Diplo Faces Backlash Over Jamaican Estate In Portland
Diplo, co-founder and lead member of Major Lazer, recently showcased his 62-acre estate in Portland, Jamaica, named Pompey, in a promotional video for the upcoming June edition of Architectural Digest magazine. However, the feature has ignited a wave of criticism from readers of the real estate, architecture and design publication.
Numerous American readers, while drawing parallels to historical exploitation, have expressed outrage over Diplo’s ownership of property in Jamaica and his riding about on a horse, claiming that it reeks of “colonialism”.
Others brought up past allegations of sexual impropriety involving the songwriter/producer and questioned the appropriateness of him being the prominent feature on the cover of the upcoming volume of the publication.
While welcoming Diplo’s choice of Jamaica for his second home, Jamaicans criticized the mega star’s choice of architectural styles and personnel. Many are displeased with his preference for Brazilian architecture, use of Mexican art and Japanese accents, and the decision to engage non-Jamaican designers for the estate’s development, which they claim is a disregard for local culture and talent.
The Architectural Digest feature of Diplo’s estate showcases the mansion, which is tucked into the hillside of San San in Portland, Jamaica’s east. Portland is the cradle of Jamaica’s tourism and has been a regular haunt of many of the world’s superstars, including Elizabeth Taylor, Ian Flemming, Jay Z, Beyonce, and Tom Cruise.
Architectural Digest focused on his farm and the amenities at his mansion, which features a recording studio, a wellness retreat, a spa, and a gym.
“Today, we are welcomed by Diplo to tour his private jungle paradise in Jamaica. Since the beginning of his career, Jamaica has been a significant haven of inspiration for the Grammy award-winning DJ and producer so it made perfect sense as the location for his own tropical retreat,” the publication noted on IG.
Diplo, whose given name is Thomas Wesley Pentz, was taking the Architectural Digest team on a tour of his property when he opened up about his lover for Brutalist architecture, a design style characterised by minimalist constructions that showcase the bare building materials and structural elements and commonly use exposed, unpainted concrete or brick.
“What I love about this property is the poured concrete. This is something no one’s really done in the Caribbean and it took us a long time to get it, right? But it was really worth it. I love Brazilian architecture really the brutalist look is what I love about this place big shouts my architects free So they’re based in New York. They did an amazing job with us,” Diplo had said.
However, the producer’s statements about his penchant for Brazilian architecture and the lack of ‘Caribbeanness’ in the design, art, and furnishings of his Jamaican property did not go down well with some of the island’s nationals.
“This is so off the mark,” troy.unofficial noted on Architectural Digest’s Instagram page. “Talking about Jamaica being an inspiration, then showing US, Mexican art, talking about Brazilian architecture, hiring NY architects. Stop taking up space in Jamaica or show us what he’s doing for Jamaica,” he ordered.
One woman pointed out that while Diplo had used a Jamaican construction company during the building phase, she was nevertheless disappointed in some of his choices.
“He did use a Jamaican builder, Relmac Construction, but I agree re having more of a Jamaican presence with the art and sculptures. We have so many unbelievably talented artists on the island that would have fit right into that vibe. Disappointing,” she said.
“Exactly why didn’t he find a jamaican architect or use island vernacular? AD should be praising architecture that is rooted in place and culture, not imported brutalism,” stated another man who entered the discussuion.
Diplo’s mansion took two years to be completed, according to Los Angeles-based landscape, gardens and glasshouse company Geoponica, which was involved in the creation of the mansion.
“For Diplo’s 62-acre estate in Portland, Jamaica, the goal of our landscape design studio Geoponica, was to assist the jungle and not compete with it. To this end, we set up an ad-hoc nursery on his property to propagate and grow thousands of fantastic jungle oddities that only a place like Jamaica could provide,” the company stated.
“After 2 years, 25,000 lbs of Jamaican coral limestone, and a wealth of remarkable jungle plants, we’re proud to share the results in the newest issue of Architectural Digest,” it added.
Here are more reactions to the feature on X/Twitter: