Even with more than five decades of reggae history behind them, Inner Circle aren’t slowing down—they’re doubling down. Next week, the legendary group will use the Jamaica Strong benefit concert in New York to debut a brand-new track, “Stay Strong,” a song written specifically in response to the devastation Hurricane Melissa left across Jamaica in late October.
The December 12 event, held at UBS Arena in Long Island, aims to raise at least $1 million for relief efforts following the Category 5 storm that tore through rural parishes like St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St. James. Homes, hospitals, and infrastructure were wrecked, and the death toll climbed to roughly 45, according to Jamaican officials.
Inner Circle co-founder and bassist Ian Lewis says the band had been glued to the news, watching the crisis unfold in real time. That urgency reshaped their plans.
“It is important for us to record this song,” Lewis tells the Jamaica Observer. “In fact, it is important for all reggae artistes to record positive music and songs to inspire the people, so the people can be motivated and the donors can be motivated to help. Every mickle mek a muckle.”
“Stay Strong” arrives as part affirmation, part call-to-rally—the kind of message Inner Circle built their name on long before Bad Boys and Sweat turned them into global fixtures in the ’90s. The group, founded in Kingston in 1968 by the Lewis brothers Ian and Roger, helped define the roots era, scoring major hits with the late Jacob Miller on classics like “Tenement Yard” and “Forward Ever, Backward Never.”
They’ll be in heavy company at Jamaica Strong: Shaggy, Sean Paul, Gramps Morgan, and Marcia Griffiths are also confirmed to perform. The show is co-presented by New York’s Irie Jam Radio, Jammins Entertainment, and New Jersey’s RoadBlock Radio, who together are pushing for a fundraising goal big enough to make a tangible dent in the island’s rebuilding effort.
For Inner Circle, the benefit is less a gig and more a responsibility—one that echoes reggae’s long tradition of social uplift.
“Stay Strong” is available to pre-save now, ahead of its first public performance at the concert.
Inner Circle Announce Rhythm by the River 2026 — A Free Reggae Month Celebration in South Florida
Fresh off the Jamaica Strong benefit, Inner Circle are also stepping into a major role for Reggae Month South Florida 2026, headlining Rhythm by the River, a free community event taking place February 22, 2026 at Esplanade Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Presented by Baptist Health and JM Family Enterprises, with additional cultural support from local arts organizations, Rhythm by the River shines a spotlight on South Florida’s rich creative landscape. The afternoon event will feature:
Inner Circle – The Bad Boys of Reggae bringing their iconic energy to the waterfront
The Ladies of Simone – A powerful Nina Simone tribute
The Swayzees – Rock ’n’ roll and Motown vibes
Luigi Arredondo Sextet – Jazz, Latin, funk & contemporary fusion
Local vendors, arts & crafts, food, and family-friendly activities
Water taxi access for fans arriving by river
No tickets. No reservations. Just a free, open-air celebration of music and community.
A Reggae Month With Purpose
February 2026 isn’t only about live music—it’s about giving back. South Florida organizers announced that a portion of proceeds from all official Reggae Month events will directly support Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in Jamaica.
Inner Circle are helping lead the initiative, serving as cultural ambassadors and hosting charitable programming throughout the month, including special events at Circle House Studios.
“Reggae Month is about honoring our culture and supporting Jamaica,” the band says. “This February, we’re turning our music, our energy, and our platform into real action for the people affected by Hurricane Melissa.”
Funds raised will support:
Home repairs and reconstruction
Emergency supplies
Community rebuilding efforts
Long-term recovery programs
A Legacy of Community, Culture & Global Impact
Whether debuting new music in New York, lifting up local talent in South Florida, or rallying support for Jamaica, Inner Circle continue to embody the core values of reggae: unity, resilience, and uplift.
Between “Stay Strong,” Jamaica Strong, and Rhythm by the River 2026, the Bad Boys of Reggae are showing once again that their mission goes far beyond the stage—it’s about keeping the community strong, at home and abroad.
