Two voices from vastly different corners of the musical spectrum—gospel icon Donnie McClurkin and Jamaican dancehall star-turned-influencer Wayne Marshall—have come together in harmony for a meaningful cause. The duo is uniting to rally global support for the Rhythm of Hope concert, a major fundraising event set for June 15 at Woolwich Works in Greenwich, London.
The benefit concert, endorsed by the Government of Jamaica, aims to raise funds for St. Elizabeth, Jamaica’s breadbasket parish, which continues to suffer the devastating effects of climate-related disasters, most recently Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Proceeds will go toward strengthening the parish’s resilience, particularly in agriculture, a sector that forms the lifeblood of the parish’s economy.
“This is bigger than music,” said Wayne Marshall in one of several promotional videos shared on the Food For the Poor social media pages. “It’s about mobilizing the diaspora and international community to protect the future of our farmers, families, and food security back home.”
McClurkin, a Grammy-winning gospel artist revered for songs like Stand and We Fall Down, echoed the call. “This is a chance for all of us to be the hands and feet of God. We must respond to the needs of the people in Jamaica.”
Organized by a group of UK and US-based volunteers of Jamaican descent—including The Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council UK, The Safety Box, and Food For the Poor, the event is part concert, part call to action. With climate change intensifying the frequency and severity of hurricanes, the focus is not only on relief but also long-term sustainability, particularly for farmers and rural communities who often bear the brunt of natural disasters.
Often referred to as Jamaica’s food basket, St. Elizabeth plays a critical role in supplying the market with crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons. However, in recent years, climate events like droughts and hurricanes have dealt repeated blows to the parish’s agricultural capacity. Hurricane Beryl, which battered parts of the island last year, left many farmers without crops, infrastructure, or hope.
“This concert is about more than just raising money,” said an organizer from the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council. “It’s about reminding Jamaicans everywhere that we are one family—and when one part suffers, we all feel it.”
With over US$3.7 billion in remittances flowing into Jamaica in 2023, the diaspora continues to be one of the most powerful pillars of the island’s economy—often outpacing tourism and foreign direct investment. Diaspora-led philanthropic efforts, like Rhythm of Hope, showcase the community’s enduring commitment to uplifting Jamaica’s most vulnerable populations.
While the full concert lineup is yet to be revealed, the presence of Donnie McClurkin and Wayne Marshall alone has stirred excitement among Caribbean communities in the UK and beyond. Marshall, best known for dancehall anthems like Glory to God and Overcome, has in recent years become a prominent family-oriented influencer, advocating for faith, unity, and national pride.
The organizers are calling on the Caribbean diaspora—particularly Jamaicans in the UK—to turn out in support, not just for a night of musical excellence, but for a cause rooted in purpose.
Tickets for Rhythm of Hope are available online. Proceeds will go directly to support climate resilience projects and agricultural recovery efforts in St. Elizabeth.
