BOBBY KONDERS & JABBA: Pioneers of Caribbean Radio and Sound System Culture in America
BOBBY KONDERS
DJ · Producer · Sound System Icon · Radio Trailblazer
Brooklyn-born Bobby Konders is one of the most influential figures in bridging Caribbean music with mainstream American radio and club culture. Of Trinidadian and Irish descent, Konders was raised in Flatbush—a cultural melting pot that introduced him to reggae, hip-hop, house, and dancehall from a young age. A passionate crate-digger and vinyl purist, he began his career in the 1980s spinning house music before falling deep into the world of reggae and dancehall.
In 1993, Bobby launched the groundbreaking Massive B Sound System, which quickly became a staple in New York’s Caribbean community and global dancehall circles. His unique fusion of digital riddims with traditional dub sensibilities helped push the genre forward. As a producer, he crafted influential riddims like “Lickshot,” “Jail Bird,” “Mad Instruments,” and “Lethal Weapon,” which featured top-tier dancehall artists like Bounty Killer, Capleton, Elephant Man, and Buju Banton.
But it was his radio work that truly changed the game. In 1999, Bobby Konders brought Caribbean music to commercial radio with his now-legendary show “Fire Sundays” on Hot 97 FM (WQHT 97.1), New York’s top urban station. This was revolutionary: reggae and dancehall were now in prime-time slots alongside hip-hop and R&B, exposing millions to Jamaican music and culture.
Konders is respected as a cultural gatekeeper—a man who gave voice to reggae and dancehall artists on an urban platform long before it was trendy. He’s also credited with launching or helping grow the careers of countless artists, always pushing Caribbean music with authenticity and love.
JABBA
Host · Hype Man · Radio Personality · Cultural Ambassador
The charismatic voice behind the mic, Jabba (born Steven Beckford in Brooklyn to Jamaican parents), is a legendary radio personality and dancehall ambassador who made it cool to blend patois with prime-time American radio. Known for his high energy, sharp humor, and genuine passion for Jamaican culture, Jabba rose to prominence in the 1990s as an MC on the Massive B Sound System alongside Bobby Konders.
Jabba’s dynamic presence helped make Massive B not just a sound system but a movement. He brought a unique talent for crowd control, hype hosting, and MC’ing, turning every dancehall session into a full-blown experience. Jabba has hosted events worldwide, from Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica to sound clashes in London, Japan, and Europe. He is considered one of the best MCs and hype men in the global dancehall scene.
On the radio side, Jabba joined Bobby Konders on Hot 97’s “Fire Sundays”, where their chemistry, insight, and dedication to reggae, dancehall, and soca created a cultural institution. Together, they introduced artists like Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Busy Signal, and more to massive urban audiences. Jabba’s catchphrases, quick wit, and deep knowledge of the genre helped educate and entertain generations of listeners.
Beyond radio, Jabba is a key cultural curator and promoter. He co-founded Best of the Best Music Festival in Miami—one of the largest Caribbean music festivals in North America—bringing together major acts from across the diaspora. He also serves as a trusted voice in reggae/dancehall’s global expansion and continues to support young, emerging talent.
Legacy & Impact
Together, Bobby Konders and Jabba revolutionized how Caribbean music was heard, understood, and appreciated in the U.S. Their work on Massive B, Hot 97, and global stages broke down barriers between dancehall and hip-hop, between street culture and mainstream platforms.
They’ve maintained their relevance over decades by staying true to the music and the people. Whether through radio, live events, sound clashes, or studio work, their contributions have made them living legends and cultural architects.
From sound system clashes to FM radio waves, Bobby Konders and Jabba didn’t just play the music—they built the bridge.
