NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2025 11 RADIO JAMAICA 75TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | AUGUST 31, 2025 THE EARLY 1950s marked a transformative period for Jamaican media and performing arts, catalysed by the emergence of Radio Jamaica. This new medium revolutionised the way Jamaican artists reached audiences, forever altering the landscape of local entertainment. From its inception, Radio Jamaica was fortunate to enlist some of the foremost gures in drama and music critique. Archie Lindo, a standout among them, was instrumental in highlighting the evolution of Jamaican drama. Lindo’s efforts were crucial as Jamaican productions began to move away from traditional English plays by Noel Coward to embrace local narratives, notably through pantomime. This shift was heavily in uenced by pioneers like Louise Bennett and Ranny Williams. The establishment of the Extramural Department of the University College of the West Indies by Sir Philip Sherlock was another key development. It provided formal training for local artists, bene ting both stage and radio performers. This new training ground contributed to the early success of radio dramas, including The Life of the Morgan Henrys, Jamaica’s rst radio drama, produced by Alma Mock Yen and her team. The drama enjoyed a successful four-year run and marked the beginning of a vibrant era in Jamaican radio storytelling. Mock Yen, along with Madam A CATALYSTfor artistic flourishing January 27, 1967 – Adrian Robinson GLEANER PHOTOS Alma Mock Yen Archie Lindo Jimmy Cliff Miss Lou entertaining the packed audience at Senecca College. PLEASE SEE CATALYST, 12
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