AlonzoBash Podcast🎙️

From the streets of Harlem to the cutting edge of technology, gaming, entertainment, cryptocurrency, and the metaverse, this episode of the AlonzoBash Podcast takes us on an extraordinary journey into innovation and the future of the digital world.

Our special guest, Mr. Jason Swanston, technology innovator, software developer, digital media entrepreneur, and Founder & CEO of OVNIO, shares his remarkable story of ambition, creativity, and technological advancement.

Born and raised in Harlem, New York, to a West Indian father and an American mother, Jason reflects on his early upbringing, strong academic foundation in mathematics, and the opportunities that helped shape his future. At just 13 years old, Jason was accepted into New York University's Science and Technology Entry Program, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to groundbreaking experiences in the gaming, music, and entertainment industries.

Jason takes us behind the scenes of his professional journey from Rockstar Games, company behind Grand theft auto to working with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Bad Boy Entertainment, Sony, Universal Music Group, Def Jam, and many more.

In one of the episode's most fascinating moments, Jason recalls meeting and working with the legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson, sharing insights into that unforgettable experience and the inspiration behind the early development of his groundbreaking digital platform, OVNIO

The conversation shifts into the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, where Jason breaks down crypto in simple, everyday language. He explores the advantages, risks, investment opportunities, and the importance of making informed financial decisions rather than blindly following market hype.

But the conversation doesn't stop there!

Jason takes us on a futuristic journey as he introduces **EARPHIA**, a multicultural, Web3-enabled virtual world and metaverse designed to revolutionize how people socialize, experience entertainment, learn, connect, and explore alternative digital lifestyles.

From Harlem to Hollywood, from gaming to global entertainment, and from cryptocurrency to the next generation of virtual experiences, Jason Swanston offers a fascinating perspective on how technology continues to reshape our world.

**What does the future of digital entertainment looks like? OVNIO The Peoples Network.

These questions and much more in an insightful, educational, and thought-provoking conversation.

Real People, Real Conversations

www.AlonzoBash.com

Listen and watch on:** YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music and Amazon Alexa

On this exciting episode we welcome an extraordinary international reggae talent, Inti Ayvar Waltz, affectionately known as “The Golden Voice,” a title bestowed upon him by legendary reggae icon Luciano.

Born of German-Peruvian heritage and based in Cologne, Germany, Inti is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and music producer whose powerful vocals, conscious lyrics, and deep connection to roots reggae are capturing the attention of reggae lovers worldwide.

In this exclusive conversation, Inti takes us inside his musical journey, exploring his multicultural upbringing, his passion for reggae music, and the spiritual inspiration behind his unique sound. As an independent artist who writes, composes, arranges, records, and mixes his own music, Inti represents a new generation of versatile reggae musicians dedicated to preserving the authenticity and positive messages of the genre.

We explore his experiences performing at some of Europe's premier reggae festivals, including Summerjam and Reggae Jam, and his musical connection with his BooMBan G family backing band.

Inti also reflects on a major career highlight: joining international reggae superstar Gentleman as a surprise special guest during his Gratitude Tour 2026 in Bremen, Germany, where he delivered a memorable performance of his inspirational single “Put My Trust in Jah”

We dive into his growing musical catalog, including “My Opinion,” “Put My Trust in Jah,” and his 2026 EP projects The Vision and I Want Peace, exploring the messages of faith, consciousness, unity, and positivity that define his artistry.

From Peru, Germany, Jamaica and beyond, Inti Ayvar Waltz is proving that reggae music knows no borders, no boundaries, and no limitations.

This is more than music. It's a conversation about culture, identity, spirituality, and the universal power of reggae.

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In this episode we welcome the talented and multifaceted Mrs. Alyscia Cunningham, an accomplished author, filmmaker, producer, director, and speaker whose passion for storytelling continues to inspire and challenge perspectives.

Alyscia takes us on a journey through her early years growing up in a West Indian household, where Caribbean traditions, cultural identity, and the fascinating world of folklore helped shape her creativity and love for storytelling.

