Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica earlier this week, leaving behind some of the worst catastrophic damage that the Caribbean nation has experienced. The record-breaking Category 5 hurricane, with sustained winds of 185 mph, tore through the island, flattening homes, uprooting trees, and plunging entire communities into darkness. Officials have confirmed at least 67 deaths in Jamaica, up to $4 billion in insured losses, and tens of billions of dollars of overall damage, with roughly 80 percent of Jamaica remaining without electricity.
Reggae stars Sean Paul and Shaggy, two of Jamaica’s most recognized celebrities, are among those using their platforms in order to rally support and raise funds for hurricane aid efforts.
On Thursday, October 30, the Grammy-winning dancehall superstar Sean Paul took to Instagram with a heartfelt message. “My island of Jamaica is going through a really tough time,” he wrote. “Hurricane Melissa has caused serious damage, and many of our brothers and sisters are struggling—families displaced, homes destroyed, and communities in need of help.”
Through his Sean Paul Foundation, the artist announced a partnership with Food For The Poor Jamaica to provide direct assistance to the hardest-hit areas. What’s more, he pledged to personally match all donations up to $50,000 USD. In a video filmed in his backyard with fallen trees and debris in view, the “Get Busy” singer urged fans to give whatever they could.
“I’m asking from the heart if you can give to the country that’s given you so much for your entertainment,” said the 52-year-old Kingston native. “Every dollar counts. Together, we can make a big difference and help families get back on their feet.”
According to TMZ, Sean Paul was on the island when the powerful storm made landfall. His firsthand account, paired with the images of devastation behind him, spurred his millions of followers worldwide. The post quickly went viral, prompting many fans, fellow musicians, and members of the Jamaican diaspora to offer their support.
While Sean Paul’s campaign focused on funding relief and rebuilding efforts, Shaggy has launched a hands-on response of his own. Known for hits like “Boombastic” and “It Wasn’t Me,” the Grammy-nominated artist has long been involved in philanthropy, particularly through his Shaggy Foundation, which supports children’s hospitals in Jamaica.
This time, Shaggy joined forces with Orlando attorney Dan Newlin to send flights filled with emergency supplies, including medicine, food, toiletries, and clean water, to Kingston and Montego Bay. “My wife was on the ground, at our home in Jamaica,” Shaggy told CBS News. “The destruction is horrendous.”
The 57-year-old artist, who splits his time between Jamaica and Florida, shared videos on Instagram showing himself boarding a plane surrounded by boxes of relief materials. “We’re on our way home,” he wrote in the caption, encouraging fans to donate to the relief effort through the links provided.
The storm has left entire communities cut off, with damaged roads, downed power lines, and flooded homes. In rural parishes, families are struggling to access clean water and basic necessities, while hospitals and shelters remain overwhelmed.
The National Hurricane Center reported that after striking Jamaica, Melissa weakened slightly as it moved across Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic before heading toward the Bahamas and Bermuda. Still, its impact on the northern Caribbean has been immense, ranking it among the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record.
“Together, we can double the impact and help even more families get back on their feet,” Sean Paul said, reaffirming his commitment to match every dollar raised.
