In what is arguably the biggest Caribbean Diaspora radio relief promotion ever, the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert — slated for Dec. 12 at the UBS Arena in Queens — has blown into a full-scale movement in the US, according to Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Radio.
Clarke told Caribbean Life on Monday, Dec. 8, that the radio campaign is in response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica.
“Some of the biggest names in American radio are now amplifying the message across the US media landscape to millions of listeners,” he said, stating that the “unprecedented coalition of mainstream, powerhouse urban stations” promoting the event include HOT 97; Power 105.1; 103.5 KTU; 107.5 WBLS; iHeartRadio; 101.1 WCBS-FM; Z100 New York; Hot 93.7; 94.7 The Block; The New 96.5; 1010WINS-92.3FM NYC; WZMX-HOT 93.7FM Hartford, CT; and WTDY, The new 96.5FM Philadelphia.
Skipp Graham, program manager at Audacy’s WXBK-FM, 94.7 The Block, one of the first stations to commit to helping, said, “The Block and Audacy had to get involved due to our audience and staff with Jamaica roots.
“One of our 1010 WINS sister-station staffers lost their family home in Westmoreland, one of the hardest hit areas,” he added. “And, along with Max Glazer, Roadblock Radio and our mix DJs, we offer close to 10 hours of West Indian programming each week on 94.7 The Block.”
George Crooks, CEO of Jammins Event, who brokered the deal to get stations like Z100, WBLS and HOT 97 on board, said that “each station has committed its airwaves, personalities, and digital platforms to spotlight Jamaica’s urgent need for aid, shining a light on destroyed homes, displaced families and communities racing to rebuild.
“This level of media unity is something we rarely see,” he added. “When stations of this magnitude unite to support a humanitarian cause like this, the impact is immediate.”
For many stations, the decision to support the benefit concert was personal and deeply rooted in community ties.
Kacy Rankine — CEO of RoadBlock Radio, which broadcasts in the tri-state area, South Florida and soon to be in other Caribbean Diaspora markets as part of his ‘Operation RoadBlock USA’ radio footprint — said he secured the deal with Audacy and affiliate stations.
“From the minute we presented the mission behind Jamaica Strong, Audacy grasped the magnitude of the assignment. They didn’t hesitate,” he said. “Their connection to the Caribbean community runs deep, and they immediately stepped up to be a driving force in the campaign.”
Graham said The Block has activated extensive promotional campaigns towards the event.
“The Block is running continuous on-air announcements and social media pushing ticket sales to support the effort, plus on-air interviews,” he said. “And our DJs will be in attendance during the show as well.”
Rankine said other participating radio stations are similarly rolling out interviews, artist features, donation messaging, online ticket pushes, and live-event support leading up to the concert date.
He said the message, now echoing across America’s airwaves, is “unmistakable.”
“Jamaica needs us and together,” Rankine added. “We have answered the call.”
Featured performers at the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert will include headliners Shaggy, Sean Paul, KES, Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, Tessanne Chin, Aidonia, Chronic Law, T.O.K., Gramps Morgan, Richie Stephens, Aiesha Barrett, Mikey Spice, Reggae Queen Marcia Griffiths, I-Octane and gospel singer Kevin Downwell.
