European and Jamaican musicians band together to support children post- Hurricane Melissa

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European and Jamaican musicians band together to support children post- Hurricane Melissa

27.01.2026 Press and information team of the Delegation to JAMAICA

EU Ambassador to Jamaica, Dr Erja Askola in collaboration with UNICEF Jamaica, recently hosted a jazz concert to support children affected by Hurricane Melissa.

© EUdelegation

The concert featured acclaimed European Saxophonist, composer and arranger Pekka Pylkkänen alongside the esteemed Jamaican pianist and composer Orville Hammond, accompanied by Leon "Mandela" Duncan on Bass and Clayon Samuels on drums.The event brought together partners and stakeholders to celebrate music, culture and solidarity in support of children affected by Hurricane Melissa.

UNICEF reports that months after the category 5 Hurricane, thousands of Jamaican children are still living with its consequences. Some are learning in tents or damaged classrooms, sharing textbooks and coping with interrupted routines.

During the event H.E. Dr Erja Askola, EU Ambassador to Jamaica, emphasized the significant role of music and culture in diplomacy and development, stating that "through history, jazz has connected people across continents. This evening is about music, but it is also about solidarity. We are therefore grateful to partner with UNICEF Jamaica, whose work for and with children makes a tangible difference in the lives of people across the country."

L-R Mr Herbie Miller, Director and Curator, Jamaica Music Museum (JaMM); Dr. Orville Hammond, Jamaican pianist and composer; Dr Erja Askola, EU Ambassador to Jamaica; European saxophonist, composer and arranger Pekka Pylkkänen; Ms. Olga Isaza, UNICEF Representative to Jamaica; Leon "Mandela" Duncan; and Clayon Samuels - members of the Orville Hammond Trio.

UNICEF Representative to Jamaica, Olga Isaza shared her admiration for the resilience demonstrated by the children affected by the disruptions and trauma caused by the hurricane to move forward.

"We have supported psycho-social care for more than 1,500 children and are working to repair and climate proof schools and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, so that the next storm does not steal their future again. But we are not there yet. In too many communities, access to quality education is still constrained by damaged classrooms, intermittent water and electricity, and the sheer cost of getting children back to school."

Funds raised from the concert will support UNICEF programmes focused on helping children directly affected by Hurricane Melissa. Donations will help UNICEF provide essential assistance to children and will be directed to the areas of greatest need in Jamaica.

The concert offered a unique opportunity for patrons to enjoy performances by renowned musicians from Europe and Jamaica in an intimate outdoor setting. It underscored the EU's commitment to people-to-people connections and cultural exchange.