Burgerman joins The Edge FM August 2
Top-flight radio disc jockey Wesley “Burgerman” Burger is set to open a new chapter in his dazzling career when he starts presenting his own show on The Edge 105 FM on August 2.
The Burgerman Show, as it will be known, will run from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm weekdays, and the man who now has a huge audience — after entering the world of radio 12 years ago without any formal training — says he will continue his style of “edutainment” for his listeners.
“It’s a merger of entertainment and education. Nothing is out of the scope of being discussed because we’re going to keep it edgy,” Burger told the Jamaica Observer, the newspaper arm of the media group that includes The Edge 105 FM and Fyah 105 FM.
The name of the show has special meaning for Burger as he reflected on his years in the profession presenting programmes that were more in keeping with the vision of the creators of the shows and the stations.
“Finally I have a platform for myself,” he said, pointing out that The Burgerman Show has given him the opportunity for self-expression.
The days, he said, are themed, for example, Lovers Tuesday and Inspirational Wednesday. The others he will reveal as excitement builds ahead of his start date.
Asked about his entry into radio, Burger recalled that he started at NewsTalk 93 FM on an opportunity given to him by Dr Dennis Howard. He recalled being encouraged by two “youth” — “Sean” and “Quasi” — at the station, who told him that he has a special talent.
He used the name Burgerman against Howard’s advice, but the programme format, combined with his style, won audiences and started his climb to greater popularity.
At the time Burger was on air at least five days weekly.
Eventually he moved to Radio Jamaica (RJR), where, after being handed a script for audition, he was given a once-a-weeknight programme.
“I said, ‘What is this?’ Remember, I was coming from NewsTalk where I was doing five/six days a week,” Burger related.
However, he put all his effort into making the show work and soon enough RJR gave him two night shows on the weekend — The E Factor on Fridays and Ignition on Saturdays.
That was enough encouragement for Burger, and he worked tirelessly to make the shows successful.
Realising his ability to engage audiences, RJR pulled Burger into the prime afternoon radio slot with the introduction of the Too Live Crew, which he co-hosted with Marlon “Action” Edwards.
The programme thrived, even after May 2019 when Edwards decided to step away from radio. However, in June 2021, Burger moved on to Mello FM, utilising his skills as a trained teacher and his natural radio presentation ability to keep and grow his audience.
“I’ve never been formally trained. It’s something natural,” he told the Observer of his radio skills. “From I was a child I loved sound systems, music. My father had a turntable and he would play records. I wasn’t blessed with athletic abilities. For me, it was music, people, fun, entertainment. I’ve dabbled in acting and hosted events. I’ve always loved the arts.”
Now that he’s joining The Edge, Burger is assuring his listeners that he will be utilising that expertise, and more, to their benefit.
“Let’s do this together, because it’s our show,” he said in a message to his audience. “It’s an inclusive affair. It’s me and the listeners. I’ve been blessed that they seem to follow me wherever I go; I’ve been truly grateful, and I hope Edge FM is no exception. I just want to continue the journey of fun, laughter, and educating the nation. I want you to learn something while enjoying yourself. It’s just fun and entertainment,” he said.