Grammy winners Inner Circle have recorded ‘Stay Strong’, a song dedicated to their native Jamaica, which is recovering from Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm struck the country in late October.
The self-produced track will be officially released on December 12, the day the band performs on the ‘Jamaica Strong’ show at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York. That event also features Shaggy, Sean Paul, Gramps Morgan and Marcia Griffiths.
Ian Lewis, bass guitarist for Inner Circle, and his bandmates followed developments in Jamaica before, and after the hurricane, made landfall on October 28.
“It is important for us to record this song. In fact, it is important for all reggae artists to record positive music and songs to inspire the people, so the people can be motivated, and the donors can be motivated to help. Every mickle mek a muckle,” he said.
Organizers of ‘Jamaica Strong’ are hoping to raise US$1 million which will be donated to relevant authorities in Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa caused severe damage to several rural parishes including St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland St. James, resulting in the deaths of 45 people.
Lewis and his older brother, Roger, who plays rhythm guitar, started Inner Circle in Kingston in 1968. They had a number of hit songs during the 1970s with lead singer Jacob Miller including ‘Tenement Yard’ and ‘Standing Firm’.
Based in Miami, they are known globally for the anthems, ‘Bad Boys’ and ‘Sweat’. The former is theme song for the wildly successful movie franchise of the same name starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.
