In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa — a powerful Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, and Cuba on October 29, 2025 — numerous musicians and industry figures have offered support, shared information about relief efforts and amplified verified donation channels to help with recovery and rebuilding.

Melissa made landfall in New Hope, Westmoreland, Jamaica on Tuesday, October 28, becoming the strongest cyclone to hit the island on record and eclipsing Hurricane Gilbert (1988). The system next impacted Cuba’s Santiago de Cuba province on Wednesday, October 29, and has since pushed into the North Atlantic, bringing heavy rain and strong winds as far as the northeastern United States. Reporting compiled October 30, 2025 notes fatalities across the region, including more than 20 deaths in Haiti, five in Jamaica and one in the Dominican Republic.

Artists Mobilize

Dancehall star Spice documented destruction across the island on her official Instagram and urged fans to help through the Grace Hamilton Foundation, writing, “Together we gonna build back stronger.” Vybz Kartel echoed the call on his Instagram, reminding followers, “This is not about politics, it’s about Jamaica. So, help if you can, and pray if you can’t, but keep your politics to yourself.”

Missy Elliott posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Prayers up for everyone in Jamaica,” adding Jamaican-flag and prayer-hands emojis, and confirmed she’d extend her thoughts to those affected in Cuba and Haiti when prompted.

Several Jamaican artists moved quickly to coordinate aid on the ground. Beenie Man organized a team to deliver supplies to hospitals in St. Elizabeth; Konshens published a video directing people to government-approved channels for donations and assistance; and Shaggy shared clear infographics for donors in and around Kingston explaining collection points and procedures. Chronixx — who recently released his Exile LP — posted an acoustic performance of “Hurricane,” dedicating the rendition to his homeland and urging resilience.

Producer Silent Addy reflected on the devastation in an Instagram Story, saying he was “finally heading home and really taking in everything Hurricane Melissa did to Jamaica,” and expressing how difficult the moment has been for him and his family.

Outside Jamaica, Meek Mill sent “prayers to Jamaica” on X, while producer RiotUSA — who was on the island when Melissa struck — confirmed he was safe and described the experience as “the most traumatic” of his life.

Artists including Sevana and Shenseea shared grief and solidarity on social platforms; Armanii posted that, when Jamaicans unite, “we are unstoppable,” and promised the island would rebuild stronger.

Infrastructure, Events and Relief Hubs

Coverage from music press indicates the Catherine Hall Sports Complex, a venue that hosts Reggae Sumfest, suffered severe flooding and is now undergoing recovery. The Jamrock Reggae Cruise — an annual festival-at-sea co-founded by Damian Marley — was rerouted to Cozumel, Mexico, in light of the disruption. Several Marley properties in Jamaica, including the Bob Marley Museum, have been temporarily converted into relief centers providing food, supplies and shelter to displaced residents.

How to Help

Residents and relief organizations recommend donating through established, verifiable partners. The following organizations and portals have been listed as trusted avenues for aid:

• World Food Programme
• Project HOPE
• GiveDirectly — Hurricane Melissa relief
• American Friends of Jamaica
• Friends of Caritas Cuba
• Jamaica — Official hurricane relief portal

If you plan to donate or volunteer, verify the recipient organization’s credentials and follow guidance from local authorities. Financial contributions and coordinated logistics are typically the most effective ways to help during the early recovery phase.

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