Hard Rock Cafe to Host "Stay Strong Jamaica" Benefit Concert

Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange announces Hard Rock Cafe in Florida to host benefit concert; Shaggy, Marcia Griffiths, Teejay, Wayne Wonder and more to perform

Minister Hon. Olivia Grange with Etana and Wayne Wonder during the event launch (Photo: MCGESJamaica)

Shaggy, Marcia Griffiths, Teejay, Wayne Wonder, and several other acts are set to headline the “Stay Strong Jamaica” benefit concert on January 2, 2026, at the Hard Rock Café in Hollywood, Florida.

The announcement was made by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport. Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange on Thursday, via her social media platforms. “We’re excited to announce that the Stay Strong Jamaica Benefit Concert will take place on January 2, 2026, uniting our nation through music and solidarity as we continue our recovery efforts,” she wrote.

Additional confirmed performers include Etana, I-Octane, Inner Circle, Brick & Lace, with more artists still to be announced.

The event forms part of a wider series of relief concerts organized by the Government of Jamaica to support national recovery following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. These efforts began with the “I Love Jamaica” telethon, which raised more than J$65 million toward relief and rebuilding initiatives.

Veteran singer Wayne Wonder performed at the event launch (Photo: MCGESJamaica)

Jamaican artistes across the globe have also mobilized in support, with multiple benefit concerts raising funds for recovery efforts. These include the “Jamaica Strong” Benefit Concert at UBS Arena, headlined by Sean Paul and Shaggy on Friday, December 12, as well as the “Nice Up Jamaica” Benefit Concert, led by Yellowman on December 16.

Immediately after the hurricane struck the island, the Hard Rock Hotel in Florida lit its iconic guitar-shaped exterior in the vibrant colours of Jamaica’s flag, a gesture of solidarity with the island during a time of national hardship.