Despite the ever-evolving industry that enables people to listen to music on various platforms, Radio will always be a mainstay for the masses. As the preferred mode for listening to music and entertainment continues to change, it is a given that new people behind the scenes will continually evolve as well. New faces are making moves throughout the industry and we are pleased to present to you this list of 8 Future Radio and Industry Legends you need to know.
KEISHA NICOLE – KBXX-THE BOX/HOUSTON
IG: @KEISHANICOLE
Keisha Nicole is a voice-over artist and radio personality that can be heard on 97.9 THE BOX/KBXX-FM in Houston daily from 5-10a with the Good Morning H-Town morning show.
Keisha Nicole started her radio career in her hometown of Los Angeles working weekends a KDAY-FM, and soon afterward with her natural talent and great work ethic she eventually was promoted to prime time. Her stops have included B96.5 in Louisville, KY, and Hot 97.3 in Indianapolis where she held the position of Music Director and afternoon drive host prior to joining the team at KBXX in 2017 to hold down middays. Terri Thomas, Operations Manager of Radio One Houston said upon hiring Keisha Nicole, “We fell in love with her energy and infectious personality, we knew she was the right fit for our team and Houston!”
In addition to being on the radio, Keisha Nicole has made numerous appearances on television for shows such as Dish Nation and BET’s Centric Culture List. Keisha Nicole also continues to give back to the community with mentoring, and strongly supports the empowerment of young women. “This is only the beginning, God has given me a voice and position to inspire and lead the next generation every day and I will continue to do so” – Keisha Nicole.
JOJO ALONSO – THE BEAT/ATLANTA
IG: @_JOJOALONSO
Jojo Alonso, social media influencer and radio personality can be heard daily from 7p to midnight on 105.3 The Beat in Atlanta on The Jojo and Big Homie Show.
Jojo is originally from Chicago and began her radio journey in her hometown when she started her own podcast in 2019 called Chillin With Jojo where she discussed everything from sports to music and hot topics in entertainment. Soon afterward Jojo teamed up with Big Homie Kodaq via social media and the two of them started to create intriguing social dialogue and commentary which led to the formation of their own podcast together “The Big Homies House”. The show and brand grew stronger through the power of social media and in less than a year their show was picked up by The Beat in Atlanta.
Outside of being a media personality on the rise, Jojo is often sought after to serve as a brand ambassador and host for various businesses, events, and music festivals. Jojo previously served as a correspondent for the BET Awards. Additionally, she can be seen hosting Trending Stories on Atlanta News First (ANF).
Dominique Da Diva – WKYS/WASHINGTON DC
IG: @DOMINIQUEDADIVA
Dominique Da Diva is an on air personality that can be heard weekday afternoons from 3-7p on The QuickSilva Show with Dominique Da Diva based in Washington DC WKYS-FM and simulcasted in WPHI (Hip-Hop 103.9)/Philadelphia; WERQ (92Q)/Baltimore; WCKX (Power 107.5/106.3)/Columbus, OH; and WIZF (101.1 The Wiz)/Cincinnati.
Dominique Da Diva started her radio career while interning at WBTJ-106.5 The BEAT in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia. After graduating from Virginia State University in 2010 she was offered a weekend position and was eventually promoted to middays on WOWI (103 Jamz) in Norfolk. In 2016, Dominique took her talents to Los Angeles to host ‘Diva Unfiltered’ on Dash Radio. After her stint with Dash Radio, in 2017 she brought her talents to WKYS-FM in Washington DC to do middays. In 2019 she was elevated into afternoon drive as QuickSilva’s co-host.
Dominique is a recipient of MSBC’s 2016 Rising Radio Star Award as well as an honoree of Diddy’s DeLeon 100 Trailblazer Award 2017 and has been featured in Billboard Magazine. Dominique continues her dream to become an all-around ‘Media Queen in Charge’ with visibility on every media platform possible. In addition to her on-air pursuits, she also gives back to the community and is the founder of Dominique Da Diva, LLC, which sponsors her Media Queen in Charge Brunches which are set to aspire college students pursuing a career in radio by providing young women with first-hand insight on the world of radio.
MEGAN RYTE – HOT 97/NEW YORK
IG: @MEGANRYTE
Megan Ryte is a multi-media personality that can be heard daily from 10a-3p on Hot 97/WQHT in New York. Megan can also be seen on television hosting segments on Good Morning America, and ABC News Nightline.
Megan Ryte is a multi-hyphenate artist and modern-day renaissance woman who has a decade-plus career as a DJ and radio personality. Megan started her music career as a teenager djing at parties in Hampton, Virginia which eventually led to her first radio opportunity at WOWI/103 JAM in Norfolk under her moniker “DJ B-Ryte”. She then continued her DJ journey and has touched the airwaves at Power 96/WPOW in Miami, WMBX 102.3/West Palm Beach, a brief stint at WKYS-FM in Washington DC before making her way to Philly’s Boom 103.9, and The Box/KBXX in Houston before landing in New York.
