Third World, Big Mountain set to raise funds for homeless in Westmoreland with ‘Holding On’ benefit concert

International reggae bands Third World and Big Mountain are lending their voices to a cause that reaches beyond the stage: helping Hurricane Melissa survivors in Westmoreland move from temporary shelters into homes.

The reggae acts lead a broad musical line-up for the Holding On Benefit Concert & Festival, a four-day fundraising initiative scheduled for January 14–17, 2027, at Wavz Beach in Negril.

Presented by Nelcia’s Natural Herbs in association with reggae singer Hezron Clarke, the event will also feature Tanya Stephens, Kevin Lyttle, Nigy Boy, T-Drive, Popeye Caution, Ed Robinson, Sherell Rosegreen and Hezron.

For conceptualiser Denise Smith, the mission is to turn that collective star power into practical help.

“We are seeking major sponsors to help vulnerable families in Westmoreland living in temporary shelters,” Smith said in a release.

“The public will choose the families who will benefit from the proceeds. We are seeking to construct two one-bedroom self-contained units for vulnerable families.”

Housing is a central part of a wider charitable programme. Organisers say the festival will also seek support towards a mammography machine for Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, intended to strengthen breast-cancer screening and early detection.

Care packages, school supplies, hygiene kits and community services for children, women and families are also among the initiative’s stated goals.

The programme opens on Thursday, January 14, with Wavz of Praise Gospel, before shifting to Agency Day & Community Festival on Friday, January 15.

Saturday’s We Rise Night will be followed by Family Funday on Sunday, January 17, when an official handing-over of benefits is also advertised. Individual performance dates for the announced artistes have not yet been specified.

Spanning gospel, reggae and dancehall, Holding On is being positioned as both a musical gathering and a community effort, drawing on sponsorship, audience participation and artiste support to help people still rebuilding their lives.

For Smith and her collaborators, the measure of success will extend beyond the crowd at Wavz Beach to the assistance the festival can deliver.