By Sadeke Brooks—–
In celebrating its 20th year, New York-based Irie Jam Media Group, plans to expand into artist management and booking, as well as broadcast from Jamaica.
Speaking with The Sunday Gleaner recently, Irie Jam’s CEO, Bobby Clarke, said the group would be expanding into several areas.
As it relates to artist management and booking, they will be working with Big Yard’s Robert Livingston.
“It is a natural progress from what we do now. We do media and promotion. We interact with artists and have been doing it unofficially, but it will now be part of our day-to-day business,” he said.
“It is more of a work in progress. Big Yard would be our home in Jamaica and we would be broadcasting from Big Yard as well.”
The radio station will also be increasing its reach beyond the Tri-State area and will soon start broadcasting in Florida, Atlanta, Canada and some Caribbean islands in the near future.
As part of this year’s anniversary celebrations, Irie Jam will be hosting events like Irie Fashion Rave, Memories featuring Beenie Man, Irie Jam Anniversary Ball, Irie Jam Celebrity Soccer Match, and a family fun day, and Christmas party.
However, Clarke is especially excited about Irie Jamboree, an event that will make its comeback after being absent since 2010.
This time around the event will be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and will now be a three-day event, instead of just a single day.
Celebrations aside, Clarke says he is very proud of Irie Jam’s accomplishments.
“We became a household name and still educate, entertain and inform the community here. We are proud that we are the number one Caribbean media house in the Tri-State area. It has been a rough road and we are still not where we want to be,” he said.
“We are very proud to be here for 20 years and still growing strong. We plan to bring different components to the company as we keep growing. We have become the connection to home. We are proud to be that outlet. We continue to push forward and keep Jamaica’s flag high and keep Jamaica culture alive.”
You must log in to post a comment.