Vancouver-based, Jamaican reggae artiste B Kenyan has released a new single, Believe (Rise Up) in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in south-western Jamaica.

The catastrophic Category 5 hurricane, the strongest to ever hit the island, has left a trail of damage across several parishes, including B Kenyan’s birthplace St Elizabeth.

B Kenyan has graced stages and the airwaves in Jamaica, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, opening for Grammy-winning acts including Stephen Marley and Kabaka Pyramid.

He has also toured Canada with American rapper Ice Cube and shared the stage with iconic artistes like Burning Spear, Toots & the Maytals, Mr Vegas, Elephant Man, Shenseea, and Konshens.

Heartbroken by the images and stories emerging from Jamaica, including those from his own family, he was moved to release the single which underscores how faith, resilience, and determination can turn heartbreak into hope.

“As I reflect on my homeland Jamaica and my beloved parish, St Elizabeth, my heart aches for everyone who has been affected’, said B Kenyan. “I know many Jamaicans in the diaspora are feeling the same way and music is a source of comfort and strength. Through this single, I want to remind Jamaicans that, though our homes and spirits may be broken, we will rise again. Believe (Rise Up) is my way of offering comfort and hope.”

Importantly, his efforts will go beyond just offering hope. He has committed to donating proceeds from the single to relief and rebuilding efforts in Jamaica.

Believe (Rise Up) will be released on all major streaming platforms, and is now available on B Kenyan’s distribution platform, believe.bkenyan.com/free-song, with proceeds from all sales there going directly towards recovery efforts at Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth.

The hospital suffered major damage during the hurricane, significantly limiting its ability to provide life-saving care.

“I want to make sure that every single dollar goes directly into supporting the hospital’s recovery. Major streaming platforms earn a percentage from sales, but all purchases made on my platform will go directly towards the relief fund, with no third-party cuts,” B Kenyan said.

He said his music is primarily inspired by reggae legends like Bob Marley and the Wailer, Buju Banton, Peter Tosh, and Garnett Silk. But his influences don’t stop there. Having lived in Florida, Toronto, and now Vancouver in Canada, his music is a soothing and infectious fusion of reggae, rap, with hints of R&B and dancehall. It’s a reflection of his life experiences and journey, both in lyrical content and sound.

With his sights set on touring the world, creating new music, and ultimately releasing his début album
Believe, there is much in store for both B Kenyan.

More than just a song, Believe (Rise Up), the artiste said, stands as a movement — a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Jamaican people, and the power of faith and togetherness in times of crisis.

“This release isn’t just about music,” added B Kenyan. “It’s about healing; it’s about unity. And it’s about believing that better days are ahead.”