Major Lazer to lead latest hurricane charity concert

Crowd-packing electronic group Major Lazer on Wednesday announced a concert in Miami to raise money for Caribbean victims from a trio of devastating hurricanes.

The concert, set for Monday and dubbed "Relief is the Mission," will also feature other artists with Caribbean connections including Machel Montano, a leading star of soca, the rhythmic musical style born in Trinidad and Tobago.

Major Lazer -- whose song "Lean On" with DJ Snake and Mo remains one of the most streamed songs ever on Spotify -- said the group wanted to raise money for aid groups that will focus on all parts of the Caribbean, including smaller islands that can be overlooked.

"It is my hope that no parent has to ever go through a situation like this, and I will do my best to help them rebuild and overcome this horrible tragedy," Major Lazer's Diplo, a Miami-raised producer known for his work with Justin Bieber and other stars, said in a statement.

The concert comes one day before a separate show in New York to raise money for hurricane relief. The concert will feature some 30 artists including rap mogul Jay-Z, whose streaming service Tidal is leading the effort, and pop star Jennifer Lopez, who is of Puerto Rican heritage and has been active in relief work.

The Caribbean, the southern United States and parts of Central America have been struck in quick succession by massive hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

Most of Puerto Rico remains without power three weeks after Hurricane Maria, which killed 44 people on the US territory.

source: AFP