Shaggy and Sean Paul will headline the Jamaica Strong benefit concert next month to raise money for the hurricane-ravaged island nation.
Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, KES the Band, and more Jamaican and Caribbean artists will take the stage at New York’s UBS Arena on Dec. 12 for the event, with all proceeds benefitting hurricane relief efforts.
The Jamaican government has teamed with local cultural organizations — Jammins Events, Irie Jam Radio, and Roadblock Radio — for Jamaica Strong, which will raise money for Shaggy’s Make A Difference Foundation, Sean Paul’s preferred charity Food for the Poor, the Irie Jam Radio Foundation, and the Jamaican consulate’s relief efforts.
“This is more than a concert — it’s a movement,” organizer George Crooks said in a statement. “Every ticket purchased directly supports rebuilding lives, homes, and hope in Jamaica.” Tickets go on sale Nov. 14 via Ticketmaster.
Earlier this month, Shaggy spoke to Rolling Stone about the devastation the island suffered in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. “People are homeless,” Shaggy said. “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.”
Shaggy also spoke about his efforts to bring aid in Jamaica immediately after the hurricane, including mobilizing private planes stocked with food, water, and medical supplies. Sean Paul also matched donations for hurricane relief.
“One thing about Jamaicans, we’re resilient and we’re all gathering,” Shaggy 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.”
