Irie Jam Radio is a pioneering Caribbean media and entertainment powerhouse based in New York City. Founded in 1993 by media visionary Bobby Clarke, alongside a dedicated team of Caribbean cultural advocates, Irie Jam has grown to become the voice of the Caribbean-American community across the tri-state area and beyond. Through radio, event production, artist promotion, and community outreach, Irie Jam has played an essential role in preserving and promoting Caribbean culture in the diaspora.
Founding Vision & Leadership – Bobby Clarke
Bobby Clarke, a Jamaican-born entrepreneur and media executive, founded Irie Jam Radio with a vision to create a platform where Caribbean music, voices, and issues could be heard and respected. With his background in business and his deep cultural roots in reggae and Caribbean identity, Clarke recognized the need for a professional radio outlet that would authentically represent the Caribbean experience in New York.
Under his leadership, Irie Jam became a key fixture on WVIP 93.5 FM, delivering reggae, dancehall, soca, and Caribbean talk radio to a broad audience, while also amplifying voices from the community on issues such as immigration, politics, and social justice.
Irie Jam Radio – A Cultural Powerhouse
Irie Jam is more than just a radio station — it’s a cultural institution. Broadcasting on WVIP 93.5 FM and streaming worldwide via its digital platforms, the station has become the pulse of Caribbean entertainment and news in North America. Its programming includes music, artist interviews, health and wellness tips, community information, and real-time commentary on Caribbean and international affairs.
The station’s hosts, DJs, and personalities—many of whom are legends in Caribbean media—form a tight-knit team that shares Bobby Clarke’s commitment to authenticity and excellence.
Notable personalities associated with Irie Jam include:
-
DJ Roy – Iconic voice known for his smooth delivery and influence on Caribbean radio.
-
Nikki Z – Prominent female DJ and media personality with a global following.
-
Dubbmaster Chris, DJ Wayne, GT Taylor, Rico Vibes, and many more.
Major Events & Impact
Irie Jam is not just heard—it’s felt. Over the years, Clarke and his team have organized and promoted some of the most iconic Caribbean events in the U.S., most notably:
Irie Jamboree
Co-produced by Bobby Clarke, Irie Jamboree was one of the largest Caribbean music festivals in North America, attracting tens of thousands of patrons annually. From 2003 to 2013, it brought reggae and dancehall superstars like Beres Hammond, Sean Paul, Mavado, Beenie Man, and Tarrus Riley to the big stage in New York, helping to bridge Caribbean culture with the broader urban and international music markets.
Groovin’ in the Park
As a successor to Irie Jamboree, Groovin’ in the Park continues the legacy of high-caliber Caribbean concerts. Featuring artists from reggae, R&B, and soul, it celebrates the musical connections between the African-American and Caribbean-American communities.
Cultural Advocacy and Community Empowerment
Beyond entertainment, Irie Jam is a vital voice for the Caribbean diaspora. The platform has championed:
-
Immigration reform and civic engagement
-
Health education, including awareness around HIV/AIDS and COVID-19
-
Diaspora business development
-
Voter mobilization campaigns
The station collaborates with the Jamaican Consulate, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, and various nonprofit organizations to uplift and inform the community.
Media Expansion & Digital Presence
Under Bobby Clarke’s continued leadership, Irie Jam has expanded into a multimedia brand, leveraging digital streaming, podcasting, social media, and online video content to reach a global audience.
Its influence now extends into:
-
Artist development and management
-
Sponsorship and brand partnerships
-
Cultural diplomacy between the Caribbean and the U.S.
Awards & Recognition
Irie Jam and Bobby Clarke have received numerous accolades for their contribution to culture and media, including:
-
Proclamations from the City of New York
-
Caribbean-American Heritage Awards
-
Recognition from the Jamaican Government
Legacy and Future
As Irie Jam celebrates over 30 years of broadcasting, its legacy remains rooted in cultural pride, community voice, and musical excellence. Bobby Clarke continues to mentor the next generation of Caribbean media professionals while evolving the Irie Jam brand for modern audiences through initiatives like Irie Jam 360, TV content, and cultural expos.
With a legacy built on authenticity, passion, and community engagement, Irie Jam remains the heartbeat of Caribbean radio in the diaspora—a living testament to the power of cultural media and the vision of Bobby Clarke and his team.
