Press photo by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Audio By Carbonatix
For an island the size of the state of Connecticut, Jamaica has had a disproportionate influence on the world of music. Reggae and all its offshoots, from ska to dancehall, have been the soundtrack to parties and playlists all across the world. So now, with Jamaica hurting after the devastating results of Hurricane Melissa that killed 45 and left thousands of people homeless, musicians are uniting to raise money for Jamaicans affected by the natural disaster.
On January 2, 2026, Hard Rock Live will host the Stay Strong Benefit concert that will feature performances by Shaggy, Julian Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Wayne Wonder, Inner Circle, Third World, Wailers, I-Octane, Etana, Tee Jay, Shuga, Ernie Smith, Mykal Rose, Chalice, Brick and Lace, Ed Robinson and more.
According to the press release “100 percent of net proceeds from ticket sales and donations will be directed to the country of Jamaica through Jamaica’s Promise, the designated beneficiary from the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, supporting urgently needed housing, infrastructure repair, and humanitarian aid.”
Most of the artists performing are Jamaicans, while many are directly connected to the island’s best-known musician, Bob Marley. Julian Marley is the son of Bob, who has his own bona fides, including winning the 2024 Grammy for Best Reggae Album in Colors of the Sun. The Wailers is a legacy band that evolved after their bandleader, Bob Marley, passed away in 1981. Marcia Griffiths, known as the “Queen of Reggae,” sang duets with Bob Marley and was a backing singer on hits like “Three Little Birds” and “Redemption Song”.
Others on the bill include Inner Circle, who have existed for five decades but are probably most famous for recording “Bad Boys,” the theme song for the television series Cops. Finally, the headliner Shaggy is best known for his turn of the century number one hits, “It Wasn’t Me” and “Angel”.
If you want to start off the New Year in an irie mood, tickets for the January 2 show are already on sale. If you’re unable to make the show, you can also donate directly to Jamaica’s Promise via their website, japromise.org.
Stay Strong Jamaica. 8 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2026, at Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood; 866-502-7529; myhrl.com. Tickets cost $68 to $208 via ticketmaster.com.
