Mareen Alexander is one of St. Lucia’s top radio broadcasters and music presenters. Her full-of-energy radio show is heard every morning across the island and features not only the hottest music but interesting figures who are interviewed. We caught up with her in-studio!
VP: How did you get your start in the business?
MA: I started by enrolling in a training course offered by a leading radio station at the time, right after leaving high school. I had lost my grandma who I grew up with and was at a very emotional and confusing state of mind. I didn’t want to continue in a school environment I felt I wanted to venture into the world of work instead. That prompted me, after hearing the advertisement (I was always listening to radio).
VP: What was your first notable project?
MA: My first notable project was after my transition from the station I started with and joined the national broadcasting network. Mr. Josef Bogdanovich of Downsound Records came to Grenada to put on the very first pay per view live stream concerts with most of the trending dancehall artist at the time. And through his research he decided I was the right person he wanted to run the promotion on air for all his sponsored times and interviews and features and also to host the show.
This was epic and huge for me because he was spending! And so the station had to have me on double shift. During which time he provided live mixes from top Jamaica DJs juggling top debut dancehall and reggae. This further added to my popularity and to my fanbase.
VP: What was your first breakthrough
MA: This would have also served as my first real breakthrough. I was still pretty much young to the business.
VP: What are you working on now / next?
MA: I am currently in the process of establishing an industry hub that will provide a much-needed platform for industry players especially in these parts (the Caribbean) to be able to benefit from a networking base that can see meaningful collaborations and guidance in different areas of the industry. Also looking into formalizing, bookings curating and management etc. And a little hidden surprise on a personal level. Lol!
VP: What songs are you listening to now?
MA: Generally in the work environment I listen to and play a bit of everything … on a personal level however I am an old-school girl at heart so early Beres, Leroy Gibbons, Frankie Paul, etc … you know, that type a gyal!
Connect with Mareen on IG @mareenalexander