Mastermind returns to his hip hop community radio roots

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.”

“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.

Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 25 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.

Let’s get started right now.