How Shensea Drove Jamaica’s Biggest Artist‑Led Hurricane Relief Effort

When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 storm, it caused widespread damage across the island, disrupting basic services and displacing thousands of families. In response, Jamaican artist Shenseea returned to her hometown of St Elizabeth and took a leading role in organising relief for the communities most affected by the storm. Her efforts focused on delivering essential supplies directly to families facing urgent needs.

Shenseea – Instagram

Shenseea and her team prepared and distributed more than 5 000 packages containing food, clean water, shelter materials, and household necessities. The items included thousands of pounds of rice, flour, cornmeal, sugar, oats, and beans, as well as hundreds of cases of canned proteins and other pantry staples. Nearly 700 gallons of water and over 1 100 bottles were also included to support families coping with disrupted access to clean water.

Shenseea – Instagram

In addition to food and water, the packages contained household and hygiene essentials such as toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, sanitary products, flushable wipes, and baby items like diapers. For families whose homes were damaged, Shenseea provided tarpaulins, tents, and portable generators to help with temporary shelter and power. The organisation and distribution of these supplies required careful coordination with local volunteers to reach residents efficiently and safely.

Shenseea explained her motivation, saying she acted quickly because Jamaica “raised me, and whenever my country is hurting, I feel it deeply.” She emphasised that her goal was to deliver critical supplies to as many affected families as possible in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane.

Shenseea – Instagram

Her initiative was part of a broader set of relief efforts, including benefit concerts and support from other artists and organisations. What sets Shenseea’s work apart is the scale and speed of the distribution, particularly in her home parish of St Elizabeth. By taking direct action, she provided timely support to those facing urgent needs, demonstrating the impact an artist can have in mobilising resources during a natural disaster.