The recent Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert, held last Friday at UBS Arena in Queens, New York, delivered a stirring night of unity, memorable performances and musical excellence, as a near-capacity crowd gathered in support of Jamaican and Caribbean music, culture and collective purpose.
From the opening performances by Yaksta and Abby Dallas, it was clear the evening would be special.
Veteran singer Richie Stephens came fully prepared for the moment, opening powerfully with his dancehall classic Trying To Get Close To You, which struck an immediate chord with the audience. He followed with Let’s Drink To the Hard Working People, drawing loud cheers and warm smiles. Elegantly dressed and continuing to earn praise for his sleek physique and well-crafted designer outfits, Stephens took the energy several notches higher when he launched into Sam Cooke’s timeless classic A Change Is Gonna Come. As Derrick Barnett’s Statement Band strummed the opening chords, the arena erupted—lighters flashed, patrons rose to their feet, and the ovation that followed was thunderous.
“It was clinical and powerful, especially knowing the reason we were all there,” shared New York radio host Nicky Reid.
Mikey Spice used his rich baritone to deliver soulful favorites, including I Am I Said, Lift Me Higher and Born Again, while UK-based Maxi Priest warmed hearts with Wild World and House Call. Inner Circle, with Trevor “Skatta” Bonnick on lead vocals, delivered a sweet, polished set. The band—first established in Kingston in the 1970s by brothers Ian and Roger Lewis, alongside Richard Daley, Stephen “Cat Coore” and Ibo Cooper—represented vintage reggae with Tenement Yard. Hits including Sweat, Beres Hammond’s Tempted To Touch and the TV theme Bad Boys closed out their powerful performance.
One of the most emotional moments of the night came from Gramps Morgan, joined by his sons Jemere and Piers Morgan. Together, they delivered moving renditions of Wash The Tears Away, Give A Little More and Down By The River. The set culminated in a deeply personal tribute to Gramps’ late father, reggae icon Denroy Morgan, and brother Peetah Morgan, bringing the audience to its feet in applause and reflection.
Former The Voice winner Tessanne Chin proved she still possesses extraordinary vocal power. From the first note, she reminded the world why she captivated millions, delivering a soul-stirring version of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song alongside her hit Hideaway. Additional standout performances came from Demarco, I-Octane, dancehall quartet TOK, and reggae royalty Marcia Griffiths, the “Queen of Reggae,” who delighted longtime fans when she was joined onstage by Lukie D.
Chronic Law scored with Higher Life, while Tee Jay drew cheers with No Friend Dem and his dance hit Drift. The dancehall artiste who generated the biggest buzz, however, was Aidonia, who mesmerized fans with a string of hits including Yeah Yeah, Ukku and Girl Yuh Want.
Trinidadian soca powerhouse Kes brought infectious energy and commanding stage presence, running through hits such as Hello, Wotless, Cocoa Tea, Stage Gone Bad and Savannah Grass. Many in attendance named Kes among the top performers of the night, crediting him with transforming the arena into a pulsating Caribbean fête.
Headliners Shaggy and Sean Paul reminded the crowd why dancehall has thrived for decades—from the early days of Prince Buster, Big Youth and U-Roy, through icons like Yellowman, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer—while continuing to cross borders and generations.
Shaggy took fans down memory lane with his ’90s New York hit Big Up, followed by Boombastic and his player’s anthem It Wasn’t Me. His No. 1 hit Angel, performed with Rayvon, was a golden moment. Sean Paul ignited the arena with Gimme The Light, Get Busy, Give It Up To Me, Like Glue, Temperature and I’m Still In Love With You.
As the night drew to a powerful close, performers returned to the stage for a moving rendition of the Jamaican National Anthem, joined by Jamaica’s Minister of Culture Olivia “Babsy” Grange, U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, and VP Records co-founder Miss Pat Chin—an emotional moment underscoring the enduring bridge between Jamaica and the U.S. diaspora.
Audience reaction reflected the magnitude of the night, which was punctuated by consistently strong performances.
“The night was epic,” Jamaican-born socialite Diva Madonna told Caribbean National Weekly. New York businessman Gurvan Whitely added, “The event was well put together on such short notice. Kes, Richie Stephens, Demarco, Gramps and Queen Marcia Griffiths were my favorite performers.”
New York party promoter Michael “Eye Collection” Williams summed it up best: “It was the crème de la crème of Jamaican and Caribbean performers.”
One business entrepreneur and CEO of Dumpling Cove Restaurant, who purchased floor seats but was unable to attend due to an emergency, instead watched the Amazon/TVJ live feed, which amassed more than one million views in under 24 hours.
“After buying tickets for $400, I couldn’t attend because my daughter was sick. Fortunately, I have TVJ and watched the entire show,” he said. “It was great seeing artists from lovers rock, dancehall and soca, with Kes delivering a standout performance. Marcia never disappoints. Richie Stephens’ rendition of A Change Gonna Come was exceptional. Tessanne’s voice is among the world’s greats, reaching heights few singers can. Shaggy and Sean Paul are always reliable crowd-pleasers.”
One of the most poignant segments of the night was an In Memoriam tribute honoring recently departed Jamaican legends whose contributions shaped the nation’s cultural, sporting and artistic legacy. Honorees included global superstar Jimmy Cliff, Cocoa Tea, Pluto Shervington, Owen Gray, George Rhoden, Junior Byles, Leroy Gibbons, Joe Lick Shot, Determine, Jamaica’s Consul General to New York Alsion Wilson, and football great Allan “Skill” Cole.
The Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert was organized and promoted by Jammins Events, Irie Jam Foundation and Roadblock Radio, with support from Shaggy’s Make A Difference Foundation, Sean Paul’s preferred charity Food For The Poor, the Consulate General of Jamaica in New York, and Solid Agency.