Throughout this engaging conversation, Alyscia reflects on her remarkable accomplishments, including being featured on Forbes' Next 1000 List in 2021, receiving recognition from the Maryland State Arts Council in 2024, and being selected for the American Express 100 for 100 program, among other achievements.

Alyscia also takes us behind the scenes of several of her thought-provoking creative projects, including:

I Am More Than My Hair – Exploring identity, beauty, and self-acceptance.

Seeing Without Sight – Challenging perceptions and expanding conversations around vision and representation.

Feminine Transitions – Highlighting women's experiences and personal journeys.

Douen – Her latest project, bringing Caribbean folklore, mystery, and cultural storytelling to the screen.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as Alyscia shares her perspective on the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the film industry, the future of independent filmmaking, and the challenges of discovering, casting, and creating opportunities for authentic Caribbean talent.

And you don't want to miss Alyscia's surprising response during Alonzo's signature "2000 Questions About Me" segment, revealing another side of this extraordinary storyteller!

From Caribbean folklore to filmmaking, cultural preservation, representation, and the power of telling our own stories, this episode is filled with inspiration, insight, and meaningful conversation. Real People Real Conversations.

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In this powerful and in-depth episode Alonzo welcomes special guest Mr Sharlan Bailey, aka “The Dread Wizard,” son of the late legendary Trinidadian Calypso icon Winston Bailey, universally known as “The Mighty Shadow.”

Born in Mt. Hope, Trinidad, and raised in Cocorite on the western side of the island, Sharlan takes us on a fascinating journey through his childhood, musical upbringing, and experiences navigating the competitive world of Calypso.

Sharlan reflects on his early years performing in the legendary Calypso tents, while addressing what he believes are troubling gaps in cultural knowledge, historical awareness, and understanding within today's artists in the music industry.

He also takes us down memory lane, revealing little-known stories about his father, The Mighty Shadow, and sharing his perspective on one of Caribbean music's longest-running debates: Who really created Soca music? Sharlan offers his insights while challenging narratives that have circulated for generations.

In a heartfelt moment, Sharlan pays tribute to the late Calypso great Brother Valentino, expressing his deep gratitude for the encouragement, guidance, and support Valentino provided during his formative years in the Calypso tents.

Perhaps one of the most revealing moments of this conversation comes when Sharlan opens up about his personal struggle to establish his own identity. With an almost identical resemblance and vocal similarity to his legendary father, Sharlan explains the challenges of stepping out of Mighty Shadow's shadow, and refusing to be defined simply as “Shadow's other son,” especially as his older brother Shawn was already carving out his own path in the entertainment industry.

Beyond his famous family name, Sharlan Bailey is an accomplished music producer and multi-instrumentalist in his own right, with a deep commitment to preserving, protecting, and celebrating his father's extraordinary musical legacy for future generations.

This episode is more than a conversation about music. It's a powerful exploration of family, identity, cultural preservation, untold history, musical heritage, and the responsibility of carrying a legendary name.

Real People, Real Conversations.

On this powerful and thought-provoking episode we welcome Dr. Sherice J. Nelson, PhD Professor, Political Scientist, Scholar, Political Strategist, and author of Visibly Invisible: Black Women of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Born and raised in East Oakland, California, Dr. Nelson takes us on a journey through her early years, sharing the experiences, influences, and defining moments that shaped her passion for politics, education, and advocacy.

In this candid conversation, Dr. Nelson explores the complex relationship between Foundational Black Americans, Black Caribbean and African Immigrants, addressing common myths, stereotypes, historical misunderstandings, and the importance of recognizing shared struggles and contributions.

Dr. Nelson also shines a much-needed spotlight on the history, sacrifices, and often-overlooked contributions of Black women in American politics. From trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Jordan to countless other women whose courage and determination helped reshape the political landscape, she explains why their stories deserve greater recognition.

As the conversation deepens, Dr. Nelson sets the record straight on the importance of voting, political participation, and why every vote matters. She challenges misconceptions, breaks down the political process, and reminds us that understanding our history is essential to shaping our future.

