In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic passage through Jamaica, a powerful musical response has emerged from the diaspora. Aiesha Barrett, daughter of legendary Wailers bassist Aston Barrett and niece of drummer Carlton Barrett, channeled her emotional response to the devastation into creating an inspirational anthem titled ‘Jamaica Strong’.
Watching the destruction from afar like millions of other Jamaicans overseas, Barrett felt compelled to contribute through her musical heritage. The track, born from genuine emotion and connection to her homeland, quickly transcended its origins as a personal project. Within days of its unofficial release, the song amassed over one million online views and organically evolved into a symbol of resilience.
The composition’s significance was formally recognized when it was designated the official anthem for the upcoming Jamaica Strong benefit concert in New York, featuring headliners Shaggy and Sean Paul. The event aims to raise substantial funds for relief efforts while simultaneously boosting morale among affected communities.
Barrett expressed humble surprise at the song’s impact, noting: ‘I just wanted something to give them some type of hope. The messages I’ve been receiving show people are definitely tearing up – the song is giving them assurance that things will get better.’
The musical response comes amid staggering recovery challenges. Hurricane Melissa, among the most powerful Atlantic cyclones on record, caused dozens of fatalities, destroyed critical infrastructure including hospitals, and left widespread power outages. The International Monetary Fund estimates damage at $8.8 billion, with $6.7 billion in international recovery funding potentially available over the next three years.
Beyond institutional support, grassroots efforts have mobilized across global Jamaican communities. Approximately 1.1 million Jamaicans in the United States and hundreds of thousands in the UK with Jamaican heritage have organized supply drives and donation campaigns. The UK government recently increased its aid package from £7.5 million to £8 million.
Barrett, who is personally collecting food and supplies, emphasizes the importance of sustained momentum: ‘It’s about hope and faith that we will rebuild, to know that we are strong and unshakeable.’ Her musical tribute now serves as both emotional comfort and mobilization tool for a nation facing long-term reconstruction.