By Stephen Weir

The “Dean of Soca Music’’ on the Toronto airwaves is back! Jai

is again behind the microphone playing the sweet sounds of soca and calypso music. The return of the broadcaster, simply referred to as Jai, occurred Sunday morning two weeks ago.

Jai is best remembered for his presence on the Caribbean Connection Radio Show when it was broadcast on Toronto’s CHIN radio. Jai has relaunched the show but on the MyCarribeanRadio – the Trinidadian Super Soca online radio station.

“The actual show is originating out of a private studio in Toronto’s west-end,’’ Jai told the Caribbean Camera. “We are going to video stream at a later date, so in the short-term it will be just radio. To hear me, listeners (anywhere in the world) must log on to www.mycaribbeanradio.com, Sundays 10 am to 2 pm.’’

For 30 years, Jai was the host and producer of the original Caribbean Connection Radio Show that was the mainstay of weekend programming at CHIN FM, Canada’s largest multicultural station.  His evening gig was a must-listen show that aired from 1980 to 2011.

“That show,” said Ojah, “was responsible for the introduction and exposure of soca music from its inception and growth in Canada. Before the advent of the Internet, Caribbean Connection was the eyes and ears of the Caribbean Community, with weekly Caribbean newscasts and interviews. We initiated live international broadcasts from the Caribbean’s major music festivals.”

News of the return of Jai’s show was revealed by Caribbean Connection Television host Paradise Nicole, who fittingly used social media to alert his loyal fans to the new online program.

“The Caribbean Connection, with Jai, returns playing you the sweet soca, classic calypso, pan, jazz and Caribbean Comedy,’’ Nicole announced. “He will be digging into the Caribbean Connection archives! Real Caribbean radio returns.”

Jai told the Caribbean Camera that in his first three shows he has been playing the tunes, and airing historic tapes, from live concerts and events over the past 30 years of his career.

The Trinidadian-Canadian host will not only be doing in-studio programming. Jai says he plans on getting out and about, doing live remotes throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Last weekend, he was on the air with former CHIN reporter Alicia Sealey; the two broadcasting live from the Saldenah Carnival costume launch at the Cinnamon Banquet Hall!