Dave Rodney
- tcollins66
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 13
A Multilingual Maestro of Media and Tourism
Dave Rodney, a renowned media consultant, cultural ambassador and DJ, hails from the picturesque town of Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland, Jamaica. His journey from a small-town boy to a pivotal figure in Jamaica's tourism and entertainment industries is a testament to his unwavering passion for culture, language, and community.
Rodney's transformation began in Kingston, where he left home to attend Ardenne High School. Living in a boarding house shared with international students from Colombia, Venezuela, and Haiti, he embraced the vibrant multicultural environment by mastering Spanish and French. His linguistic prowess not only helped him forge lasting friendships but also led him to teach Spanish to his peers at Ardenne. His academic achievements culminated in his role as Head Boy during the 1974-1975 school year.
Upon graduating from Ardenne, Rodney enrolled at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona, where he continued to pursue his love for languages. He taught Spanish at the UWI Extramural Department and broadened his horizons with a scholarship from the French government to teach English in France. After returning to UWI, he completed his degree in foreign languages, further establishing his expertise in communication.
Rodney’s foray into education continued as he taught Spanish at Manning's High School and later Spanish and German at Wolmer's Boys. However, it was his passion for tourism and media that would define his career trajectory. Joining the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) as a public relations and events planner, Rodney found a unique intersection between tourism and entertainment.
During his tenure at JTB, Rodney also delved into radio as a guest DJ at JBC FM, where he collaborated with Donovan Dacres between 1985 and 1988.
An interesting recollection of Rodney's music journey was the irony of him playing Gwen Guthrie's smash single AIN'T NOTHING GOING ON BUT THE RENT on JBC FM before it had touched American radio. A friend of his had completed the mix on the record Friday night in New York and jumped from the studio to an early Kingston flight. When Rodney heard the tape, he took it to JBC FM on the guest slot with Donovan Dacres, and it became an instant favourite in Jamaica before it had even been manufactured and shipped in the United States.
After leaving the JTB, Rodney freelanced with the Jamaica Information Service and ventured into artist management, signing the legendary LT Stitchie to Atlantic Records. This groundbreaking achievement made LT Stitchie one of the first dancehall artistes to sign with a major U.S. label, showcasing Rodney's unparalleled ability to spot talent and create opportunities.
Mr. Rodney's impact on Jamaica extends beyond individual artists. He has orchestrated high-profile international media-driven events such as the Motown Soul By The Sea, MTV Spring Break, and the HBO Sinbad Soul Music Festival, each generating significant foreign exchange for Jamaica and elevating the nation's profile on the global stage.
In addition to his work in tourism and media, Rodney has played a crucial role in promoting brands like the Jamaican company Grace Foods and Rhum Barbancourt from Haiti. He co-presides over Images LLC, a New York-based media marketing company, and contributes regularly to The Gleaner, addressing a myriad of topics from food and culture to business and education. His numerous accolades include the prestigious Caribbean Impact Award in 2015, recognising his substantial contributions to the cultural fabric of Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Today, Dave Rodney stands as a multilingual, media-marketing consultant, TV host, author, and freelance writer, continuously striving to celebrate and promote Jamaica's rich heritage on both local and international platforms. His remarkable journey and commitment to cultural exchange have left an indelible mark, inspiring generations to come.
