Professor Carolyn Cooper and entertainment executive Odessa Chambers will today (July 21) moderate a live discussion on Irie FM as part of the Marley Group’s celebration of Rita Marley’s 75^th Earthstrong.

They will be two of six women, representing some of the most influential female voices in the Jamaican music business (both on and off the stage), who will engage reggae fans at home and abroad in a panel discussion that addresses the spirit, strength, vision, and creativity required to succeed in their chosen professions.

Cooper will act as moderator while Chambers will take on the role of social media moderator.

Joining the discussion will be panelists Tanya Stephens, Tova Hamilton, Coleen Douglas, and Irie FM’s DJ Sunshine.

The ‘Women in Music’ panel discussion will be get under way live on Tuff Gong TV and on Irie FM Radio, at 2 pm eastern /1 pm Jamaican time. 

Cooper is renowned as a literary critic and cultural analyst who is not shy of contentious issues.

Chambers, the daughter of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, will moderate and highlight followers’ live social media comments across Tuff Gong’s digital platforms during the broadcast. 

Stephens is an entertainer and songwriter known as much for her vocal talent as she is for her lyrical and personal integrity. She has spoken out against the objectification of women in dancehall lyrics and the promotion of bigotry and violation of human rights. DJ Sunshine is a radio announcer and selector; while Douglas is an arts and culture communications specialist and the director of marketing & communications at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. Hamilton is an entertainment lawyer and a member of parliament.

“I’m excited about the panel’s focus,” said Cedella Marley, head of the Bob Marley Group of Companies.

“Each of these six women have been able to use their individual talents to make room for themselves in the music business without compromising their vision and sense of purpose. I am sure that everyone who tunes in will find something that relates to his or her own journey.”