New owners have taken over Bermuda’s reggae station, Irie 98, and moved it to Front Street.

Russell “Rusty G” Griffith, Michael Terceira and Teddy Terceira, have made some changes since taking ownership in October of the station, which has operated from Happy Valley Road since Ben Fairn established it in 2010.

DJ Rusty G, a local radio personality for more than ten years, said that owning his own radio station was a longstanding dream.

“I am so grateful to have found the perfect partners to work with on this venture”, he said. “Michael, Teddy and I have worked tirelessly in silence for many months now. This was a hard secret to keep.”

He added: “The outpouring of love and support we have received from friends, family and our new Front Street neighbours has been out of this world. The feedback has been extremely positive. We are so grateful and excited for what’s to come.”

Co-owner Michael Terceira said: “It’s a real thrill to be part of the new Irie 98. Like many growing up in Bermuda, reggae was a massive part of our youth and continues to be a mainstay in our lives.

“I hope this new multimedia journey with Russ will help to reinvigorate reggae culture in Bermuda and deepen the next generation’s appreciation for the Caribbean’s rich musical heritage.”

Co-owner Teddy Terceira said: “It's difficult to put into words my feeling of excitement at this new challenge that Russ, my brother and I have started with taking over and rebranding Irie 98.

“Reggae has always been a love of mine and to step out of my routine and enter the music industry with Russ is a true honour. We want Irie to be a creative and uplifting presence in the community each and every day. I hope that ‘The Feel Good Station’ can inspire the positivity that Bermuda needs. The initial feedback has been overwhelming and makes me confident that we can.”

The new owners will maintain the reggae-focused roots but add dancehall and other genres, including afrobeats and soca.

Irie 98 will feature comedian, Mr Fotogenik, The Morning Show with ET Flava and Monday Night Hype hosted by DJ iBreeze.

The station will also be accessible via a new Irie 98FM app available for Apple and Android users or online at www.irie98.com.