Dancehall icon Yellowman will headline Nice Up Jamaica! A Fundraiser for Hurricane Relief on Tuesday, Dec. 16, as Caribbean media platform LargeUp partners with iconic New York City venue Brooklyn Bowl to raise funds for communities affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.
The event brings the original “King of Dancehall” back to Brooklyn for a special headlining set, backed by his longtime group, the Sagittarius Band. Also on the lineup are dancehall godfather Johnny Osbourne; JA-to-BK legends Screechy Dan and Red Fox; and Jamaica’s own Yaadcore & Di Yaad Man Dem. Saxophonist Anant Pradhan and veteran Jamaican percussionist Larry McDonald will back Osbourne and also perform a set of their own.
The night will be powered by DJs Max Glazer, Ayanna Heaven, JonnyGo Figure, African Violet Roots, Barry Cole and LargeUp’s DJ Gravy, with Nick Seale of New York’s Power 105.1 serving as master of ceremonies.
Proceeds and donations from the fundraiser will support relief and recovery efforts through the American Friends of Jamaica, Rebuild Cockpit Country, World Central Kitchen and the Ghetto Youths Foundation, following Hurricane Melissa’s impact on the island in October. The storm claimed lives and destroyed homes and businesses across large swaths of Jamaica, delivering a major blow to the country’s economy.
Organizers say the event was conceived as a way to give back to Jamaica, whose music and culture have had a global influence and deeply shaped both LargeUp and Brooklyn Bowl. With the concert falling just days before Christmas, Yellowman emerged as a fitting headliner. The artist famously appeared in a Santa cap on the cover of his 1998 album A Very, Very Yellow Christmas, earning him a reputation as dancehall’s own “Father Christmas,” alongside a long history of perseverance and charitable work.
“LargeUp is a unique platform celebrating Caribbean culture, with an intention to enhance people’s lives with a positive frequency,” said Dave “DJ Gravy” Susser, LargeUp co-founder. “With the island of Jamaica that we all love so dearly in desperate need, all of us who are inspired by it should do what we can to help.”
Tickets for Nice Up Jamaica! A Fundraiser for Hurricane Relief are on sale now.