But it's not all politics! In a surprising and heartfelt moment, Dr. Nelson answers a question from Alonzo's 2,000 Questions About Me Segment: "What or who is the greatest love of your life?" Her unexpected response reveals another side of this accomplished scholar.

From the streets of East Oakland to the halls of University of the District of Columbia, Stillman College, Howard University and current fellow at Loyola University in New Orleans this is a conversation filled with history, truth, education, inspiration, knowledge and awareness.

— Real People. Real Conversations.

Alonzo sits down with Trinidadian photographer and videographer Josiah Thomas, who shares his remarkable journey of living with Cerebral Palsy while building a career behind the camera.

Josiah discusses being, to his knowledge, one of the few professional photographers with cerebral palsy in Trinidad & Tobago and possibly the wider Caribbean. He takes us back to his early life, sharing the important role his parents' love, encouragement, and unwavering support played in helping him pursue his goals.

The conversation also addresses some of the everyday challenges faced by people living with disabilities throughout the Caribbean. Josiah speaks candidly about accessibility barriers involving public spaces, transportation, medical services, and other essential parts of daily life, while highlighting the need for greater awareness and inclusion.

Josiah also shares how he discovered his passion for photography, how he was introduced to the industry, and the journey that led him to launch his own business, J Cinematography, offering both photography and videography services.

His story is a powerful reminder that our lives should not be defined solely by what we cannot do, but by recognizing, developing, and celebrating what we CAN do.

Real People. Real Conversations.

www.AlonzoBash.com

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Alonzo sits down with Political Linguist, Scholar, Activist, Author, and Founder of Universal Write Publications, Dr. Ayo Sekai. In this in-depth conversation Dr Ayo talks about her extraordinary journey, education, culture, history, and the power of language.

Dr. Sekai reflects on her early years growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, before migrating to Canada and later Brooklyn, New York, during her teenage years. She opens up about some of the difficult experiences that shaped her as a young adult, including facing homelessness, while maintaining her passion for sports, education, and creating a better future for herself.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Dr. Sekai breaks down Linguistic Imperialism—what it means, how language can influence culture, identity, education, and power, and how its effects can appear in everyday life. She also discusses Critical Race Theory, DEI, Black history, Education, and the importance of understanding the language used to frame our history and experiences.

Dr. Sekai emphasizes why families should document and archive their own history, photographs, records, stories, and artifacts so future generations have access to their heritage rather than allowing important pieces of family history to disappear.

She also discusses her journey in publishing, being recognized among the country's top Black publishers, and the mentors, colleagues, and supporters who helped her along the way. Her work goes beyond surface-level research as she shares the inspiration behind works including “Afrocentric Before Afrocentricity,” “A 2,” and other writings examining history, language, identity, and the African diaspora.

And, of course, Dr. Ayo Sekai takes on the AlonzoBash Podcast's signature “2000 Questions About Me” segment, offering an insightful response that brings the conversation full circle as she reflects on faith, belief, purpose, and the principles that continue to guide her life and work.

This is a conversation about language, history, education, culture, perseverance, faith, and preserving our stories for generations to come. Just in case you missed it, check out Alonzo's interview with historian, host of The Caribbean Exchange on 88.9FM Baltimore and owner of Every One's Place Bookstore, Brother Natty Nataki. Best known as one of the largest collection of African and Caribbean Literature in the United states.

Real People. Real Conversations.

www.uwpbooks.com

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Join us as we celebrate our 100th Episode.

Alonzo takes a moment to thank the incredible guests who have shared their stories, experiences, and journeys on the platform, along with the loyal listeners and supporters who continue to tune in from around the world.

A special thank-you goes to the podcast’s growing international audience, including new listeners and followers across the United Kingdom, Central America, and Africa. Your continued support has helped the AlonzoBash Podcast grow beyond borders while remaining committed to authentic Caribbean stories, culture, music, and conversations.

And what better way to celebrate Episode 100 than with Reggae Legend "Bushman"

In this in-depth conversation, Bushman takes us back to his early years growing up in St. Thomas, Jamaica, raised by a Christian mother and Rastafarian father. He recalls his introduction to Jamaica’s legendary sound clash culture and the pivotal moment he met Clevie of Steely & Clevie, one of reggae and dancehall’s most influential production teams.

