MIAMI, FL — Jamaica’s hurricane relief efforts took centerstage at the official launch of reggae band Inner Circle’s latest single, Stay Strong Jamaica, at the Circle House Studios in Florida on Thursday.

The evening event, attended by Jamaica’s Consul General Oliver Mair, City of Miramar Commissioners Maxwell Chambers and Carson ‘Eddy’ Edwards, reggae royalty Rohan and Julian Marley, as well as a host of reggae and dancehall artistes and music producers, also served as the precursor to the upcoming Stay Strong Jamaica Hurricane Relief Concert scheduled for the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood on Friday, January 2, 2025.

Ian Lewis, co-founder of the Grammy-winning band Inner Circle, said both the song and the concert were aimed at bolstering the relief efforts and fast-tracking the restoration of normalcy in the hard-hit parishes.

“The song, Stay Strong Jamaica, is a call to action for people to come together and help, whether they are based in the Diaspora or elsewhere. We really have to assist in rebuilding Jamaica,” said Lewis, who added that Stay Strong Jamaica incorporated the melodic strains of Lionel Richie’s All Night Long and that the proceeds were earmarked for charity.

Speaking on the upcoming concert, part of Jamaica’s Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports Ministry’s I Love Jamaica series, the bass guitarist said he was pleased with its December 12 New York staging at the UBS Arena in New York and is hoping the Florida leg will be bigger and better.

“Some people bought tickets here tonight. I encourage everyone to buy up the tickets as it is for a worthy cause. You’ll hear great music and see some great acts. It’s going to be magic,” he added.

The January 2 concert’s line up includes Shaggy, Julian Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Wayne Wonder, Ernie Smith, Wailers, Ky-Mani Marley, I–Octane, Etana, Tee Jay, Shuga, Inner Circle, Mykal Rose, Chalice, Brick and Lace, and Ed Robinson.