Internationally recognised reggae band Big Mountain helped turn “Baby, I Love Your Way” into a global singalong. Now, the American reggae band brings their own special brand of love to Jamaica to help hurricane-hit Jamaican families recover from the devastation of a Category 5 hurricane.
The group is among the acts announced for the Holding On Benefit Concert & Festival, a four-day fundraiser scheduled for January 14–17, 2027, at Wavz Beach in Negril. Organisers plan to put part of the proceeds toward two self-contained, one-bedroom homes for vulnerable families in Westmoreland affected by Hurricane Melissa.
For Big Mountain, the cause reflects a connection to Jamaica that extends beyond its musical roots.
“Big Mountain loves the island and its people, the band feels a deep spiritual and community bond with Jamaica. In fact, Quino (the band’s lead singer) views reggae as a revolutionary and anti-colonial force that helps people honor their culture, history, and identity, so he is more than willing to help,” said Denise Smith, one of the event’s co-conceptualisers.
Formed in San Diego in 1986 by vocalist Joaquin “Quino” McWhinney, Big Mountain reached an international pop audience with its 1994 cover of Peter Frampton’s “Baby, I Love Your Way.” The recording peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, topped the US Mainstream Top 40 chart and reached No. 2 in the UK.
At Holding On, that crossover appeal will support a local rebuilding effort.
Presented by Nelcia’s Natural Herbs in association with reggae singer Hezron Clarke, who initially conceived the event, the festival also lists Tanya Stephens, Kevin Lyttle, Nigy Boy, T-Drive, Popeye Caution, Ed Robinson, Sherell Rosegreen and Hezron among its performers.
“We are going to help vulnerable families in Westmoreland,” Smith said in a release.
“From the part proceeds, 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 one element of the festival’s charitable ambitions. Organisers also hope to secure support toward a mammography machine for Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital and provide care packages, school supplies, hygiene items and community services for children, women and families.
A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Mary Gates of Heaven Foundation in Negril, Westmoreland.
The programme opens Thursday, January 14, with Wavz of Praise Gospel, followed by Agency Day and Community Festival on Friday. Saturday brings We Rise Night, before Family Funday closes the event on Sunday.
An official handover of benefits is advertised for the final day. Individual performance dates have not yet been announced.
For Big Mountain, the appearance offers a chance to give back to the island whose music helped shape its sound. The hoped-for legacy will be measured in more than applause: two families with homes of their own.
