Iconic Jamaican band launches Stay Strong Jamaica concert for hurricane relief
As Miramar continues to raise money and collect supplies to help Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa, the city is also supporting efforts in Hollywood.
At Hard Rock Live, some of the most famous Jamaican artists will perform on Saturday, Jan. 2, and 100% of the net proceeds will go to hurricane relief through Jamaica’s Promise.
The Stay Strong Jamaica concert is scheduled for 8 p.m. and tickets start at $51. Though the lineup is subject to change, the expected artists are Shaggy, Julian Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Wayne Wonder, Inner Circle, Third World, the Wailers and more.
The concert is led by Inner Circle, which appeared Dec. 18 at Circle House Studios in Miami to discuss the concert with other performers.
Miramar Commissioners Maxwell Chambers and Carson “Eddy” Edwards attended to show support for the upcoming concert.
“It’s good that we sent a lot of things down there, but the money can more efficiently help the folks,” Chambers said, according to video from Inner Circle’s Instagram.
“If you’re not gonna go, still buy a ticket and donate it to someone,” Edwards said in a video posted by South Florida Caribbean News. Both commissioners committed to buying 50 tickets apiece to give out.
Many Jamaican officials expressed their thanks for all involved in hosting the event.
“We are deeply grateful to the artists, the organizers, and every person who contributes to this event,” Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness said in a news release.
“After the initial shock of the widespread devastation, we have now shifted our focus to recovery mode. Given the magnitude of the damage, there is little doubt that it will be a long and arduous journey. But together we will rebuild stronger than before.”
Inner Circle lead guitarist Roger Lewis said at Circle House that the event is their version of a We Are The World or Live Aid benefit. The band released a song called “Stay Strong” as the theme song of the relief concerts and performed it Dec. 12 at the UBS Arena in New York.
“Tell all your friends, and more of all your friends,” Lewis said. “We need the dollars.”
Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica on Oct. 28 as a Category 5 storm with 185-mph winds, unleashing flooding and landslides that destroyed homes, knocked out power and communications, and left thousands displaced and dozens dead.
