In response to the catastrophic devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa across western Jamaica, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ), through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport has endorsed a powerful humanitarian initiative — the I Love Jamaica Concert Series — to mobilise critical resources for national recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The concert, presented by Jamaica Strong NY Inc, will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, in collaboration with Jammins Entertainment, The Irie Jam Foundation, RoadBlock Radio, and other esteemed partners.
The event will take place at the iconic UBS Arena in New York, which has signed on as a major sponsor, with international recording and Grammy Award-winning artiste Shaggy as the headliner.
This major benefit event highlights the unbreakable bond between Jamaica and its global Diaspora, uniting the Caribbean community, friends of Jamaica, and music lovers worldwide to support those most affected by the hurricane’s devastation.
“Jamaica’s culture has always been a source of strength, pride, and global influence,” said Olivia “Babsy” Grange, minister of culture and entertainment. “In times of crisis, it becomes a unifying force. The ‘I Love Jamaica’ concert reminds us that even from afar, our people and our friends around the world can come together to rebuild lives and restore hope.”
All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Government of Jamaica’s official Hurricane Relief Fund and will be used exclusively to support relief and recovery efforts.
For more than three decades, Irie Jam Radio has been a cornerstone of Caribbean culture in the tri-state area, amplifying Jamaican music, community issues, and diaspora engagement. Its leadership in this initiative reflects its cultural reach.
“This effort goes to the very heart of who we are,” said Bobby Clarke, president & CEO of Irie Jam Radio.
“In this moment of national pain, we are called once again to serve. This is more than a concert. It is Jamaica’s global family rising as one. When we combine the force of our music with the strength of our Diaspora, there is no disaster we cannot overcome.”
“When ‘Mr Boombastic’ and friends take the stage at UBS Arena he’ll be carrying the heartbeat of a Jamaica that will rise again — because we cannot be broken,” said Kacy Rankine, CEO of RoadblockRadio.com/WCBS 101.1 FM HD3. “Hurricane Melissa tore through St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, Hanover, and other parishes, but it never touched our resolve. Jamaica Strong’s ‘I Love Jamaica’ concert is a lifeline for families fighting to rebuild. Roadblock will rally the Diaspora as we turn this moment into hope, healing, and action.”
The event line-up will feature top-tier Jamaican and international artistes, community leaders, and surprise guests, all lending their voices and talents to help rebuild homes, schools, and livelihoods in Jamaica.
