Music producer Diplo spent his birthday not behind turntables but on the ground in Jamaica, aiding recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa. Joined by model Winnie Harlow, the pair traveled through flood-ravaged communities in St. Elizabeth, delivering food, water, and essential supplies to families cut off from aid due to washed-out roads and storm damage.
Partnering with the Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE), the Breds Foundation, and Food For The Poor Jamaica, Diplo and Harlow visited Treasure Beach and Parottee to distribute supplies directly to affected residents. In her Instagram post, Harlow wrote, “Hurricane Melissa has brought much devastation to Jamaica. With the kind support of CORE and BREDS, @diplo and I took boats through Treasure Beach and out to Parottee to deliver food, water & supplies to families hit hard by Hurricane Melissa.”
The Canadian-Jamaican model also reflected on the emotional toll of the disaster, saying, “I cried along with my country, not being able to reach our relatives to see if they were okay. This disaster must bring attention to climate change. It’s my duty as a woman of Jamaican descent to use my voice.”
In a follow-up video post, Harlow urged global support, reminding followers that “the recovery is only just beginning and so many families need urgent help right now.”
Diplo Calls Jamaica His “Second Home”
For Diplo, who has been visiting Jamaica for over 20 years, the island holds deep personal and creative roots. In an Instagram statement, the Major Lazer co-founder wrote, “Jamaica has been at the heart of everything for me. The people, the culture, the music all shaped who I am.”
He described witnessing the destruction as “horrible,” explaining that entire communities are underwater and that “roads and schools are gone.” Diplo also announced donations to the American Friends of Jamaica and CORE, two trusted organizations working on the ground to deliver aid. “If Jamaica has ever given you a song, a memory, or even just good energy, I hope you’ll join me in giving back,” he said.
During a joint interview with The Gleaner, Diplo called this experience his “best birthday ever,” choosing to spend the day delivering supplies rather than celebrating. He also revealed plans to continue helping families in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, noting that while his own home in Portland was spared, “entire communities are rebuilding from nothing.”
Giving Back to the Island That Inspired Them
Harlow emphasized that her involvement in the relief mission was about more than charity—it was about connection. “It was really important for me to be on the ground this time, making sure I’m pulling my weight for my country and my people,” she told The Gleaner.
Alongside Diplo, Harlow joined efforts led by local and international partners, including CORE, BREDS, the Sean Paul Foundation, and Food For The Poor Jamaica. Both stars have pledged to continue supporting long-term recovery, with Harlow confirming plans to return to Jamaica in December.
“Jamaicans are resilient and strong, but in need of the support from our brothers and sisters around the world,” Harlow wrote. “Each one help one.”
