A Talking Point: Conversations that Shape the Caribbean Narrative

In our final episode of the season, we’re going beyond our borders to explore how Barbados’ beloved Crop Over — with its rich history and resistance roots — can become a sustainable global export.Barbadian diplomat and policy analyst Jovan Reid, speaking from Nairobi, Kenya, shares how Caribbean culture is connecting with audiences across Africa, the strategies we can use to license and scale our festivals abroad, and why we must stop underestimating the value of our own stories.If you’re a creative, brand, or policymaker, this episode is packed with insights on turning culture into a year-round business.A Talking Point is where we unpack Caribbean culture, creativity, and commerce, and this episode will leave you seeing our festival season in an entirely new light.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)

For more information visit www.thomasapr.com

Is Caribbean entertainment really a billion-dollar industry — or just a billion-dollar vibe?In this powerful episode, host Tracy Fowler sits down with economist Keisha Blades to unpack the real numbers behind Crop Over and Caribbean festivals. From the unseen economic value of creatives to the urgent need for structure, data, and investment, this episode makes a bold case for treating entertainment as serious business, not just seasonal fun. They delve into:Why creatives need to start capturing dataHow the industry contributes to GDP (and why we don't know for sure)What Barbados can learn from Trinidad Carnival and Notting HillHow to move from hustle to full-blown industryWhat role should the private sector really play?Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)

For more information visit www.thomasapr.com

How do you turn a Caribbean story into a global brand?In this episode of A Talking Point, PR strategist and Thomas. A Public Relations founder Aprille Thomas joins host Tracy Fowler for a behind-the-scenes look at the storytelling blueprint behind successful tourism and cultural campaigns.With experience spanning luxury hospitality, national festivals, and international PR, Aprille breaks down:How to build a narrative that resonatesThe balance between authenticity and aspiration in brand storytellingWhy PR is about strategy, not spinWhat Caribbean brands need to compete globallyWhether you're in government, culture, or creative business, this episode will challenge how you see PR.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)

For more information, visit www.thomasapr.com.

What’s the cost of not protecting Caribbean music?In this episode of A Talking Point, Tracy sits down with Scott Galt, one-half of the legendary production duo The Red Boyz, to talk about the realities of building a long-term music career in the Caribbean and what’s at stake when we fail to treat our art like a business.We discuss:

• What it really takes to build a music brand that lasts
• Why Soca and Caribbean artists must protect their creative work
• The risks of exploitation when we don’t register, license, or own our content
• The balance between passion, ownership, and longevity in the entertainment industry

From behind-the-scenes studio strategy to artist development and publishing rights, this is a powerful look at the business behind the hits.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)

For more information, visit www.thomasapr.com.

What does it really take to scale a Caribbean brand?In this episode of A Talking Point, brand strategist and creative entrepreneur Matthew 'Fewwture' Ashby breaks down the business side of culture, from managing artist brands like DJ Puffy, to scaling events, building brand trust, and learning when to pivot.We’re talking:

• Why strategy is everything for creatives
• How to structure your brand like a business
• When to expand your image and how to stay authentic while doing it
• What makes a Caribbean event or artist truly exportable
• How to build a team when you have no budget (yet)

This one’s for anyone trying to turn vibes into value and build something that lasts.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)

In this conversation, Tracy Fowler and Adanna Asson delve into the intricacies of artist development within the Caribbean music industry. They explore the challenges artists face, including financial constraints and the need for a supportive team. Through the lens of her experience working with artistes such as Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Lady Lava and more, Adanna speaks to the importance of branding, narrative building, and monetization strategies beyond live performances. The discussion also highlights the significance of collaborations, global strategies, and the need to reduce the seasonality of Caribbean entertainment. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a guide for emerging artists to navigate their careers with intention and authenticity.Takeaways

• Artist development is a comprehensive process that includes various elements like PR, branding, and training.
• Financial constraints are a significant challenge for Caribbean artists, often limiting their growth.
• Building a supportive team from your close circle can help artists grow without immediate financial burdens.
• Authenticity in branding is crucial; artists should show up as their true selves.
• Collaborations should be sincere and based on mutual benefit, not just popularity.
• Artists need to be prepared for opportunities by staying ready and understanding their market.
• Support from the community is essential for artists to feel confident in their creative expressions.
• Artists should not be boxed into specific genres; they should be free to explore their creativity.
• Understanding the role of a manager is vital for artists to choose the right support.
• Emerging artists should focus on honing their skills and knowing their brand identity.

Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)

Season 2 of A Talking Point kicks off with real money moves for Caribbean creatives with Michael Jordan, Executive Director of JMMB International (Barbados). This conversation is a blueprint for turning talent into long-term wealth. In this powerful episode, we get into:

• Funding your creative hustle
• How to make seasonal income stretch
• Turning your talent into long-term wealth
• Why your story is your secret weapon for sponsorships
• And the money moves entertainers should be making now

Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)

Find out more at www.thomasapr.com

Let's go down memory lane and review the lessons learned from all of our amazing guests as we wrap up Season 1!

This week we sat down with visual storyteller, Leah de Gannes, whose work has taken her around the region, including Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and Barbados.

In this episode, Leah talks about her journey transitioning to her passion of videography during the pandemic, and the impact its had on the culture. Businesses and creatives will get insight into the transformative power of bringing your work to life.

About our guest

Leah de Gannes is a visual storyteller, videographer, and filmmaker whose journey behind the camera began five years ago. Deeply inspired by the rhythms, colors, and energy of the Caribbean, Leah uses her lens to celebrate culture, community, and connection. Her work capturing festivals and everyday moments reveals a sensitivity to both movement and stillness—often blending sound, visuals, and emotion into a single frame. Leah thrives on collaboration, and her love for travel has shaped a creative voice that feels both rooted and expansive. Through visual storytelling, she invites viewers to see the beauty in the familiar and the extraordinary in the everyday.

Drop a comment & let us know how you’re loving the series!

Want to recommend a guest? Seeking a PR agency to partner with to tell your story? Get in touch with us: ⁠[email protected].

“We need to embrace technology or get left behind.”

This week we sat down with regional multimedia journalist Krystal Hoyte, whose storytelling has inspired many across the region.

In this episode, Krystal talks about her journey from writing stories to editing content carried on CNN. Brands and creatives will be inspired to embrace technology and seek creative ways to get their stories to their audiences.

About our guest

A multimedia journalist at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation with almost 10 years experience in the media industry, from print to digital to broadcast. 

Barbadian born but a regionalist at heart with a personal understanding of the unique environmental, economic, and social challenges facing the Caribbean region.

Focused on amplifying the voices of communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. She has covered natural disasters across the Caribbean, from earthquakes in Haiti to the La Soufriere volcano eruption in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, hurricanes in Dominica, Grenada, Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines including most recently the impact of Hurricane Beryl.

Wherever the story leads, she’s there.

Drop a comment & let us know how you’re loving the series!

Want to recommend a guest? Seeking a PR agency to partner with to tell your story? Get in touch with us: ⁠[email protected].