That encounter would help change the course of his career and ultimately give him the stage name Bushman.

Bushman also opens up about some deeply personal moments in his journey, including his emotional breakdown at Rebel Salute in 2019 and the incident that unfolded at Reggae Land in the United Kingdom.

The reggae veteran breaks down the creative process behind some of his biggest records, like Call The Hearse, Fire Bun Ah Weak Heart , Grow your Natty, Nyah Man Chant, His Peter tosh tribute and more. Bushman reveals how he has drawn melodies and inspiration from different musical genres.

He also discusses his longtime love for country music and his exciting new project, “Reggae in Nashville,” bringing two musical worlds together through his distinctive reggae sound.

From St. Thomas to Black Star line sound system , Steely & Clevie, King Jammy, Rebel Salute, Reggae Land, country music, Trini food, career highs, personal struggles, and musical legacy, and fresh from his UK tour, this special 100th episode is a powerful conversation with one of reggae music’s most distinctive voices.

www.AlonzoBash.com

@original_bushman

On this episode Alonzo sits down for an in-depth conversation with author and brand ambassador Ms. Sasha Shillingford, whose journey from the beautiful Caribbean island of Dominica to becoming an Amazon bestselling author is a story of heritage, purpose, and the power of the written word.

Sasha takes us back to her early childhood growing up in the West Indies, Canada and Brooklyn New York and shares what it was like being the daughter of the late West Indian cricketer Grayson Shillingford, who represented the West Indies in seven Test matches between 1969 and 1972. Remarkably, Sasha reveals that as a child, she never fully realized just how famous her father was or the significance of his contribution to West Indies cricket.

The conversation then turns to Sasha’s journey as a writer. She explains what inspired her to pick up the pen and begin telling stories, including the creation of her Amazon bestselling novel, "Requited Love" Sasha discusses her passion for writing stories that honor the brilliance, strength, complexity, and experiences of Caribbean women.

She also shares her belief that “reading is life,” highlighting the importance of early literacy, exposing children to books, and developing a love for reading from an early age.

And when it’s time for the AlonzoBash Podcast’s signature “2000 Questions About Me” segment, Sasha delivers a surprising response that brings the conversation full circle in an unexpected and memorable way.

From Dominica and West Indies cricket to Caribbean womanhood, literature, family legacy, early literacy, and finding purpose through writing, this is a conversation filled with history, culture, inspiration, and more.

www.sashashillingford.com

In this exclusive episode of the AlonzoBash Podcast Alonzo sits down with Jamaican Dancehall sensation General Degree for an in-depth conversation about his life, music, struggles, and decades-long journey through Dancehall.

General Degree takes us back to his early years growing up in Manchester, Jamaica, in a Christian household. He opens up about becoming a teenage father, leaving high school, and learning tailoring as a trade before music ultimately changed the direction of his life.

Degree shares the story of his introduction to music while spending time in Kingston, Jamaica, and recalls how Dancehall artist Major Mackerel helped introduce him to the big stage and a much wider audience.

The conversation goes deep into General Degree’s legendary career as he breaks down the creation and production of some of his biggest records, including “Traffic Blocking” and “First Touch.” He gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the Dancehall industry during one of its most influential eras and the work that went into developing his signature sound and style.

Degree also reflects on the late Reggae icon Garnett Silk, sharing memories of Garnett’s early days and his own connection to the singer’s journey. He also talks about fellow Dancehall artist Red Rat, his relationships within the industry, and the evolution of Jamaican music over the years.

The conversation moves beyond performing as Degree discusses the business side of music and the creation of his production label, Size 8, and mentions his input in one of dancehall biggest riddims the Diwali riddim. And shares his experiences as an artist, producer, and veteran of the international Dancehall scene.

And you don’t want to miss General Degree’s surprising answers during the “2000 Questions About Me” segment!

This is more than an interview—it’s a conversation about Dancehall history, survival, fatherhood, creativity, entrepreneurship, and longevity, told by an artist who lived it.

www.AlonzoBash.com