In memory of Reggae Robin

In Memory of Reggae Robin  

In Memory of Robin Ann Walther (aka Reggae Robin)
July 31, 1962 – July 14, 2022

As many in the Reggae industry have already heard, sadly Reggae Robin passed away on July 14, 2022.  

Throughout my time in the Reggae community, I have met so many wonderful people and Robin was certainly one of them.  Robin was one of the first females in the Reggae community that I met here in Boston around 2009 and she was always a great source of support and inspiration to me as well as to many others.  I considered Robin a friend as well as a trusted colleague in the Reggae industry and want to pay a personal tribute in her honor. 

Reggae Robin was a longstanding voice in Reggae and Dancehall. For over 34 years, Reggae Robin produced and hosted Boston’s longest running and award winning Reggae radio show, Raggamuffin International on the Boston College Radio Station, WZBC, 90.3FM which aired every Saturday afternoon. For many years, Robin also hosted a weekly show on the VP Records sponsored online radio station, Reggae King Radio (formerly Randy’s Radio), every Monday afternoon.  She provided her listeners with an escape to the Caribbean for a positive and uplifting show.  She featured international artists as well as Boston based artists and ALL of them passed through Raggamuffin International when they were in town to promote their new music. On several occasions, I had the pleasure of seeing Robin in action interviewing guests with ease live on the air.

Before I met Robin, she also was well known and respected as part of the Dynamic Duo with Lisa, her Raggamuffin International radio co-host and best friend. It was always great to hear Robin’s stories of their trips to Jamaica to all the big festivals and memories of past shows in Boston.

I was fortunate to have a lot of great memories of attending several concerts with Robin in the Boston and Providence areas.   Another area of common interest was photography as Robin studied it at The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. When I was taking classes at Rhode Island School of Design, I appreciated Robin’s assistance in the studio when I photographed Reggae Artist Portraits as one of my special projects. It was a great experience and after one of the photo shoots we attended a memorable Stephen Marley concert in Providence followed by an after show birthday party for Stephen Marley.

Aside from music and photography, we shared several other common Boston related interests. A special memory is Robin being my guide for my first ever Boston Marathon in 2014.  It was a triumphant day seeing the return of the Boston Marathon after the tragic events the previous year. I’m glad I was able to share that day with Robin. 

Quite often recognition and respect are not always given while the person is here to receive it. Fortunately I am aware of at least two well deserved awards, and I’m sure there are more.

• Joe Higgs Music Award (JHMA) for Best Reggae Radio Personality (Women)  at the third annual award show held in Lynn, MA in 2009. 
• Lifetime Achievement Award (Female) at the Garrison Awards in 2016 held in Mattapan, MA

Reggae Robin has left us far too soon and she will be missed by so many. Perhaps we can honor her with what she wished for her many listeners as she closed each show with this optimistic reminder,

 “Do remember to treat others how you expect to be treated. 
Hopefully if we make an effort 
maybe we can make this world a better place.”
~ Reggae Robin Raggamuffin International

There are far too many other great memories and contributions by Reggae Robin to mention here; however, I will certainly cherish the memories of the good times and extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and countless radio listeners. 

This statement below by Boston College, WZBC helps to sum up Reggae Robin’s significant contributions.

“Thank you Robin, for all the wonderful music that you shared with WZBC and the world.
Your music and positive message made a difference.
❤ Much Love ❤
Rest in Peace”
~WZBC.ORG

A Celebration of Life for Robin Ann Walther  will be held at Christ church, Cambridge on Saturday, September 17th, 2022. More details to follow HERE