VIBE105 (CHRY-FM) Toronto has announced that urban radio veteran Paul “Mastermind” Parhar is joining the community station as Program Director and Content Manager.
The move marks Parhar’s return to radio following a nine-year on-air and Assistant PD stint with FLOW 93.5 FM (CFJX-FM) that ended in March 2020 when the Stingray-owned station made what proved to be a short-lived move to syndicate its morning show. It also sees the influential Toronto hip hop figure return to his radio roots with the station his first introduction to the medium when the frequency was first launched in 1987. From there, the Seneca College grad went on to hosting and Music Director roles at Energy 108 (CING-FM) Hamilton, Vibe 98.5 (CIBK-FM) Calgary, and Kool FM 101.5 (CKCE-FM) Calgary.
When it was established in 1987 at Vanier College, VIBE105 initially played a mix of Afro-Caribbean music (an early condition of its CRTC licence to serve the neighbouring Jane-Finch residences). Now located in the York University Student Centre and operating under the umbrella of social enterprise and marketing agency VX3 Exchange, the station rebranded in 2015 to an “urban alternative” format featuring Hip Hop, R&B, Afrobeat, Reggae, Remix and cultural programming. Over the years, the station has launched the radio careers of broadcasters like DJ Ritz of Toronto urban station G98.7 (CKFG-FM); DJ Baby Yu, who is currently heard on V103 (WVEE-FM) Atlanta and Mix 107.9 (WLNK-FM) Charlotte; and Matt Galloway, host of the The Current on CBC Radio One.
“In revamping our sound and operations the vision was always to attract highly skilled talent and mentorship to our roster to help guide the delivery of broadcast experiences that would make our communities proud,” said Randy Reid, General Manager of VIBE105 and President of the National Campus & Community Radio Association (NCRA). “We’re confident that Mastermind will prove to be a stellar example of that vision coming to fruition.”
Sometimes life comes full circle
— Mastermind (@Mastermind) December 15, 2021
Reid said Mastermind was reintroduced to VIBE when he participated in a four-week sponsored multimedia event called the “Frequency Flip” from Nov. 15-26. Through that experience, he said Parhar was able to transform the sound of the station, introducing some fresh talent and sound design elements that have translated to increased audience and digital engagement.
“It’s really exciting that the station is inviting influencers to come in and [impact] the radio station in this way and I’m really excited about what we have coming,” said Parhar in a station announcement.
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