Aiesha Barrett, like countless Jamaicans across the globe, watched in dismay as Hurricane Melissa wrought havoc on her homeland.
The sheer devastation caused by the formidable tropical cyclone – one of the most potent ever recorded in the Atlantic – stirred a desire to contribute to the recovery efforts.
Her response was to pen a song.
That track, titled “Jamaica Strong,” has resonated deeply, becoming an anthem for the nation as it embarks on the path to recovery following the destructive storm.
It has also galvanized individuals, like Aiesha, who are actively working to support family and friends in the Caribbean during this challenging time.
Aiesha’s lineage is steeped in Jamaica’s rich reggae history, with close ties to iconic figures in the genre.
Her father, Aston Barrett, served as the bassist for Bob Marley and The Wailers, while her uncle, Carlton Barrett, held the position of the band’s longtime drummer.
Speaking with 1Xtra presenter Seani B on the station’s special For Jamaica broadcast, she revealed that composing “Jamaica Strong” “wasn’t difficult at all.”
“Just seeing the devastation of what was going on in my island, with my people – I have family there,” she explained.
“The lyrics just came naturally because they were real emotions.”
Aiesha’s initial audio upload of the song gained immense traction even before its official release.
To date, it has garnered over a million online views and has been embraced as the anthem for the Jamaica Strong benefit concert, scheduled to take place in New York in the coming week.
The concert, headlined by renowned Jamaican artists Shaggy and Sean Paul, aims to raise funds for relief efforts and provide solace to those affected by the hurricane.
Aiesha emphasized that her song was intended to achieve precisely that.
“It wasn’t something that I expected to blow up and to be where it’s at right now, I just wanted something to give them some type of hope,” she stated.
According to Aiesha, the song’s impact has been profound.
“The messages I’ve been receiving is people are definitely tearing up,” she revealed.
“I definitely shake their emotions.
“And they love the unity of what’s happening right now on the ground.
“The song is definitely giving them some kind of assurance that, you know, things will get better still.”
Despite the show of solidarity, the road to recovery for Jamaica remains arduous.
Hurricane Melissa resulted in numerous fatalities, caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including hospitals and homes, and left vast areas of the island without electricity.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates the total cost of the damage at $8.8 billion USD.
The IMF, a specialized agency of the United Nations, recently announced the potential availability of up to $6.7 billion from international sources over the next three years to support the country’s recovery efforts.
The UK government, which had previously committed £7.5 million in aid to Jamaica, has increased its contribution to £8 million.
Ordinary citizens living abroad are also actively involved, collecting donations and working to expedite the delivery of aid to the affected areas.
According to official statistics, approximately 1.1 million Jamaicans reside in the USA, and the 2021 UK census recorded 167,000 individuals born in Jamaica.
Estimates suggest that between 300,000 and 400,000 people in the UK have Jamaican heritage.
Communities throughout Britain have been organizing collections of supplies, donations, and support for the country.
Aiesha, who has also been collecting food and other essential items, is determined to maintain the momentum.
“A hope of faith that we will rebuild, just to know that we are strong,” she asserted.
“Just to uplift their spirit, let them know that we are unshakeable.”
Listen to the special 1Xtra broadcast here.
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays – or listen back here.
Volunteers are hoping to send two containers full of aid to the Caribbean.
Wolverhampton council has set up 14 collection points to help those affected by Hurricane Melissa.
The dartford student is hoping to raise £4,000 to buy a shipping container to send aid to Jamaica.
A food truck owner said his family lost everything when Hurricane Melissa hit their town.
Proceeds from Exodus Movement’s event at the University of Wolverhampton will go to the relief fund.