Canada-based singer Richie Flo reconnects with St Thomas after Hurricane Melissa

Richie Flo marked a personal milestone last August when he put out St Thomas Mi Born, an album that celebrates the parish where he was raised. It was his second full-length project. Roughly two months after that release, Hurricane Melissa tore across Jamaica, and the singer — who lives in Canada — worried for relatives still on the island.

His first trip home since the Category 5 storm came in June, when he spent time with family in Buckeny, Yallahs. Melissa had laid waste to parts of Jamaica’s north-west, and the reunion carried a heavy charge.

“Coming back to St Thomas after everything that happened with Hurricane Melissa was emotional. St Thomas wasn’t hit as hard as some of the other parishes, but you can still see the effects in different ways,” he said. “What stood out to me the most, though, was the strength, resilience, and positive spirit of the people. The love and support I’ve received has been incredible, so much high energy, encouragement, and genuine love.”

One track on the album, St Thomas, tips its hat to his birthplace and name-checks parish standouts such as National Hero Paul Bogle, artistes Bushman and Popcaan, and Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh. The seven-day stay, he said, “reminded me where I come from and why I make music”.

He entered the studio life in 2006 as a deejay, then turned to singing after moving to Canada in 2015. Since then he has built a strong presence on Toronto’s reggae circuit. Life, Love & Music, his debut album, arrived in 2019.