Michael Downer

On Air: Mikey Mike

Mikey Mike, host of The Morning Drive, and Chairman of WZPP/WZOP started playing sounds system and performing at nightclubs, at the tender age of 15, his passion for radio and music was his driving force. His father was a DJ and his mother is a gospel singer. As a young entrepreneur and owner of a sound system, Mikey seized every opportunity presented to him and was able to hold down many gigs simultaneously, to name two, one at WAVS radio and the other at WSRS radio.

Mikey has been involved and worked in every aspect of the music industry for over 30 years. He has been steadfast and has honed his craft with skill and precision. Mikey continues to serve the community and the Caribbean Diaspora at large through his media platform.

Mikey hails from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where, before migrating to the U.S., he attempted to make a name for himself by spinning at house parties and nightclubs. Mikey is also an avid soccer fan and is a superfan of his island’s soccer team “The Reggae Boyz” Mikey uses his platform to promote the sport, lending his support anywhere possible to bring recognition of the sport here in America.

WZPP/WZOP, aptly called “The Voice of the Caribbean” has the biggest champion Mikey Mike who has the loudest voice for this community.

Listen to DJ Mikey Mike & Shika on The Morning Drive, Monday – Friday from 6 – 10 a.m.

Norman Lawrence

On Air: Humble Lion

Norman Lawrence, also known as Humble Lion, is a radio personality and advertising consultant with a career spanning over 30 years. He hails from the cool hills of Mandeville, Jamaica.

Lawrence’s first opportunity on the radio was on WNWK 105.9FM in New York. His radio experience also includes hosting Conscious Party on WPEB 88.1FM in Philadelphia. There he received the name Humble Lion from the community, which describes his two distinct natures. He is always very quiet and unassuming, but as they say, “Don’t wake the sleeping lion.”

Lawrence also philosophized this as the two natures of Christ. He came humbly as a lamb to the slaughter when he was crucified, but he promises to return as the conquering lion.

Lawrence received a bachelor’s degree from the Art Institute of Philadelphia where he graduated with honors and was the valedictorian. Before graduating, he produced and co-hosted the TV show, International Television on Pax Communications in Philly, where he interviewed entertainers like Sizzla Kalonji, Luciano, Everton Blender, Freddie McGregor, Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Tony Rebel, Yasus Afari, Determine and more.

He is an account executive and program director at Whiz Communications / WAVS1170 AM and the general manager and program director at The Voice of the Caribbean.

Listen to Humble Lion on the Midday Meditation Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Jeanniel Sterling

On Air: Ms. Chin

Ms. Chin is the General Manager of WZOP/WZPP. During her free time, she enjoys playing netball and dominoes, listening to music, and spending time with her daughter.

Ms. Chin has a diploma in nursing from the Doncaster School of Nursing in Jamaica and a certificate in supervisor management from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. She is a licensed CNA. Her professional background includes clerical work, marketing, and promotions, and she has worked in the corporate business field for several years. She is currently a nurse and the administration manager at The Voice of the Caribbean.

Back in Jamaica, Ms. Chin played her part in the community on the National Stadium Police Youth Club, Excelsior High School Event Committee, and the Excelsior High School Parent Track & Field group. She considers herself a team player and a hard-worker who lives by the motto, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Damian Allen

On Air: DJ Undisputed

DJ Undisputed, fondly known as Dispute, is a radio personality and professional DJ and host for the Island Mix show on WZPP/WZOP.

Born in Kingston/St. Andrew, Jamaica, DJ undisputed moved to the U.S. in 1992, settled in South Florida, and completed his education. Undisputed has always had a love for all genres of music from a young age, so it was no surprise that after high school, he started gigging. He played at house parties, college parties, and major clubs throughout South Florida, locations like the Hard Rock, Las Olas, and South Beach.

He loves going to the movies and watching basketball as much as he loves spreading joy to his audience through his musical entertainment. He believes like the late great Bob Marley: ‘When music hits, you feel no pain.” He has been in the music business now for more than 20 years.
He says “I continue to learn and grow and will continue to DJ and hit the people with the best music I can.”

Listen to the Evening Drive with DJ Undisputed, Monday – Friday from 6 – 8 p.m.

Dr. Claudette O’Brien

On Air: Pastor Claudette O’Brien

Dr. Claudette O’Brien is a business entrepreneur, senior pastor and founder of the Pinnacle of Faith Ministries. She hails from Ocho Rios in Jamaica and her passion for service and charitable giving is her hallmark. She is a former vice president of St. Mary Chamber of Commerce, where she served her community selflessly.

Pastor O’Brien says she has been around music all her life and has developed a fondness for it. She has been singing from a tender age and still does, but now has included writing gospel songs to her repertoire. She loves the lord and her current involvement in radio ministries spans years.

