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Sometimes it takes some time away to develop a greater appreciation of one’s culture, heritage and general way of life. After studying in Massachusetts, USA, Jayron “Rawkus” Remy returned to Trinidad with a renewed commitment to dedicate his time and energy to the cultural preservation of T&T. While earning a living is important, he also believes in making a difference and leaving a positive impact on the cultural landscape. This is what the DJ, cultural enthusiast and morning show co-host told MENtions about his journey and his renewed sense of purpose.

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I grew up in Petit Valley: Simeon Road to be exact. I lived with my mother but always had full support from my father even though he didn’t live with us for the majority of my childhood. I would normally see him on weekends for church and for special occasions. I really don’t think my childhood was filled with unusual challenges, but if there were challenges, my parents did a great job of masking them.

“My love for entertainment only grew”

From a young age, I knew I wanted to have a career in entertainment. It started with me performing Bally’s Maxi Dub in the living room at three years old and continued with me recording songs off the radio to cassettes during my childhood and early teenage years. When I was about 15 years old, my cousin, Maurice “Magnificent Sounds” Jackman, a DJ on the now defunct 98.9fm, allowed me to sit in the studio with him as he worked. He also invited me to his house to use the turntables. At that point, my love for entertainment just kept growing.

“It was music or nothing.”

Most people believe that being a DJ isn’t a “real” job as one’s success in the field is often linked to one’s popularity. With that in mind, my parents insisted that if I wanted to become a DJ, I should, at the very least train properly. So, I enrolled at the Institute of Broadcasting Careers and completed both the DJ and Announcer programmes. After that, I thought I was ready for the big league. Then the station that I had my heart set on, closed down. I was fortunate however, to have been able to do a few shifts on air before they closed. I had hoped that I would have at least been considered for whatever the next step was. Instead, I saw my friends and co-workers rehired at the new frequency but I wasn’t. What a lesson that was! I quickly realised that I needed to stand on my own. So my parents encouraged me to go to university after Sixth Form. I had no idea what I wanted to study because for me it was music or nothing. At that time, I also didn’t play any instruments.

“I learned to navigate certain aspects of the world as a man”

In 2004, I enrolled at the New England Institute of Art (NEIA) in Massachusetts, USA to study Sound Engineering and Audio Production. That experience taught me so much more than the theory and academics. I learned to navigate certain aspects of the world as a man. While at NEIA, I moonlighted/interned as a DJ and Host on a dinner cruise ship that sailed around the Boston Harbour. There, I met people from all walks of life, as we like to say in T&T. The family dinners, the wedding proposal dinners, the college dinners and the boisterous high school dinners, all took place on this ship. Seeing and interacting with a variety of races and faces and understanding the varied tastes in music, stretched me far and wide: most times by force.

“My understanding and appreciation for us and our culture, multiplied”

There seemed to be something about me: a dark-skinned, Trini with short dreads, instructing them to do the movements to Colin Lucas’ Dollar Wine, that got each of those groups of people to dance. Most times they didn’t know the song but they ‘knew the song’ (if you know what I mean). Those experiences taught me the power of the Caribbean and its music. When I came back to Trinidad, my understanding and appreciation for us and our culture, our heritage and way of life, multiplied. To this day, I feel as though I work in service to the cultural preservation of T&T.

As I have grown in my career and been exposed to so many things over the years, I realised that I too, had to evolve and improve. As a young DJ, I used to be more focused on hyping up the crowd and having them in a frenzy. Now, I am more focused on taking them on a journey with me. It’s less about the hype and hysteria and more about the musical journey.

My story has way too many ups and downs to try to fit them in here, but some of the highs I’m particularly proud of, are hosting Vintage Unplugged, a TV show celebrating calypso icons (2014 – 2019); producing Freetown Collective’s events – FTC Black, Free the Carnival and the Born in Darkness Album Launch, Action Ova Chat School Tour; producing New Fire Festival Concerts (2017-2019); working with 3canal since 2005 and producing the No Greater Time concert at Hyatt in 2017.

 “Be open to everything”

I have been fortunate to work in a variety of fields in the cultural industry and each experience has been rich and rewarding. For those who want to take the leap into the industry, it is important to be open to everything; be open to learning about the entire industry and how the various parts are connected. Understanding what it takes to make the magic happen is key: that’s what will ultimately unlock your magic. Don’t let your ego get in the way of your greatness. Everybody you meet on your journey has a lesson for you, and you for them.

In addition to the some of the highlights listed above, Rawkus was part of the production team at Boom Champions from 2007-2011 and has produced a number of sound effects that can be heard on radio and parties. He also ventured into acting and was part of the casts of two plays alongside Penelope Spencer and other talented actors. He currently co-hosts the NOW Morning Show on TTT, has a programme on radio and is the Creative Director of Rawkus Productions.