Days before Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28 2025, Don G followed its ominous projection from his home in Luxembourg. He was even more transfixed to developments in the aftermath of the category five system’s destructive hit on the country’s south-west region.

The singer wrote and recorded We Will Rise, a song saluting Jamaican resilience as it approaches one year since Melissa struck. Recently released, the song is produced by Grippy Nation Records.

“Jamrock/Jamaica is still my home, my birthplace, even though I’m living a million miles away in Europe. I felt as if I was there when I saw the news and live reports on the internet,” Don G told Observer Online. “It had me worried about my family and friends during the devastation, as there was a blackout with electricity and internet so there was no communication.”

His hometown of Linstead, St Catherine suffered some damage from Melissa’s assault. But nothing compared to the destruction in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St James and Trelawny.

Melissa, the most powerful hurricane to hit Jamaica since Gilbert in 1988, destroyed homes, hospitals, businesses, schools and left thousands of people homeless. Forty-five people were killed as a result of its 185 miles per hour winds.

Don G has not returned to Jamaica since settling in Luxembourg nine years ago. But like many Jamaicans living abroad, he participated in the recovery effort.

“When I saw people losing their houses, and food from the farms, it was really heart-rending. I thought, ‘what can I do to help?” he recalled. “I then came up with a plan and from an awareness with Jamaicans I know living in Europe, we provided clothes, food and money through Don G Muzik Foundation and gave back to the country.”

A recording artiste since 2007, Don G has performed on the European reggae festival circuit in recent years. He has also released songs such as Free, Jah Never Leave and Raise All Glasses.

— Howard Campbell