Dr. O’Brien is the mother of radio personality and co-founder of WZOP Radio, Michael Downer.

She hosts a gospel show on The Voice FM “Gospel and Inspiration” a program that offers a kind word and encouragement to needy souls.

Dr. O’Brien has a doctorate in theology and a degree in accounting.

Listen to Pinnacle of Faith Ministries with Pastor Claudette O’Brien, Saturdays & Sundays from 5 – 9 a.m.

Apostle Stedroy Williams

Apostle Stedroy Williams, a Montserrat national, founded Victory Christian World Ministries in 2002. He gave his life to the Lord in 1984 at 26 years old. Three months later, he answered the call to minister. Williams studied and served for seven and a half years at Zoe Word Ministries.

He is now the senior pastor of Victory Christian World Ministries. Since the inception of this ministry, Williams has expanded to reach the nations through television and radio broadcasts.

Apostle Williams, a man of integrity, has been anointed to preach the Word of God with signs and wonders in a strong prophetic and deliverance ministry for over 30 years in South Florida and around the world.

Listen to Apostle Stedroy Williams & TT on Saturday & Sunday 9am – 12pm

Opal P. Lee

On Air: DJ Lee

Opal P. Lee is a licensed attorney in Florida and Jamaica. Lee is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Broward County Women Lawyers Association. She is a principal attorney of FloJam Legal, a law firm with offices in Florida and Jamaica. One of the firm’s primary areas of practice is immigration law, and so, Lee can be heard on The Voice of the Caribbean discussing all things immigration, while she skillfully maneuvers the turntables providing soul-stirring entertainment on OXYGEN, the Legal Mix.

Listen to DJ Lee on Oxygen, Saturday from 6 – 8 p.m. 

Brandon Mudie & Gary Enforcement

On Air: DJ Brandon & Gary Enforcement

DJ and Sound Owner Brandon Mudie, also known as DJ Brandon and Enforcement Jr., can be counted as one of the youngest and most popular Caribbean deejays in South Florida.

Brandon was born in Florida’s most popular city, Miami. Brandon’s music scene started back in 2007. At the age of 3, he played music at an 80th birthday party running the ones and threes with his father Gary Enforcement. At the age of 6, he started wiring up the sound system, continuously watching his father step-by-step.

Throughout the years, Brandon was hitting up every kid’s birthday party, house party, and even adult parties or as they would say “Big People Party.” Next, Brandon played for his first Miami Junior Caribbean Carnival, hyping up all the kids and getting them ready for the stage. From there on, Brandon has been playing music, which leads him to become a sound system engineer.

Brandon now plays with father on The Voice of the Caribbean with their program, “D” 2-6 Mix Show.

Listen to Gary Enforcement on Gruv Sunday from 12 noon – 4 p.m. and late nights on Thursday & Friday from 10 p.m. – 1a.m.

Listen to Turn Up Saturdays with DJ Brandon & Gary Enforcement from 4 – 6 p.m. Saturday.

E. Afamefuna

On Air: Balanse

“Balanse” was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, in a community known as Olympic Gardens/Water House.The hardship and subtleties of this community have helped Balanse to be strong, patient and aggressive. These characteristics propelled him to out of what is considered poverty, to a place of living well.

Balanse’s career goes far back to the ’80s when he sang in the group, Magic Essence. Balanse bought himself a camera with money from the group and then became the renowned photographer that serves his community near and far.

King Jammy’s Recording Studio used his service to photograph reggae greats such as Half Pint, Junior Delgado, Junior Reid, Cocoa Tea and Echo Minot. He was also the photographer for King Jammy, Mr. Lloyd James, and his wife Mama Iris’s Wedding.

Balanse launched a photo studio, Picture Tekiin’ in Jamaica and another in the U.S. in the mid-90s. Balanse had the honor of being the photographer for Bob Marley’s 60th birthday event in Ethiopia (Africa Unite) in 2005.
He lives in the awareness that individuals who derived from slavery and want to be free must remove all branding, ideology, philosophy, and programs from the individual mindset and makeup. In this way, one can truly be free from imperialism and the devastating effects that it has on the human soul.

Balanse has two children, Christopher and Kudzaishe. He still sings today, solo. His latest remixed single, “Give Thanks by Balanse,” can be found on Youtube. His album, “Creation” is in the making.

Listen to Fada Mogul & Balanse on Inner Sense Connection, Sunday 4 – 7 p.m.

Ralph Mason

On Air: Fada Mogul

Ralph Mason is a writer, producer, co-sponsor and co-host of Inna Senz Connection, He is a man who answers to many names; Fada Ralph (in the entertainment arena), Ralpie, Indian, Apachie or General.

