Shaggy rallies global support to rebuild Jamaica

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa's devastating blow, Jamaica's road to recovery is finding its heartbeat in the power of music -- and that pulse is getting louder. Set to ignite the diaspora like never before is a benefit concert of unprecedented scale.

Leading the charge is Grammy Award-winning reggae icon Shaggy, who, through his Make A Difference Foundation, has mobilised an extraordinary recovery effort centred around the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert, set for Friday, December 12, at the UBS Arena in Queens, New York.

The event, which forms part of the 'I Love Jamaica' concert series, promises to be one of the most powerful and unifying cultural showcases of the year. With a line-up featuring Shaggy, Inner Circle, KES, and T.O.K -- and more major performers yet to be announced -- the concert is designed not just to entertain, but to galvanize global support for the thousands of Jamaicans rebuilding their lives post-Melissa.

Jamaica's Culture Minister Olivia Grange says music has always played a critical role in national healing. "As we have done so many times before, we turn to our music, our reggae music, which has proven to be a healing balm and elixir at times of trouble and distress for not only Jamaicans, but for the world," she said.

For Shaggy, the I Love Jamaica concert series goes far beyond the stage. "This concert isn't just about entertainment -- it's about empowerment," he said of the New York show. "It's a way for all of us -- from fans to business leaders -- to stand together and show the true meaning of 'Jamaica Strong'."

The first in the series of concerts is scheduled for November 23. It will take the form of a telethon to be broadcast in Jamaica. Additional concerts are set for London, Toronto, and South Florida. Grange said that in addition to providing healing, the concerts are intended to raise funds to aid in the nation's recovery. "We face a long and challenging road ahead, but we will recover and rebuild stronger with support and by working together," she said.

Tickets for the New York concert are now available, with UBS Arena and AMEX pre-sales taking place this Wednesday and Thursday. The public on-sale will begin on Friday via Ticketmaster.com and UBSArena.com.