Romario “ZJ Romzii” Clarke along with a group of entertainment stakeholders are spearheading the ‘Rhythm + Relief’ initiative aimed at giving back to some residents in southwest Jamaica who were heavily impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

ZJ Romzii and the team will be collecting essential, hygiene and personal care, as well as emergency and utility items Friday, October 31, from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am at the Devon House Courtyard (adjacent to Steakhouse on the Verandah) in St Andrew.

“I originally came up with concept and brought it to other DJs such: DJ Mac, DJ Insaneo from jugglin masters, Cyclone from Coppershot Sound and 1 Jav. The movement, however, attracted the attention of small business owners such as Sheyenne Leslie (@thatecogirl876), promoter – Jamaul Hall , Timothy South (promoter of Chandon) and Nachel Kirkland (icywater876) who are now assisting in spearheading the initiative,” the DJ told the Jamaica Observer.

The Category 5 hurricane made landfall on Tuesday, with parishes such as St Elizabeth, Hanover, Westmoreland, and St James feeling its wrath. Scores of residents have been displaced, with infrastructure such as hospitals also reeling from its hard blow. The death toll is currently at 19.

Meanwhile, ZJ Romzii explained that there is no set target on what the team intends to achieve, adding that they hope to help as much as they can.

DJ Mac

“We are just trying help as best as we can with influence and resources that we have. We have industry partners that are located in severely affected areas. We are not putting a ceiling on the amount of donations we receive, just see how best we can help as much persons as possible,” he said, adding that the priority is on areas such as Black River and Treasure Beach in St Elizabeth, Savanna-la-Mar, and Montego Bay.

The disc jock also underscored the importance of entertainment partners to render assistance to those in need.

“It is very important, that because of the amount support that the industry gets over the years but merely because it could have anyone of us in this situation. We have the platforms and possess the resources to give back to persons in need. I feel like it’s human thing to do and that if we are in a position to offer any kind of assistance, we should jump at the chance,” he explained.

Timoy South

He is imploring anyone who is able to help, to do so, graciously.

“We have always preached that we are one country, one tribe, one community, one Jamaica. Now is the time to act on it, now is the time that we put aside our needs and look to aid our fellow brothers and sisters that have been severely affected by the hurricane. Any assistance I am sure would be grateful appreciated, any donation would go a far way,” ZJ Romzii said.