Born in Jamaica of modest beginnings, Ralphie moved his family to the U.S. in the early ‘80s. A self-educated man with many ideals and principles. He earned the title of General and says if one doesn’t have a good head, they are considered done. He believes you can only truly obtain freedom when you emancipate yourself from mental slavery and refers to his newfound zeitgeist as a time of no shackles and chains.

A radical in his own rights, who says he refuses to conform to societal norms and is not afraid of labels. Fada Mogul says his struggles have humbled him, and he is now a staunch defender of his fellow man.

Fada Ralph considers himself a humanitarian activist. He serves his community by leading people to access low-income housing and provides fresh and healthy foods.

Listen to Fada Mogul & Balanse on Inner Sense Connection, Sunday 4 – 7 p.m.

Lisa Barnes

On Air: Lisa B

Lisa B, host of Stress Free Saturday, is a radio personality and visual artist. Originally from Boston, MA, Lisa currently lives in South Florida and works in the print industry.

She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Electronic Arts from Tufts University and completed the Traveling Scholarship graduate program at School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston as a fine art photographer.

Lisa first travelled to Jamaica in 1986 where she was introduced to reggae music by the late, legendary producer and sound system operator, Jack Ruby. Everything about the music moved her to become more involved. Motivated by a desire to help get air play for reggae music in America, she became a source for new music and radio jingles for several community radio stations in the Boston area, including WERS, WHRB and WZBC, where she and cohost Robin eventually made their home. In 1989 they took the helm of the popular reggae program, Raggamuffin International, on WZBC. Lisa was also co host of Reggae Music Scenes, an early cable program, recorded in Jamaica. Lisa and Robin played in the Boston club scene, and were selectors for Boston’s Volcano sound system. Lisa B co-wrote and published a free biweekly publication called The Caribbean Courier, as well as being a regular contributor to Jamaica’s Xnews and Enquirer.

In 2001 Lisa moved to South Florida and landed a slot on Mystik 1580AM, and later Mystik 1400AM, where she cohosted the International Link Up program, which aired on Choice FM London, RJR Jamaica, and WLRN NYC. She was also the engineer and producer of daily talk radio show, South Florida Speaks Out, as well as the music director of the station.

Lisa B is thrilled to have joined forces with WZOP, WZPP & WHOT to continue to provide quality Caribbean programming and give back to the community.

Lisa has received citations from the Governor of Massachusetts, the Mayor of Boston, and the Massachusetts State Senate for her contribution to the Caribbean community.

Listen to Lisa B. on Raggamuffin International Monday – Friday 2 – 4 p.m.

Dr. Barbara Sharief

Dr. Barbara Sharief wears many hats and balances them all quite well. Dr. Barbara Sharief is the first African American woman elected as Broward County Mayor and the only person to ever serve twice as Mayor in 100-years. She is the first and only African American female to serve as President of the Florida Association of Counties in its 87-year history.

Dr. Sharief was born in South Florida, raised in Miami and is a long-time resident of Broward County. She is a mother of three daughters Amanda, Alyssa and Hailey, and has always made the time to be an active volunteer in their Schools. Dr. Sharief has a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a Master of Science Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and is an Autonomous  Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.. She has more than 30 years’ experience in the specialized field of issues pertaining to medically complex children and adults. In 2001, Dr. Sharief founded South Florida Pediatric Homecare Inc., the company served residents of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties providing jobs for approximately 500 professionals in South Florida. In 2021 Dr. Sharief sold the company which is still considered one of the top home health care agencies in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties for the care of children and adults with complex medical issues. Dr. Sharief currently owns and operates a Family Practice as an Autonomous Advance Practice Nurse in the State of Florida.

Dr. Sharief’s commitment to her community led her to public service through politics. Dr. Sharief was Commissioner and Vice-Mayor for the City of Miramar from 2009 to 2010. In 2010, she was elected to the Broward County Commission, District 8, which serves a culturally diverse population. In 2013, she was selected as the first African American Mayor of Broward County and in 2016, was selected once again as Broward County’s Mayor. Dr. Sharief is a member of many organizations, holds leadership positions, and has received a plethora of awards and recognitions.

Dr. Sharief recently co-authored her first book entitled “No Glory Without a Story”. She shared her path of entrepreneurship and its ups and downs to help encourage other aspiring entrepreneurs on their journey. She is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and a member of the Ft. Lauderdale Chapter of the LINKS. 

Dr. Sharief just transitioned from her 13 year term in elected office as a Broward County Commissioner in January of 2022. Dr. Sharief is currently running for Florida State Senate District 35 in the upcoming Primary for August 2024..

Dale Holness