In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Melissa, Boston’s vibrant music scene is coming together for a special “World Music Caribbean Hurricane Relief Concert.” Scheduled for Friday, November 14, 2025, at the distinctive Warehouse XI in Somerville, this event aims to channel the unifying power of music into vital support for the victims of the catastrophic storm that has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean.
The Unprecedented Fury of Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 behemoth, made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, unleashing winds up to 125 mph and causing catastrophic flooding across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. This powerful storm, described as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, claimed at least 76 lives across the affected nations and displaced over 770,000 people. In Jamaica, the hurricane’s eyewall severely impacted the south coast, ripping roofs off buildings, downing power lines, and decimating crucial infrastructure and agricultural lands. Reports indicate that over 70 percent of Jamaica’s electricity customers were left without power for an extended period, exacerbating the crisis.
The economic fallout has been immense. Jamaica alone sustained an estimated US$8.8 billion in physical damage, a figure equivalent to 41 percent of its 2024 GDP, making it the costliest hurricane in the island’s recorded history. Residential buildings accounted for the largest share of damage, with infrastructure, non-residential buildings, and agriculture also suffering significant losses. Beyond the immediate physical destruction, the storm disrupted schooling for nearly 477,000 children across Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica, with many schools damaged or closed.
A Night of Rhythm and Resilience in Somerville
Responding to the urgent need for aid, Boston’s diverse world music and reggae community is organizing the “World Music Caribbean Hurricane Relief Concert” at Warehouse XI. This significant event, set to take place on November 14, 2025, is more than just a concert; it’s a testament to community solidarity and the global reach of Caribbean culture. Over a dozen local Boston artists and ensembles, including Jahriffe & The JAH-N-I Roots Movement, Safiya Leslie, Niu Raza, Zama, Nyjah & King Rimz, and the Conscious Band, are lending their talents to the cause.
Warehouse XI, known for its energetic and trendy industrial ambiance, provides a fitting backdrop for an evening dedicated to raising awareness and funds. The venue, located just 15 minutes from downtown Boston, is prepared to host a night of vibrant performances, uniting attendees through shared appreciation for music and a common goal of supporting those impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Doors open at 6:00 PM, promising an evening filled with the rich sounds of the Caribbean.
Direct Support for Affected Communities
All proceeds from ticket sales and direct donations collected at the concert will directly benefit reputable organizations working on the ground. Beneficiaries include Better Jamaica for relief efforts in Jamaica, Haiti Youth Partnership for Haiti, and support for families in Cuba. The event also highlights local partnerships, with Second Church Dorchester serving as a drop-off site for essential items and the Authentic Caribbean Foundation coordinating barrel shipments of donated goods. This grassroots approach ensures that contributions are channeled efficiently to the people who need them most, emphasizing direct community-to-community support without intermediaries.
Attendees are encouraged not only to purchase tickets but also to bring essential donation items such as nonperishable goods, medical supplies, and baby items. This multifaceted approach to fundraising and aid collection underscores the deep connection felt by the diaspora and the wider Boston community toward their Caribbean neighbors.
Broader Impact and Call to Action
The “World Music Caribbean Hurricane Relief Concert” is part of a larger wave of support emanating from diasporic communities. Similar benefit concerts have been organized in cities like Toronto and New York, highlighting a global movement dedicated to the recovery and rebuilding of the islands. The news serves as a reminder of the ongoing needs in the Caribbean and the critical role that collective action and cultural events play in disaster response and long-term recovery. By coming together through music, this event offers a powerful expression of unity, hope, and resilience for the islands affected by Hurricane Melissa.