“Whagwaan?”  “What’s happening?” To some it may be the hip new phrase immortalized by Sean Kingston.  To many more, it’s an everyday greeting out of Jamaica.  To the people of Camden, and the surrounding cities and states, it’s impacting the very community in which they live, in the form of Whagwaan Entertainment.

Whagwaan Entertainment was formed in the summer of 2004 by a group of young black entrepreneurs hoping to be of service to the area’s Caribbean population and expose the American mainstream to Jamaican and Caribbean culture.  They planned to do this through the sale and distribution of various products and services linked to Jamaica and the neighboring islands.

Run by Delroy, the founder, and Rassiah, the manager, their efforts were so successful that, in the Fall of that same year, they were able to open the doors of their first culture shop at 1115 Haddon Avenue in Camden, NJ.  But the story didn’t end there.

“There's different forms of entertainment,” said Rassiah, “and we try to cover those.” So in came the sound…Ghetto Force Sound. “Ghetto Force Sound was a sound system that had been around in Jamaica for a number of years,” said the manager, "It's just a different generation taking over now." With DJ Seggie at the helm, the new set was incorporated into the family and it’s been a steady climb from there.

Like any other company, Whagwaan has had its share of obstacles to conquer.  This includes what they see as an attitude of “territoriality”, in which people from the same island, for example, will try to shut each other out of business opportunities just because one resides in Camden and the other in Philadelphia.

But the Whagwaan camp has no intention of letting that stop them. “We're here to make it in this business; we're here to show that we're professional about everything.  That's what motivates us right now," said Rassiah.

Coming up on its 6-year anniversary, the group has some big plans for the rest of 2010, ushering in an era of entertainment focused more on the people they cater to and not so much the company’s bottom line.  In other words, for the Whagwaan family, it’s about more than just money.

In the works are big shows that are slated to become annual events. But how is this any different than any other promotions?

"We love music and music's a big part of our lives," said Rassiah, explaining.  So they’re trying to fight the monotony on the party scene; they want you to come out and enjoy the party, meet the artistes." It's about interaction. "People pay to come out and see a performance; they should get their money's worth."

But that’s not the only way they plan on giving back."Camden is rated one of the worst cities in America,” said the manager, “and we being a part of Camden and living here, and our kids interact with other kids here; we try to give role models to those kids not fortunate enough to have role models."  They stand in as role models by investing in the community.  “We used to do a soccer tournament, but last year we couldn't get the fields, so we introduced the rally for peace, block party with entertainment; we invited the community to come out and have a good time.

Holding the block party and seeing the community come out has been a highlight for the company. "We set a standard with what we did," said Rassiah.

This year’s Rally for Peace is scheduled for Father’s Day Weekend, Sunday, June 20th. Before that, on May 15, Whagwaan will hold its Drive for Haiti, set to include an an open-mic portion, a book signing by Endy, author of the best-selling In My Hood trilogy out of Melodrama Publishing, and performances by local artistes.  "We’re hoping people will donate to those less fortunate than them,” said the manager. And they’re always open to collaborations and on the lookout for volunteers.

Rassiah is especially grateful for the companies and individuals who’ve been supportive of Whagwaan’s efforts, helping to make the company a success; including DJ Seggie, DancehallReggae.com, Brekella Photography, Thug Graphics, and Addis Abbaba International, a major distributor of their CDs.   And they look forward to working with more companies and community leaders.

So stay tuned; there’s sure to be more to come for this group.

Comments (5)

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written by Petula Hills, April 09, 2010

Congratulations to Whagwaan Entertainment camp,i'm sending blessed love to you all from Trinidad.I'm so proud to see black entrepreneurs making waves all over,to the communities from state to state and to the Caribbean.Keep up the good work guys.

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written by Shaunta, April 09, 2010

I have visitied this cultural shop a few times and it has a warm feel. The staff is very helpful and the selection of products are wide. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and have bought several cds and documentaries from Whagwaan.

Keep up the great work guys. I am a supporter. Like the drive and determination that you have for the people of Camden too. It's needed.

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written by nicole, April 09, 2010

Congratulations people, its always good when we try to uplift our roots and culture and never forget where we come from. It's part of the journey to where we are going.

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written by Cheri, April 08, 2010

Great Stuff. Big Congrats to you!!!!

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written by Resa2011, April 08, 2010

Whagwaan definitely making a difference in the community, nuff love and respect to them, keep it up massives, we need more dedicated black men like you!

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