The Jamaican media and entertainment industry gathered on Sunday to honor the life and legacy of Susan Smith, founder of Powerhouse Global Media, who passed away unexpectedly on January 21 at age 37. The memorial service at Campbell’s Castle Seventh Day Adventist Church in Windsor Forest, Manchester, drew colleagues, clients, family, and beneficiaries of her philanthropic work.
Smith’s stepmother, Janet Smith, delivered a moving eulogy portraying the late publicist as a multifaceted professional who leveraged her communication skills to advance social causes. After graduating from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Smith initially pursued teaching before transitioning into public relations in 2012. She quickly established herself as a formidable force in the entertainment industry, supporting both established and emerging artists.
Her career encompassed television production at Hype TV before she ultimately launched her own media company. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Smith was celebrated as a devoted mother to her five-year-old daughter Kayra-Rose, who inspired her 2022 publication ‘Little Black Girl.’ Family members recalled how Smith transformed education into an adventure for her daughter, fostering confidence and intellectual curiosity.
The service attracted prominent figures from the entertainment world, including dancehall artist Mr Lexx, who characterized Smith as exceptionally selfless and caring. He acknowledged her instrumental role in numerous career milestones, expressing that her memory would remain indelible despite his initial disbelief at her passing.
Representatives from Campbell’s Castle Primary and Early Childhood institution, Smith’s alma mater, offered heartfelt tributes highlighting her sustained community engagement. She had generously provided grants, gifts, and organized annual Christmas and back-to-school events for students. In recognition of their service, Smith had also presented commemorative plaques to faculty members, including the principal.
Her client roster featured notable entertainers such as D’Angel, Pablo YG, Tevin YGF, Quada, Razor B, Jamal, and Deno Crazy. Notably, she remained actively engaged in projects for Jamal and Deno Crazy until her final days, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her profession.