Broadcaster, presenter, and DJ Monikah Lee is known across the pond for her engaging interviews, sharp cultural insight, and ability to connect audiences with the stories behind the music. UK-born to Jamaican parents and raised partly in St Elizabeth, she has built a career across radio, television, and live events, working with global brands and high-profile artistes.

She is the founder of the Jamaican Creative Network (JCN), a platform dedicated to showcasing Jamaican and diaspora talent. Her recent project, The Jamaica Series, is a London-based multi-event programme running throughout August in honour of Jamaican Independence. The 2025 edition, produced in partnership with Black Eats LDN, featured educational sessions, panel discussions, showcases, and a wellness day led by leading Jamaican and diaspora experts in their fields.

Lee’s work is rooted in building genuine connections between Jamaica and international audiences, ensuring that the authenticity of the culture remains central. Her projects are designed so that the stories, talent, and creative direction come from those with a deep connection to the culture – centring Jamaican voices and experiences so the narrative remains true to its roots.

In addition to her event work, she recently conducted dancehall star Alkaline’s first interview in almost a decade for BET. Through JCN, Monikah continues to develop projects that present Jamaican culture in a way that is both authentic and globally relevant.

Jamaica 63 Independence activities included:

31 July – The Jamaica Series Launch Party at Jumbi: The vibrant kick-off to the month-long celebration, afforded an exciting opportunity to connect directly with the Jamaican community. The event delivered a lively, socially engaging atmosphere with interactive elements that set the tone for the month ahead. Guests enjoyed live DJ sets and adding to the energy were classic Jamaican Ludi and Domino games, hosted by Home Radio, encouraging playful competition and connection. The Launch Party was a dynamic introduction that gave attendees a taste of the culture, energy, and community spirit to expect throughout the month.

2 August – DJ Workshop and Sound System Panel Talk at Red Bull London:

The day began with an engaging DJ Workshop led by Sir DJ Corey, offering attendees hands-on insight into the art of deejaying and sharing practical skills from his years of international experience.

Following the workshop, Amy Francesca moderated the Sound System Panel Talk, bringing together:

• Ben Ryan (Founder & Managing Director of City Splash Festival)

• Sir DJ Corey (International DJ)

• Seduction City (First female sound system at Notting Hill Carnival)

The panel reflected the intergenerational strength of the community, spotlighting those who have shaped the movement and those who continue to carry it forward. Discussions explored the importance of preserving, honouring, and evolving sound system culture as a form of storytelling, resistance, celebration, and community-building.

7 August – Dancehall Karaoke at Queen of the South

A celebratory night of non-stop fun, music, and great vibes – giving guests the chance to shine on stage as their favourite artist for one night only.

11 August – In Conversation: The Influence of Jamaican Culture at Jumbi

An evening of networking, light refreshments, and a panel discussion exploring cultural preservation, social cohesion, and celebrating Jamaica’s global influence.

Moderated by Nadine White – multi award-winning British-Jamaican journalist, filmmaker, and cultural archivist, recognised as one of Britain’s leading black journalists – the panel featured:

• Faron McKenzie – Strategic leader in editorial, content, and brand development

• CASHH – Jamaican-born, UK-raised rapper and storyteller

• Mahari Hay – Freedom of the City of London honouree & co-founder of @thecccawards

• Mireille Harper – Editorial Director at Bloomsbury & award-winning writer

Kayne Kawasaki, cultural theorist and UK Black History Educator, also attended the event.

• 14 August – Cocktail Masterclass (Queen of the South): Jamaican rum heritage explored through cocktail-making with mixologist Roel Walton (sponsored by Campari).

• 23 August – Wellness Saturday (GoHubStudio): Community run, breathwork meditation, and a panel on wellness in Jamaican culture.

Jamaican Ludi at the launch party (PHOTO: LAUREN A BROWN)

Dancehall karaoke, held on August 7 at Queen of the South, a celebratory night of non-stop fun, music and great vibes affording guests the chance to shine onstage as their favourite artiste for one night only. (PHOTO: DB CAPTURES)

From left: Cashh, Jamaican born, UK-raised rapper and storyteller; Mahari Hay, Freedom City of London honoree & co-founder of @the ccawards; Nadine White, multi-award-winning British-Jamaican journalist, film-maker and cultural archivist; Faron McKenzie, strategic leader in editorial, content and brand development; and Mireille Harper, editorial director at Bloomsbury and award-winning writerRAFAEL.

In pensive mode was Kayne Kawasaki, cultural theorist and UK Black History educator at In Conversation: The Influence of Jamaican culture at Jumbi RAFAEL.

Discussing the influence of Jamaican culture at Jumbi were Mireille C Harper and Mahari Hay.

From left: Founder of BlackEats Jackson Mclarty; project manager at BlackEats Olivia Fraser; the Jamaica Series Event Producer Esther Hooper; member of the Jamaica Series event team Shikili Thompson-Noble; The Jamaica Series Event Coordinator Charlene Newsam, and member of the Jamaica Series event team Anthony Staines.

DJ Monikah Lee and BAFTA-winning writer, actor and director Adjani Salmon (Photo: Courtesy of DJ Monikah Lee)

JCN X BLACKEATS presented a Rum masterclass on August 14. (Photo: MRT Morgan)

Mixologist Roel Walton readies a cocktail at the Rum masterclass.

Set-up for the Rum masterclass (Photo: MRT Morgan)

Sharing a snap with Monikah Lee (second right) during Wellness Day were (from left) nutrition coach Shanneka Simpson; yoga, breathwork & meditation teacher Shadeyah Chin-Manahan; and community lead & well-being practitioner at Inside Out Well-Being Terrel Douglas. (Photo: Content by Chad)

The Jamaica Series wrapped with a health and fitness event dubbed ‘Wellness’ on August 23. Photographed are the Jamaica Series conceptualiser Monikah Lee (seated); founder of GoHub Studio Jaz Hutchins; and nutrition coach Shanneka Simpson. (Photo: Content by Chad)

Dancehall Karaoke Night (PHOTO: DB CAPTURES)

The Jamaica Series conceptualiser DJ Monikah Lee (Photo: Content by Chad)

The Jamaica Series full line-up designed by Scott Medusa (Photo: Courtesy of DJ Monikah Lee)