica Strong movement is built on understanding that fundamental truth.
“This was a moment of extraordinary solidarity,” Rankine said. “But the real work—the rebuilding, the restoring of dignity and opportunity—that’s ongoing. The diaspora’s commitment doesn’t end when the last song plays.”
Ten thousand people. Half a million dollars. Countless hours of donated talent. And one unified message: Jamaica isn’t facing recovery alone.
The spirit of Jamaica Strong continues to reverberate far beyond Queens.
