We're getting into something that's been on my mind for a minute: communication. Specifically, how creatives in Jamaica (and elsewhere) tend to go quiet exactly when they need to speak up the most.

Talking about ghosting clients, missing deadlines without a word, and the anxiety that comes with having a difficult professional conversation. I've been in this industry for over 20 years, and I've hired creatives for the better part of ten, so I think I have a little idea of what I'm talking about

We also hit a few quick takes on Protoje's new album "The Art of Acceptance," Jamaica Carnival, and the dancehall vs soca conversation that never seems to go away.

If you're a creative trying to figure out how to move more professionally, grab a seat, we dive in deep here

Timestamps

(00:00) - Intro & Big Ups
(00:26) - Protoje – The Art of Acceptance
(01:42) - Guest Suggestions
(03:04) - Jamaica Carnival Quick Takes
(04:40) - Soca & Dancehall: Jamaica's Unique Offering
(09:48) - Creatives & Communication in Jamaica
(11:16) - We Communicate Well When Things Are Good
(16:06) - Communicate the Problem
(18:19) - Ghosting Is Worse Than Being Late
(24:54) - Don't Out Yourself on a Technicality
(26:29) - Communication Is a Responsibility
(27:08) - Communication Creates a Paper Trail
(28:01) - What You're Entitled To
(30:31) - Handle Clients Who Won't Communicate
(31:44) - Good Faith & Protecting Your Reputation
(33:53) - Problem Solving With the Client
(34:47) - Creatives, Communication & Anxiety
(35:20) - Collaboration, Not Confrontation
(36:14) - Actionable Advice
(43:34) - Outro

A One Par is a quick sitdown with host Yannick Reid, where he shares thoughts on creativity, technology, culture, and life in Jamaica from his unique and often nuanced perspective.

Follow the Podcast
Instagram: @aoneparpodcast
YouTube: A One Par Podcast
Email: [email protected]

In this episode, I share my honest, nuanced take on how AI is affecting creativity in Jamaica and beyond. I talk through the biggest concerns I have, especially the environmental cost (energy, water, data centers) and the copyright plus ethical issues around models being trained on people’s work without permission. At the same time, I’m transparent about the ways I do use AI, mainly as a tool to support learning, problem-solving, and organizing my ideas, and how much it’s helped with my ADHD. I also talk about the “AI slop” trends and lazy creative habits that I’ve seen take root in Jamaica, and explain why I believe humans have to stay involved if we want our work to actually connect with people.

(00:00) Intro

(01:47) Let’s Talk AI

(02:10) AI Is Sensitive, the Nuance

(04:05) How I Use AI

(05:13) Environmental & Copyright Concerns

(10:24) Why I Still Use AI, Regulation, Efficiency, Hope

(15:37) How AI Has Helped Me with ADHD

(24:10) AI Is a Multiplier

(40:08) AI Slop & Lazy Creativity

(1:07:21) Closing Thoughts

In this episode of the Podcast, We explore the relationship between reggae, dancehall, and the "streets" from questions of class, authenticity, and cultural ownership to how “uptown” and inner-city identity shape the music. The conversation also expands into Jamaican event culture, looking at what really makes a party worthwhile, and the role patrons, DJs, and promoters play in creating the vibe.

Timestamps

(00:00) Intro

(01:38) “Reggae Gone Uptown”

(05:52) The role of "The Streets"

(07:00) Why Music Still Needs the Streets

(08:29) Has Reggae Left the Streets?

(11:17) Are Reggae Artists "Uptown"?

(13:25) Can The Streets Still Make Reggae?

(15:12) Street Credibility, Dancehall & Reggae

(24:08) Why Reggae Feels More Welcoming

(32:43) Who’s Really Platforming Artists From The Streets?

(33:36) What We need to contribute to events

(35:08) The Problem With Patrons

(39:44) What Make di Party “Shot”

(42:30) Promoters Need to Curate Better

(44:25) Patrons Need to Contribute

(45:49) DJs, Promoters & Patron Feedback

(49:57) Patrons: Give Energy to the Event

(51:31) Outro

A One Par is a quick sitdown with host Yannick Reid, where he shares thoughts on creativity, technology, culture, and life in Jamaica from his unique and often nuanced perspective.

Follow the Podcast

Instagram: @aoneparpodcast

YouTube: A One Par Podcast

Email: [email protected]

In the pilot episode of A One Par, I share my experience attending Trinidad Carnival and what it revealed about soca culture, Caribbean party energy, and cultural differences between Trinidad and Jamaica. I also discuss how a new affordable MacBook could impact the creator economy and explore the debate about whether reggae music has lost its sense of fun.

(00:00) Intro – Why I Started A One Par

(02:22) My First Real Trinidad Carnival Experience

(06:20) What Trinidad Does Better Than Jamaica

(12:56) The Truth About Wining Culture

(20:07) The $600 MacBook That Could Change Creativity

(31:11) Has Reggae Lost Its Fun?

(48:04) Final Thoughts