Reggae Royalty Raises the Roof for Hurricane-Ravaged Jamaica

All images by Larry Marano

Hard Rock Live transformed into hallowed ground last month as Jamaica's finest united for "Stay Strong Jamaica," a powerhouse benefit concert that proved music remains the island's most potent medicine. Shaggy, Julian Marley, and Marcia Griffiths led a staggering lineup of reggae and dancehall luminaries—including Inner Circle, Third World, and the Wailers—through an emotionally charged evening of solidarity following Hurricane Melissa's devastation.

The sold-out crowd at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino witnessed history as generations of Caribbean music converged: veteran Ernie Smith shared the stage with dancehall's Tee Jay, while Etana's soulful vocals preceded Brick and Lace's high-energy set. Every note carried weight, every rhythm pulsed with purpose—100 percent of proceeds flowed directly to Jamaica's Promise through Hard Rock Heals Foundation, funding critical housing and infrastructure repair.

"We rebuild stronger than before," Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared, his words echoing through a room.