The vibrant pulse of Jamaica’s musical legacy in New York was on full display at the recent Tri-State Area Family Fun Festival, formerly the Merritone Family Funday, held at Heckscher Park, East Islip, Long Island, N.Y.
The event, hosted by Winners Circle Radio and Irie Jam Media, not only celebrated individual achievements by Jamaicans in the diaspora but also highlighted the enduring influence of selectors, promoters, and cultural icons in connecting the Jamaican community through music and culture.
Jack Scorpio (Maurice Johnson), founder of the Black Scorpio Sound System and record label, was honored for his pivotal role in shaping reggae and dancehall—from nurturing stars like Yellowman and Dennis Brown to ushering in the digital era. Starting his sound system in 1968 with a single turntable and speaker, Scorpio drew inspiration from local community sound systems and went on to produce hits for Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Yellowman, and Beenie Man. His sound system became famous for DJs like General Trees and Lord Sassafrass. In recent years, Scorpio has hosted various radio programs, promoted veteran artists, and championed positive, clean music.
Socialite Maxine Greaves has long been one of the most vibrant event coordinators on the New York music scene. For the past three decades, she has operated her own events promotion and marketing company, GMAX Enterprise, which has played an integral role in the success of several Caribbean events such as Central Park SummerStage, Groovin’ in the Park, Irie Jamboree, the IRAWMA, the adidas Grand Prix, and the Westchester Reggae Fest. She is currently lending her expertise to the Beres Hammond and Friends event this weekend in New York and New Jersey, which will be headlined by Hammond, reggae queen Marcia Griffiths, and Cham.
“This award is truly special because it comes from my own Caribbean family here in New York,” Maxine told Caribbean National Weekly. “I am deeply grateful to Irie Jam Media, Conroy Allison, and Family Fun Festival for this distinguished award. It is a privilege to be recognized for my commitment to promoting Jamaica’s culture through music. I dedicate this award to my late mother, Merril Miniffee Greaves, whose love for community and music inspired everything I do,” she said.
This hardworking socialite was born in Mandeville, Jamaica, where she grew up with her parents and siblings. She attended Manchester and Belair High School, where she developed her love and passion for music.
“I have always loved music as a youngster, but it was while I was in high school that my passion was nurtured,” she said.
Bobby Channel One has been a music broadcaster for more than three decades. Encouraged by DJ Roy of Irie Jam Radio and Road International Sounds to bring something fresh to the airwaves, he launched the Culture Jam Radio program, which has been running strong for over 30 years.
“Reggae music is not just a beat—it’s a heartbeat,” he shared. “For over 30 years, I’ve been blessed to share that heartbeat with listeners around the world. This honor belongs to every artist, selector, and supporter who has kept the culture alive,” he added.
Over the decades, Bobby has shared the mic on WVIP 93.5 FM with legends including Sister Lovely, Clive Chin, Dave Juda, Carl B. Moxie, Pablo Asaab, Francine Chin, T.K. Smith, Clinton Lindsay, Mona Lee, and Jeff Sarge. Today, he continues to spread music far and wide—distributing for Jamaican recording labels and hosting radio programs on Sound Chat Radio, Red Hot Radio, and Culture Jam Radio.
Jahwise, born Robert Campbell, a legendary selector for the iconic Tippatone HiFi sound system, was saluted for his pioneering role in dancehall and his artistry, which includes work featured in the 1978 classic film Rockers. Jahwise is the younger brother of reggae singer Cornell Campbell.
Other honorees include Selector Baby Q, music producer Don One, DJ Carlton, Glama Wayne, Dub Master Chris, and Soul Supreme.
