VP Records joins relief concert; fire at Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records MoBay

Jamaica Strong benefit at UBS Arena December 12

VP Records has joined Jammins Events and other partners in producing the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert, taking place Friday, December 12, at UBS Arena in New York. The event aims to raise up to US$1 million for recovery efforts in Jamaica following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Produced as part of the ‘I Love Jamaica’ concert series, the Jamaica Strong initiative will direct net proceeds to the nation’s official hurricane relief and recovery fund, supporting families and communities in need of housing assistance, food support, medical care, and long-term rebuilding. The concert is presented in collaboration with Irie Jam Radio, the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation, the Sean Paul Foundation and additional partners across the Caribbean diaspora, with support from the Government of Jamaica.

The line-up includes Shaggy, Sean Paul, Kes, Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, Tessanne Chin, Aidonia, Chronic Law, T.O.K., Gramps Morgan, Richie Stephens, Mikey Spice, Marcia Griffiths, I-Octane, and Kevin Downswell, with additional performers to be announced.

“There’s a lot of work ahead in the areas hit by the hurricane. This is a practical way for us all to support the response and get resources where they’re needed,” said Christopher Chin, CEO of VP Records.

Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster.

Fire causes severe damage at Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records MoBay

A huge blaze ripped through Usain Bolt’s restaurant in St James last Saturday leaving it severely damaged. Firefighters scrambled to Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records, located on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in Montego Bay, after members of the eatery’s meal preparation team discovered the fire at around 1:45 a.m. The top floor of the venue was engulfed when crews arrived, but they managed to contain the fire and reported no injuries. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Officials spent Saturday morning sifting through debris and taking statements from members of staff.

Tracks and Records, which the retired eight-time Olympic gold medallist sprinter opened in 2018, had been feeding communities devastated by the storm.

In the wake of the category-five hurricane, Bolt, who retired from athletics in 2017, also distributed care packages at his former school, William Knibb Memorial High School in Trelawny parish, which was damaged by the hurricane.

In a video shared to X, he said: “I have seen all the videos … and people always say it is so much more different when you see it in action. On the way up … at the riverside, you see a lot of people washing, it’s hard to put into words how I feel about what I am seeing, but Jamaica, I am here to help in any way possible.”

Bolt captioned the clip with: “Jamaica, You all gave me the chance to represent you on the world stage – to wear our colours with pride, show the world the strength, resilience, and the heart of our people.

“Everything I’ve achieved started right here at home. Now, as so many of our children, brothers and sisters face the hardships caused by Hurricane Melissa, please know – We are right here with you. We are standing together, rebuilding together, and reminding the world that Jamaicans never leave each other behind (sic).”