We were lucky to catch up with Raheim Fender recently and have shared our conversation below.

Raheim, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

As an educator I’ve had several defining moments in my career. In 2018 I was blessed to be the recipient of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Cultural Icon award for my outstanding contribution to cultural programmes in Jamaica in the Parish of Trelawny. I have also been the JCDC Most Outstanding Drama teacher 2016, 2017, 2018, 2024 and 2025 as well as the Most outstanding teacher in Speech 2025. I’ve written seven bestselling books where five of them have gone on to become number one bestsellers however the most defining moments thus far in my career has to be 2024 where within three months I received three national awards. In October I received the Marcus Garvey Excellence Top Director Award in Drama for my multi award winning piece “To Love a Loser” In November I received the Carlong Publishers (Caribbean) Limited Teachers Award for my contribution in Education and in December I received the MOESYI/Lasco/JTC Teachers award for my service in Education. Reasons for my choosing these as my defining moments are that I broke my leg a few months prior and for me I thought my career in the arts was over I was depressed I just felt as though life had no more meaning but thank God these moments were able to give me hope and clarity that life is never really what it seems and the fight isn’t over until the fat lady sings. It also has made me grateful knowing that Jamaica recognizes my seventeen year contribution in Education on a national level.

Raheim, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I consider myself a brand. Brand Raheim Fender provides several services and products. I have been an Educator for over sixteen years more specifically a Drama teacher. Throughout my time as an educator I’ve received numerous awards one specific and memorable one is Cultural Icon for my contributions to the Jamaican culture. I’ve written seven books that have gone on to become bestsellers I created a podcast that also became number one on the apple charts I’ve worked on Radio as a radio personality as well as I’m a speaker .

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back in time would I still choose education? Yes most definitely I would choose education because being an educator has afforded me the opportunity to delve into all the other areas I wanted to go into. Throughout my illustrious career as an educator I’ve met some of the most amazing students that have become my coworkers in the many different areas of my career. Several examples of this my music band “Raw” is made up of my past students Andrew Gibson and Brianna Spencer my dancers Micah Allen, Sekire Robinson, Jahbijah Downer, Jevoney Thompson and Daniel Bowen. My graphic designer of my book Demons of the Psyche Jason Francis and my co host on my radio show was also Andrew Gibson. So simply put it was destiny for my students and I to create all the amazing projects outside of education so I would never let go of education. I feel so blessed to be a part of this noble industry.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what helped build my reputation is how “raw” and “naked” I have been in my books, music and overall artform. I give of myself I mean truly give of myself and offer only the truth. My work sells because I refuse to sugar coat things I allow people to see themselves in the work I create and that will always draw attention. People want real they might not always like it but they appreciate it for its authenticity.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raheim-fender-83673b4b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@raheimfender?si=I5FyiJxHtcWz0DJ2
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/jm/podcast/demons-of-the-psyche/id1566994982