Contact: Sharon Gordon
Tel:
718-421-6927
Fax: 718-421-0522
1199 Ocean Avenue
Suite 407
Brooklyn, N.Y.11230
TSO Productions
Press Release
COMMUNITY FORUM LOOKS AT ROLE OF RADIO DEEJAYS AND
POPULAR JAMAICAN MUSIC
Brooklyn, N.Y. March 27th 2009... “Do radio deejays contribute to the state of popular Jamaican music?” That’s
the question being posed at the next community forum and panel discussion hosted by the Coalition to Preserve
Reggae music (CPR), in association with ZYNC TV NEW YORK LINKZ and People of Black Heritage. The
forum takes place on Thursday, April 16th in the auditorium at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 777 East 222nd Street,
corner of Barnes Avenue in the Bronx from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. The forum promises keen insight into this
question. “When we look at what is happening in our culture with our youths and in our community, we’d be remiss
not to closely examine everything that has influence whether positive or negative,” says Sheron Hamilton-Pearson,
President of People of Black Heritage and one of the organizers. “We are delighted to have CPR bring the
discussion to the Bronx especially following on the heels of their successful initial forum at the Billie Holiday
theatre on March 4th, where hundreds turned out to participate in the discussion which examined “Could Dancehall
be the ruination of Reggae and by extension, the Jamaica brand?”
The last forum revealed concern that Jamaican popular music is exerting a negative impact that needs to be
addressed. “There was concern over the sexually explicit and strongly violent lyrics that are being incorporated in
popular Jamaican music and then aired on radio and television” Says Carlyle McKetty co-founder of Coalition to
Preserve Reggae Music and one of the organizers. Accordingly, many expressed outrage at the crass, course and
vulgar sounds being emitted over the airwaves.” “CPR is here to raise the bar in the level of discussion and we
intend to facilitate community involvement in discussing these issues and seeking remedies and solutions,” says
Sharon Gordon, co-founder of CPR and moderator of the forums. “As stakeholders we are all affected, we must
come together and find common solutions.”
An electrifying group of panelists have agreed to sit down and discuss this very timely issue. They are, DJ Roy (93.5
FM); Richie Poo (Royal Radio); Mikey Sterling (93.5 FM); Carter Van Pelt (89.9 FM); Avril Francis (93.5 FM),
Spread Love Bobby (930 AM) and Dahved Levy (107.5 FM). To ensure that the discussion stays on message, CPR
has tapped an impressive group of industry insiders to serve as Commentators for the evening. They are radio
 For Immediate Release
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legend, Jeff Barnes, shipping magnet and radio host, Bob DeSouza, radio host, Francine Chin, singer/ drummer/
producer Ed Ed Robinson, journalist Andrea Daley and the well known DJ Prentice.
Sponsors of the event include Street Hype Newspaper, Caribbean Food Delights, Yardman Style Clothing, Vegan
Delight’s, Transcontinental Shippers and Yardstyle Sorrel. Due to limited space, attendees must RSVP at
info@tsoproductions.com or call 718-421-6927.
About CPR: The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music (CPR) is a charitable organization working to raise the bar in the creation, development,
promotion and presentation of reggae music. CPR conducts educational forums and presents music events to raise funds to research, codify, curate
and disseminate literature regarding the music.
About ZYNC TV: ZYNC TV, a Brooklyn-based information and entertainment show, is a conduit for the exchange of cultural ideas and events from
areas in the world that are influenced by the Afro-Caribbean culture. ZYNC broadcasts on C.I.N. (Ch. 73: Sun., 12:30pm) and on BCAT (Cablevision
Ch. 69/Time Warner Ch. 56. Sat., 11:30pm.)
About People of Black Heritage: People of Black Heritage (POBH) is a 501(c) (3) Not-for-Profit Organization formed in 2007 with the exclusive intent
of serving as a charitable and educational organization. Its mission is to provide community based support services that will empower and enhance
the quality of life of underrepresented inner-city residents.