Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood will host “Stay Strong Jamaica,” a major benefit concert on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 8 p.m., bringing together some of Jamaica’s most influential artists to support recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa.
The concert comes as Jamaica continues its recovery from Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm that made landfall in late October and caused an estimated US$8.8 billion in damage, according to preliminary assessments by international partners.
The hurricane severely impacted housing, roads, schools, hospitals and utilities, leaving tens of thousands of homes damaged or destroyed and displacing nearly 90,000 households, particularly across western and central parishes. Agriculture suffered extensive losses to crops and livestock, while debris, flooding and infrastructure failures disrupted tourism, transportation and essential services, pushing the country from emergency response into a prolonged and costly rebuilding phase.
The Jan. 2 event will feature performances by Shaggy, Julian Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Wayne Wonder, Inner Circle, Third World, The Wailers, I-Octane, Etana, Tee Jay, Shuga, Ernie Smith, Mykal Rose, Chalice, Brick and Lace, Ed Robinson, and others, uniting reggae, dancehall and Caribbean music legends for a night centered on solidarity and healing.
One hundred percent of net proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go toward Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts across Jamaica through Jamaica’s Promise, the designated beneficiary of the Hard Rock Heals Foundation. Funds will support housing repairs, infrastructure restoration and humanitarian assistance for affected communities.
Tickets are on sale now at www.myHRL.com. Doors open one hour before showtime. Additional fees may apply.
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness said the concert reflects both national resilience and international solidarity as Jamaica moves from emergency response into sustained recovery.
“Stay Strong Jamaica represents the extraordinary spirit of our people and the unwavering support of our global community,” Holness said. “After the initial shock of the widespread devastation, we have now shifted our focus to recovery mode. Given the magnitude of the damage, there is little doubt that it will be a long and arduous journey. But together we will rebuild stronger than before.”
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange emphasized the role of music and the diaspora in Jamaica’s recovery.
“This concert is more than a fundraising effort. It is a reminder of the resilience of our culture and the unity of our diaspora,” Grange said. “Every dollar raised will directly support families, communities, and essential services impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The ‘Stay Strong Jamaica’ Concert is yet another manifestation of our music — reggae music — providing the opium for soothing our pain and being the bridge to take us over troubled waters.”
David Hoenemeyer, chief operating officer of Seminole Gaming, speaking on behalf of the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, said the initiative reflects Hard Rock’s long-standing ties to Jamaica.
“Hard Rock has a deep connection to Jamaica — its culture, its music, and its people,” Hoenemeyer said. “Hosting ‘Stay Strong Jamaica’ is an honor and a responsibility we take to heart. We are proud that 100 percent of net proceeds will directly benefit recovery efforts, helping families and communities rebuild with hope and dignity.”
The concert is expected to draw strong support from the Jamaican diaspora in South Florida and beyond, as recovery from Hurricane Melissa remains a national priority heading into 2026.
