Shaggy Shares Powerful Firsthand Story of Jamaica’s Devastation at Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert Press Event

At the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert press party, Grammy-winning superstar Shaggy delivered a deeply moving speech that reminded everyone why this mission matters. Speaking to a room filled with longtime collaborators, cultural leaders, and industry pillars, Shaggy opened by acknowledging the familiar faces who have always shown up for Jamaica in moments of crisis.

“These are the people you can call on to step up as soldiers for this,” he said, urging the audience to applaud the partners, producers, and supporters who immediately mobilized when Hurricane Melissa struck. For Shaggy, this wasn’t just another event—this was personal.

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A Firsthand Look at the Devastation

Shaggy recounted arriving in Jamaica the moment the airports reopened. What he witnessed was beyond anything captured online. On that first night, he made the grueling six-hour journey to Black River—cutting through bamboo, navigating rubble, and driving in total darkness.

There was no electricity, no water, no light, no internet across nearly 75% of the island.

He brought only the essentials: water, portable lights, and whatever support he could carry. The following day, he and Sharon Burke of Solid Agency made the impossible trip again—six hours back, then four and a half hours to Junction using a smaller vehicle because debris made travel dangerous.

What he saw next would stay with him forever.

“The devastation I saw was unimaginable. Whatever you see in pictures or videos is 100 times worse.”

Homes flattened. Entire towns blocked. Families stranded. Communities plunged into total darkness.

Shaggy described Junction as being declared “Ground Zero.” The suffering, he said, was beyond words.

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Turning Devastation Into Action

Leaving Jamaica that day, Shaggy knew one thing: action was needed immediately. He connected with longtime partner George Crooks of Jammins Events, who moved quickly to secure UBS Arena as the home for the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert.

“I came on board and said, ‘Okay, let’s make this happen.’”

With Sharon Burke, Pat McKay, and a circle of trusted cultural leaders, the team united around one mission—to bring relief, resources, and hope back to Jamaica.

“Because it’s for a great cause, a worthy cause, and we know what we are here for.”

Shaggy’s firsthand account fueled the urgency and heart of the Jamaica Strong movement. His story is not just a testimony—it’s a call to action for everyone who loves Jamaica.

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A Nation in Need. A Community United. A Concert With Purpose.

On December 12, 2025, Jamaica’s biggest stars—alongside global allies—will take the stage at UBS Arena not just to perform, but to rebuild a country.

Shaggy’s message is clear:
Jamaica needs us. And together, we will rise stronger.