As Jamaica celebrates its 64th anniversary of Independence, entrepreneur Kacy ‘G City’ Rankine is among the Jamaicans using his success overseas to keep the island’s culture connected to the diaspora.

Through RoadBlock Radio, Rankine has built a Jamaican-owned broadcasting network reaching Caribbean audiences across several major US markets and worldwide.

The station is available in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia and South Florida via FM-HD radio. Its digital reach extends through RoadBlockRadio.com, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Audacy, Amazon Alexa and other streaming platforms.

Rankine’s connection to music began long before the launch of RoadBlock Radio. Raised in Jamaica by his grandparents and aunts while his parents lived overseas, he credits his upbringing with developing his discipline and work ethic.

While attending Ardenne High School, he formed a group called The Kings Posse and later recorded under the name MC Ranks at Kingston’s Music Works studio, appearing on the Twice My Age riddim compilation.

“I still remember hearing my song on the radio for the first time,” Rankine recalled. “My grandmother didn’t believe me when I told her I had a record coming out until she actually heard it playing.”

After high school, Rankine migrated to the United States with his mother and became involved in entertainment promotion before founding RoadBlock Radio in 2001.

What began as an internet radio station has since developed into a multimedia platform featuring reggae, dancehall, soca, Afrobeats, Caribbean news, artiste interviews and community programming. It also provides exposure for Caribbean businesses, entertainers and organisations across North America.

Rankine has also used the platform to support initiatives in Jamaica. RoadBlock Radio played a role in the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert, which raised more than US$550,000 for hurricane recovery efforts, including assistance for schools, families and rebuilding initiatives.

“My mission has always been to give Caribbean culture a stronger voice while creating meaningful connections between communities, artists, businesses, and listeners,” Rankine said.

RoadBlock Radio can be heard on WCBS 101.1 FM-HD3 in the New York City Tri-State area; WZMX 93.7 FM-HD3 in Hartford, Connecticut; WMXJ 102.7 FM-HD3 in Miami and South Florida; and WLZL 107.9 FM-HD2 in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia area. Its Island Mix Weekends also air on WXBK 94.7 FM in the NYC Tri-State area and WPOW Power 96.5 FM in South Florida.

More than two decades after launching the station, Rankine continues to use RoadBlock Radio as a link between the Caribbean and its diaspora, keeping Jamaican music, stories and culture within reach of audiences abroad.

As Jamaica marks another year of independence, his journey from Kingston to broadcasting across major US markets reflects the reach of Jamaican culture and the role the diaspora continues to play in carrying it forward.