André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Samantha Rose of Zip FM. - Contributed

As a radio host she is loved, as a business person she is admired, and as a concert promoter she is respected.

Samantha Rose was born in Manchester, then she migrated to New York City when she was only five. After attending the Graphics and Arts High School there, Samantha went on to New York University where she graduated in the top percentile of her class with a degree in marketing and business management.

She was now qualified to enter corporate America with endless possibilities. Instead, she decided to return to Jamaica to do what she loves. Rose is currently a DJ at Zip FM.

How did you get started in the media?

When I was in college I was an intern for 93.5 in New York. When I was done at NYU, I went back to the station to apply for a job as a guest host. After that, I got my own show, 'Samantha Rose Live'.

What is your dream job?

It would have a lot to do with more radio, but a little more promoting.

Why did you come back to Jamaica?

Jamaican has always been my dream. I was here in 2004, the first time since I left, and just fell in love. I heard Zip and I could not believe there was a station that plays so many different genres.

What is your best moment working in the media?

That would have to be when I put on my shows in New York (Rose Clash and Reggae Culture Fest).

Have you been faced with negative remarks?

I haven't got any. At first I thought I would because of my accent, but Zip is multi-genre and they like hearing something different.

If not radio, what would you be doing?

I would want to get into the the TV side of it.

What is your favourite show?

I like Dexter on Showtime a lot. It's quirky and different. I am kinda unconventional. I also watch a lot of CNN, Sex and the City.

Who are your favourite media personalities?

Definitely Ron Muschette and David 'Squeeze' Annikie.

If you could meet any one person, who would he/she be?

At first it was Condoleezza Rice, but her views changed. It would probably be Oprah.

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

People like to judge a book by its cover, but I am a homebody.