Born on 28 Might 1953 in Smithville, Clarendon, Fae Audrey Ellington has spent over 5 a long time shaping Jamaica’s cultural and media panorama. A celebrated broadcaster, actress, educator, and nationwide commentator, Ellington’s voice and presence have develop into fixtures in Jamaican public life. Her contributions to the humanities, journalism, and training have earned her a spot among the many nation’s most revered and recognisable figures.
Early Life and Theatre Beginnings
Hailing from Smithville, Clarendon, Ellington’s first skilled breakthrough got here via the theatre. A founding member of the Jamaica Faculty of Drama, she made her industrial debut within the 1971 Nationwide Pantomime Music Boy, written by Trevor Rhone.
Over the next a long time, she would seem in quite a few productions, together with Sarah Plunkett, Angela, and Trash, incomes vital approval for her dynamic performances. In 2005, she made her industrial directorial debut with Who Will Sing for Lena, which earned a Greatest Actress award for lead Makeda Solomon and a Greatest Director nomination for Ellington.
From Stage to Studio: The Begin of a Broadcasting Profession
Ellington’s transition into broadcasting started in 1974 when she joined the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC). Initially looking for a behind-the-scenes function, she was pushed in the direction of an on-air profession by veteran announcer Dennis Corridor, who recognised her uncooked expertise throughout a rigorous audition. Inside a 12 months, she had her personal radio programme, The Bamboo Lounge, and by 1978, she had develop into the primary girl to host a full early morning present, Morning Experience.
Her theatre coaching—paired with a robust work ethic and a eager sense of self-discipline—made her a pure on air. Ellington rapidly earned a repute for her precision, poise, {and professional} requirements. Her fluency in each English and Jamaican patois allowed her to attach with a large cross-section of the inhabitants.
A Pioneering Voice in Nationwide Media
All through the Nineteen Seventies and past, Ellington grew to become a staple on each radio and tv. She co-hosted the favored breakfast programme Morning Time with sports activities legend Lindy Delapenha, and later anchored The World at 5, Jamaica’s first night information and present affairs radio programme. Her interview abilities and fascinating storytelling made her a sought-after host, with stints on Sunday Swizzle, Highlight, Masters of the Arts, and most just lately, Profile, Jamaica’s longest-running non-seasonal tv present.
In 1977, she accomplished a prestigious three-month radio manufacturing course on the BBC in London, additional cementing her abilities. She later returned to the UK to finish a course in coaching and improvement, changing into a BBC-certified coach. Her worldwide coaching mixed with native expertise positioned her as a gold normal in Jamaican broadcasting.
Voice of the Nation
Past internet hosting, Ellington grew to become the voice of numerous nationwide occasions. Her regular narration has graced state funerals for nationwide heroes and former prime ministers together with Sir Alexander Bustamante, Hugh Shearer, Michael Manley, and Edward Seaga. She has additionally been the voice behind Nationwide Honours and Awards ceremonies, typically delivering citations with grace and authority that moved audiences throughout the island.
Champion of Schooling and Media Mentorship
Ellington’s dedication to public service extends to training. In 1985, she started educating Broadcast Saying and Presentation on the Caribbean Faculty of Media and Communication (CARIMAC), College of the West Indies, Mona. Over 33 years she formed the minds and voices of a technology of Jamaican media practitioners. A lot of her former college students have gone on to develop into leaders in journalism and broadcasting, with Ellington affectionately often known as “Auntie Fae”.
She additionally served briefly as an Affiliate Professor at Northern Caribbean College and continues to work as a communications marketing consultant, voice coach, and media coach. Her mantra, “You practise till you can not get it incorrect,” stays an indicator of her educating fashion.
Honours and Awards
Ceremony held at King’s Home- JIS
For her distinctive service to the nation, Fae Ellington has obtained numerous accolades, together with:
- Order of Distinction (Officer Class) – 1998
- Order of Distinction (Commander Class) – 2015
- Bronze Musgrave Medal for Broadcasting
- Distinguished Previous Pupil Award – St Hugh’s Excessive Faculty (1992)
She at the moment serves as Chair of the Jamaica Data Service (JIS), is Board Chair of the Integrity Fee, and sits on a number of different nationwide boards. She can also be a member of the Entry to Data Enchantment Tribunal and a proud patron of the Clarendon 4-H Golf equipment.
A Survivor and Advocate
In 1981, Ellington survived a traumatic dwelling invasion that modified her life. Quite than retreat into silence, she used her platform to talk brazenly about her expertise—serving to different survivors to heal and sparking nationwide dialog about gender-based violence. Her bravery throughout this time revealed the depth of her character and additional solidified her function as a nationwide function mannequin.
A Lasting Legacy in Media and Tradition
Fae Ellington’s affect on Jamaica is profound and lasting. From co-hosting Morning Time to narrating historic moments of nationwide significance, from performing on stage to educating in lecture halls, she has maintained a degree of excellence that has impressed admiration throughout generations.
She as soon as described herself as “the nation lady with a crocus bag and machete”, however her legacy is much grander. As a girl who has given voice to the nation for half a century, mentored a whole lot of execs, and championed Jamaican tradition with satisfaction and function, Fae Ellington is nothing wanting a nationwide treasure.
And although the accolades are many, her journey continues—steadfast, eloquent, and all the time inspiring.
