Thousands of patrons filled the UBS Arena on Friday night, united by the rhythmic pulses of reggae music and a vital cause. Headlined by the renowned Jamaican singer Masicka, the Climate Smart Concert was a vibrant celebration of reggae music and Caribbean culture organized by Farm Up Jamaica.
The concert lineup was a star-studded affair featuring a diverse array of talent from across the Caribbean. However, one name was notably absent from the stage: Kingdom, who was initially slated to perform. This unexpected twist added a layer of intrigue to the event, leaving the audience wondering about the reasons behind her absence.
![Nigy Boy had the crowd excited when he graced the stage to perform some of his hit songs.](https://www.caribbeanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/climate-smart-concert-rocks-ubs-arena-2024-05-23-tk-cl02a.jpg?w=700)
Beyond the exhilarating musical performances, the concert served a significant purpose — to raise funds for farmers in Jamaica and support research into climate-smart agricultural practices. This initiative also aims to heighten awareness about the impacts of climate change, a cause that deeply resonates within the Caribbean community, given the region’s vulnerability to environmental shifts.
Since its inception, Farm Up Jamaica has been a beacon of hope, making commendable strides toward educating the youth on sustainable farming techniques. This noble endeavor has been made possible through the collective efforts of the diaspora, the Jamaican government, and numerous donors. Together, they have trained over 700 young individuals in best practices for agriculture, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering resilience against climatic changes through agriculture.
![Neil Curtis, founder of Farm Up Jamaica.](https://www.caribbeanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/climate-smart-concert-rocks-ubs-arena-2024-05-23-tk-cl03a.jpg?w=700)
Neil Curtis, the founder of Farm Up Jamaica, expressed profound gratitude towards the concertgoers and donors who have contributed to the advancement of their cause. He emphasized the event’s success, not just in terms of turnout` but also in its ability to spread its message. Every note played and every word sung that night was a powerful step forward in their fight against climate change and in supporting their farmers back home.
The event underscored the power of music as a unifying force for good, drawing thousands to support a noble cause while soaking in the rich musical heritage of the Caribbean. The Climate Smart Concert is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Caribbean community, its dedication to combating climate change, and its unwavering support for sustainable agricultural practice.
With the success of this year’s concert, Farm Up Jamaica and Cornerstone Promotions have reinforced their commitment to continuing this harmonious blend of culture and advocacy, promising more initiatives to support Jamaica’s agricultural sector and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The concert received generous support from businesses such as Tropical Jerk, Golden Krust, JN Money, Dunns River Lounge, and Whereitzat magazine. These businesses are deeply committed to community development. Golden Krust notably sourced all its ingredients from Jamaica, directly supporting local farmers and growing the country’s agriculture sector.