NEW YORK—Grammy-nominated Jamaican artist Sister Carol is transforming her birthday celebration into a humanitarian mission by organizing a fundraising event for communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica. The benefit concert, dubbed Royal Birthday Bash, is scheduled for January 17 at Cultcha Palace in Brooklyn—just two days after her personal milestone.
The decision came following Sister Carol’s emotionally charged visit to affected regions including Falmouth, Trelawny, and Montego Bay one month after the hurricane struck. Witnessing widespread destruction firsthand moved the artist to repurpose her annual celebration into a relief initiative.
“This birthday carries profound significance due to the hurricane’s aftermath,” Sister Carol explained in an interview with Observer Online. “It becomes a dual-purpose gathering—celebrating life while mobilizing support for hurricane victims. Every contribution, however modest, accumulates into substantial aid.”
Hurricane Melissa, recorded as a Category 5 storm with wind speeds reaching 185 mph, caused extensive damage across multiple parishes including St. James, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Hanover. Official reports confirm 45 fatalities alongside severe impacts on housing, businesses, and critical infrastructure. This represents the most destructive weather event to hit Jamaica since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
The Brooklyn-based artist emphasized the diaspora’s emotional connection to their homeland: “We cannot decline assistance when offered with genuine compassion. Our love for Jamaica and humanity compels this response.”
Joining Sister Carol at the benefit event will be prominent acts including Kulture Kartel, Alistar Vaughn, Joseph Deminsion, and the Tippatone sound system. Born in West Kingston before relocating to the United States in the 1970s, Sister Carol launched her musical career through Brooklyn’s sound system culture, maintaining deep ties to both communities.
Her initiative adds to growing recovery efforts led by Jamaican artists worldwide, many of whom have personally visited affected areas to coordinate relief distribution and support rebuilding campaigns.