Review: Reggae Stars Unite at Hard Rock Live for Jamaica

Hard Rock Live transformed into a vibrant celebration of reggae, resilience, and community on January 2, 2026, during the Stay Strong Jamaica – Hurricane Relief Concert at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood. The benefit event, supporting hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica, is projected to have raised $400,000.

The night’s powerful energy was not only a musical experience but a response to one of the most devastating storms in recent Caribbean history. In late October 2025, Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, unleashing sustained winds near 185 mph and torrential rains that overwhelmed coastal towns and inland communities alike. The storm made landfall in the southwest parish of Westmoreland and left entire towns, severely damaged, with hospitals, police stations, schools, and homes destroyed or battered. Communication and power infrastructure were crippled, and tens of thousands of families were displaced as the island grappled with widespread destruction. 

Against this backdrop of loss and rebuilding, the Stay Strong Jamaica benefit concert became a gathering point for music, hope, and solidarity. The MC opened the night at 8:09 p.m., with the first artist taking the stage at 8:15. From the outset, the packed venue moved as one — arms swaying, hips rocking, and flags waving to the rhythms filling the room.

The lineup read like a reggae hall-of-fame roll call. Julian Marley and Ky‑Mani Marley performed with the Wailers, followed by standout sets from Inner Circle, Mykal Rose, Etana, and Wayne Wonder, each keeping the energy high and the crowd engaged. Many of these performers have deep ties to Jamaica’s musical heritage, with connections to reggae’s roots and global influence.

One of the night’s most joyful moments came when Marcia Griffiths opened her set by bringing her son, Taf, onstage to perform with her. She later launched into “The Electric Slide,” prompting dancers onstage and a full-room response from the audience, who happily followed every step. Griffiths, known internationally as one of reggae’s beloved voices, helped set a tone of celebration even as the event’s mission honored a serious cause.

The concert closed with a high-energy performance from Shaggy, sending fans out on a celebratory note. Throughout the night, donation screens reminded attendees that Seminole Hard Rock would match all contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 through January 2, 2026, reinforcing its “Love All, Serve All” mission.

The funds raised are part of a broader movement of support for Jamaica’s recovery. The hard-hit island’s government, local organizations, and diaspora communities around the world have been mobilizing since the storm to address urgent needs — from rebuilding housing and critical infrastructure to ensuring basic services like electricity and clean water reach devastated areas. Recovery efforts are expected to take years, and benefit initiatives like this one help sustain that work. 

Music, movement, and purpose powered a night that delivered both joy and impact, reminding everyone present that through cultural connection and collective effort, communities can help heal and rebuild stronger than before.