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Mark and Jem: Reunited and it feels so good!

6 December 2011 No Comments

By Krysta Celestine

Hear that?  That’s the sound of Toronto’s urban radio fans rejoicing.  Insanely popular radio duo, Mark Strong and Jemeni are back on the airwaves and better than ever.  The hilarious pair, who have not been heard on the radio since their departure from FLOW 93.5 five years ago, bring their insightful and interactive banter back to the waves on Toronto’s newest radio station, G98.7 FM (CKFG).

The two radio personalities came on to the scene with “The Morning Rush” in 2001, becoming an instant hit with listeners.  Whether one was trekking into work or to school, Mark and Jem had listeners rolling with laughter with their colourful commentary on a variety of topics. Interviewing some of music’s biggest stars, including Janet Jackson, Jay- Z, Kanye West, Alicia Keys and Rihanna, “The Morning Rush” was the show to listen to in the mornings.

And then it all came to a screeching halt in 2006 when, in a surprising move, the dynamic duo were let go from the station.  The reason cited was that FLOW, Canada’s first urban radio station, wanted to go into a different direction.

Mark and Jem took their firing in stride, even throwing a “Pink Slip party to celebrate,” laughs Jemeni..  Their fans, however, did not take it as well.  The departure of Mark and Jem from the radio left an indelible void in the community.  “All we kept hearing is that the fans kept going to the news station saying, ‘we want Mark and Jemeni’,” says Mark.

Their show had resonated with listeners of all demographics.  Among their most ardent and vocal supporters was–and still is–Drake, who called the pair when they were let go.  Jemeni recalls meeting the superstar at an audition years ago, when, the then young actor had beamed that Mark and Jem were his favourite radio personalities. “The city never stopped asking about us,” says Mark.

Fast forward to 2011, and the radio gods have heard us!  Program Director Wayne Williams’s first order of business at Canada’s first Urban Adult Contemporary (AC) formatted radio station was to bring Mark and Jem back to the airwaves.

Of course, being ’firsts’ in the Canadian urban radio market, there are the inevitable comparisons between G98.7 and FLOW.  But there is a difference between his present and former employer, says Mark.  “This station goes deeper into the diaspora and goes more in depth.”  Calling the new station a “cultural history lesson”, Mark is quick to note that while his former station had a younger vibe and generation, G98.7 is for the  *ahem* mature generation.

So what can listeners expect from the duo this time around, aside from their infectious personalities?  “We still speak the same foolishness,” jokes Jemeni.  Only now, the demographic is different. “We are older and I think it’s the same as the music.  We feel like we are real and authentic, and we are allowed to be a lot more celebratory of our entire culture.  We’re now able to express who we are as Caribbean people… as grown people. ”

Mark and Jem are more comfortable with each other now more than ever, agreeing that it was easy to get back into the groove.  “Authentically, we just connected,” says Jemeni, who calls Mark one of her best friends.  “We’ve never had an off-balance or an on/off- air moment,” she adds.  What you hear on air is the real deal.

“There isn’t an awkward moment or any disconnection,” says Mark.  “We used to talk all the time even off air. It’s like we’ve been preparing for something.”

As for what the future holds for Mark and Jem, Mark wants to keep connecting and educating people through this new format. He hopes to find new fans. ‘”We’re always open to touching new segments of the people, and just be Mark and Jem.”

Jem echoes Mark’s sentiments: “I want to live up to the standards people have of us.  For whatever time we have on the air, I want to give back to the city and have a ball.”

Well it‘s been a long time coming. Welcome back Mark and Jem!

Mark and Jem can be heard on weekdays between 6:00 am and 10:00 am on G98.7 FM.

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