In addition to being on the radio, Megan Ryte has traveled the world as a tour DJ at some of the world’s most notable venues and high-profile events. She became passionate about not just playing music but creating her own and in 2018, she landed a deal with Rule #1/Interscope Records, under which she released two singles, the club-ready banger “On & On” featuring Tory Lanez and HoodCelebrityy and slow-burner “Unsure” with Joey Bada$$, Yung Bleu, and Arin Ray. Megan Ryte is also emerging as an executive and artist with her own imprint, Ryte Way Music, Inc.
As you can see Megan Ryte is on the move and continues to embark on new territory, including television. in 2022 Megan began working with the Tamron Hall Show and most recently can be seen hosting the Pop News segment on Good Morning America.
YOUNG JAS – WBXX-THE BOX/HOUSTON
IG: @ITSYOUNGJAS
Young Jas is a DJ and on-air personality who can be heard weeknights from 7-11p on KBXX/THE BOX in Houston.
Young Jas has always been a music lover. Despite going to school for Broadcast journalism at the University of Texas in Austin where she originally thought she would be pursuing a career in news, her love for music and music festivals changed that trajectory. Young Jas cites the time when Kendrick Lamar came to Houston for a free performance at Discovery Green as the day that changed her life. “I was working and he was looking for a girl to come on stage and rap, Good kid, M.A.A.D. City and my coworkers got up there and I went up there and I rapped a song with him. And then I swear after that, my life changed. So I have to say, shout out to Kendrick.”- Young Jas.
Young Jas continued her journey and eventually linked up with artist Kaash Paige who has she been DJing for since 2021. Young Jas can also be seen hosting and DJing at some of the top music events such as Coachella, BET Awards, SXSW and more. She most recently performed at Rolling Loud New York in 2022.
Outside of her music entertainment pursuits, Young Jas is an advocate for young millennials and desires to continue progressing the culture by empowering women. “I dunno if it’ll be a media company or something like that. I want to run it and then I can help other people do that as well. So I feel like that’s definitely a goal I wanna accomplish within the next five years.” -Young Jas
DJ D-STRONG – PD, THE BEAT/ORLANDO
IG: @DJDSTRONG
Dwight “D-Strong” Rickett, better known as DJ D-Strong is the Program Director for IHeartRadio’s 104.5 The Beat where he can also be heard daily hosting afternoons from 3-7p.
DJ D-Strong was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York, and has been a true lover of music his entire life. “Music makes the world go round”- D Strong. D Strong was one of the original DJs of BET’s 106 & Park, which was one of the most popular television shows for urban music up until its cancellation in 2014. Since then, D-Strong has continued to be a force within the culture and the music industry in Florida. After holding down a successful afternoon show on 104.5 The Beat in Orlando, in 2017, Rick Everett, the Regional Vice President of Programming for IHeart’s North Florida Region, added the stripe of Program Director to D-Strong’s title. D-Strong has since been the Program Director of 4 IHeartRadio stations simultaneously in the Florida region.
In addition to being a power player at IHeartRadio, D-Strong is also the Arena DJ and Host for NBA’s Orlando Magic.
Bryhana Monegain – POWER 106/LOS ANGELES
IG: @ItsBryhana
Bryhana Monegain is a multi-talented on-air host that can be heard daily on middays from 10a-3p on POWER 106 in Los Angeles.
Bryhana is originally from Chicago where she studied theater, fulfilling her passion for acting. She continued on that path in college and after graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in Communications she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting and radio. Bryhana got her start in radio doing part-time work for a local station in San Diego before transitioning her talents to Los Angeles where she landed the position as Midday host. Bryhanna can be heard daily channeling good energy and good music with her listeners. Bryhana credits her mother with encouraging her to always follow her dreams.
When not on the air, Bryhana can be seen in various commercials and acting roles in television and film projects. Bryhana is also the creator and host of her own podcast called “Leave it to B” where she focuses on the importance of self-love, empowerment, and women’s mental health. Bryana credits her mother for always encouraging her to follow her dreams and that has set the tone for her entire life and why she continues to pursue a life doing what she loves.
DJ AMEN – THE REAL 92.3/LOS ANGELES
IG: @DJAMEN3000
DJ Amen is the Assistant Program Director at IHeartMedia’s Real 92.3/KRRL in Los Angeles.
DJ Amen started his radio career in the Bay Area as a mixer for 106 KMEL where he honed his craft for 15 years. During that time he performed on some of the biggest stages on the west coast. In 2015, he relocated to Los Angeles where he joined the team to launch REAL 92.3 where he held the roles of mixer and Music Director for 7 years, prior to his appointment as Assistant Program Director in 2022. Upon his appointment to APD Amen stated, “It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to continue my growth at the best Hip-Hop station in the world. Being a part of the brand’s success since its earliest days continues to be one of the greatest experiences of my career.”
When not on the air, DJ Amen can be seen and heard alongside NFL’s San Francisco 49ers where he serves as game day mixer.
So there you have it! The Next 8 Future Radio and Industry Legends to keep an eye out for. Keep up the good work!
