THE WEEKLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 20, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ENTERTAINMENT 20 4BR, 3B/R plus helpers BR & B/R MoBay, Jamaica US$155K Many fruit trees, quiet cul-de-sac, near airport. Google MLA53640 for pictures, details and contact info. Aubrey Campbell/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK, NY: I F THE oak tree grew from a small seed planted in the ground, then there is no telling the impact that a small idea can have on fertile minds in far-flung places. Welcome to the SoundChat Media Network, home of SoundChat Radio (SCR), a 24-hour, online medium, purposefully positioned right on the cutting edge of the digital super highway, driven by technology. Ten years in the making, Sound Chat Radio is the brainchild of Garfield‘Chin’ Bourne, CEO of Irish & Chin, best known for their hardcore dancehall productions, coast to coast and around the world for the last quarter-century! Considered an entertainment and media visionary, Sound Chat Radio is not the only brand that Bourne has built from scratch, as he is credited with conceptualising and popularising other internationally recognised brands in the entertainment space, such asWorld Clash, Reeewind and the renowned Japanese sound system, Mighty Crown. To say he has ‘been there, done that’ would be the understatement of the decade! Here’s why. At just 10 years old, SCR is one of the world’s largest Caribbean radio platforms, ‘Entertaining Through Music & Educating Through Conversation’. Currently, the network boasts a high profile and diverse roster of renowned radio personalities, DJs, sound system operators and journalists/jocks whose shows feature music, exclusive interviews and cutting-edge news perspectives and content. ‘Chin’, as he is affectionately called by colleagues and contemporaries, prides himself on Sound Chat Radio’s unorthodox style of radio, which is extremely vocal, interactive and visible. The very innovative platform, which combines radio with TV and vice versa, connects the Jamaican diaspora with timely and important topics that span politics, business, sports, health, entertainment, and more. In short, if you can speak it, SCR will broadcast it. ‘Dat dem seh..!’The diverse listening audience ranges from 28-71 years old. What started as a one-of-a kind ‘talk show’ many moons ago would soon morph into a 24-hour, online station and is now considered the blueprint for sound-based programming, spawning scores of similarly formatted shows, globally. To show his support and that of his staff and on-air talent, ‘Chin’ made sure to give back to the community throughout the years and in many ways, despite the challenges and protocols associated with the pandemic. As it turned out, scores of listeners and patrons braved the conditions and the constraints to show up at the flagship location in Queens, NY, for Easter, Memorial Day drive-by BBQ, Thanksgiving dinner (which benefited nearly 100 families), and the Christmas Grand Market Toy Give-Away (to children of listeners as well as to a community school PS 223). All in attendance were most appreciative of the company’s kindness and demonstration of its corporate responsibility. And on Saturday, January 29, 2022, the community of colleagues, politicians and close associates braved the inclement weather conditions for a live, in-person ‘appreciation affair’ for the big benefactor, Garfield “Chin’ Bourne himself. Planned behind the scene and without much fanfare, the usually vocal DJ was visibly surprised when he was presented with a citation from the Office of NYC Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams, recognising his pioneering spirit in media and culture. The presentation was carried live on WVIP, 93.5 FM and included messages and remarks from colleagues from Irie Jam, Link Up, Grooving Radio, among others. “This recognition is well and long overdue and deserving by someone whose core value is to recognise and award the unsung heroes of Jamaica’s popular culture,”noted amember of the team who asked not to be identified. It was a first for Bourne, and the fact that he appeared at a loss for words when it came time for a response would seem to suggest that he was humbled and honoured to have been so recognised, and in such a dramatic way at that! The Next Frontier It is safe to say, the first decade was the foundation. So now, the time is for upward growth and expansion. Daily morning and afternoon programmes have been added for greater engagement. The aim is to provide a voice for the diaspora to inform, discuss, explore and lobby for change in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands, especially related to health, commerce, criminal justice, public safety, community development and civil responsibility. The programme additions will also create an opportunity to expand advertising reach for our corporate clients and future prospects. Right next to the radio is a television medium – Sound Chat TV – which features the stories of contributors to reggae and dancehall music and culture. The historical perspectives hail fromboth little-known and well-known talent, who tell their unprecedented stories and often best-kept secrets. Also, sound system inspired, this programming aims to preserve the personalities and perspectives that have shaped, and continue to shape, the history and development of Jamaica’s popular music and culture, voted a national treasure by UNESCO, just before the pandemic turned the world on its head. Sound Chat Radio celebrates ten years Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne (second right) shares his citation and a smile with Sherry Morgan (left) producer/host of ‘BusinessWise’; son CJ and staffer Stacey Mac (right) after the presentation at the studios on January 29. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Media manager Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne (right) accepts a citation from Sabine French (left), Queens Borough Public Advocate, who deputised for NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams at the ceremony at the studios of SoundChat Radio, Queens, on January 29. Marks milestone with plans for major expansion THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 14 - MARCH 16, 202 | w .jamaica-gleaner.com | ENTERTAINMENT
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