Singer Richie Flo salutes his home parish in his latest work, St Thomas, which is from his EP St Thomas Mi Born, scheduled for release on August 29.

He also gives a shout-out to some of fellow native sons including National Hero Paul Bogle, entertainers Bushman and Popcaan, and Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh.

St Thomas Mi Born contains 11 songs, including the Dean Fraser-produced Another Day, released in late 2022, and Reggae (Do What We Want) which came out in late July.

Richie Flo is from the community of Buckeny in Yallahs. Although he has lived in Toronto, Canada, for over 15 years, he says St Thomas is always in his thoughts.

“My fondest memory was the country life. Living carefree, going to the river, being able to go pick fresh fruits that are in season like mango and apple and such,” he told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash. “My youth growing in St Thomas help me appreciate the simple things more. As an adult, I understood that happiness isn’t about having lots of money, but about celebrating and loving life.”

While St Thomas is an uptempo dancehall track, Reggae (Do What We Want) has a one-drop feel synonymous with roots-reggae. It is produced by House Of Riddim, a band from Austria which has worked with many top Jamaican acts, including Capleton, Sizzla, Jah Mason, and Tubulence.

Richie Flo started his recording career in 2006 as a deejay. Migrating to Canada nine years later, he became a singer and has performed extensively on the Toronto reggae scene.

St Thomas Mi Born is his fourth EP. He has also released one album, Life, Love & Music.

— Howard Campbell