Black in a Box

We follow up our March episode with Symeon Brown and Neef Ekpoudom, in which we discussed the plight of young people chasing fame and money as influencers, by welcoming former BBC Apprentice contestant, businesswoman Joanna Jarjue.

Joanna joins Alahna, Dan and Dom to talk about achieving through adversity. We begin with her journey growing up in Wakefield after leaving Gambia (8:46), before moving on to Joanna's experience as a Black woman at a redbrick university (28:50).

And then the juicy stuff, we speak about the Apprentice (41:28), the depiction of Black women by TV producers in the UK and finally her life path since the show (57:19). It's honest, it's candid and its good for your soul.

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In a shorter episode this week and a body short, with Alahna back in the mean-streets of Palm City, we discuss what is an exciting time for rap powerhouse - Top Dawg Entertainment.

Last week, BIAB favourite, Isaiah Rashad, made a heart-warming return on the one of the world's biggest stages - the influencer olympics...Coachella (01:16). We discuss how he did, or didn't, address the leaked video and how hip-hop has grown to a much greater level of acceptance. Then a couple of days later KING KENDRICK HIMSELF announced the release date for his new and last album on TDE, Mr Morale and the Big Steppers. We chat about what to expect (19:22) and round things off with our favourite K. Dot albums (32:45).

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We know you're probably sick of it by now and we are too, but we had a hiccup with the recording so we're a week late...but anyway, we start with the spectacle on everyone’s feeds…the SLAP heard around the world (01:26). Such a brief moment, yet so much to unpack...or maybe not? We get into it nevertheless.

We then discuss the disgusting, disturbing, but not so surprising case of Child Q and the systemic failures that led to this violation (27:13), before finishing up with Jamaica’s response to Will & Kate’s visit (43:44) and what this may foretell for the future of the Monarchy in the Caribbean, whilst throughout we consider the question, “How are these three issues connected?”

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This week we are joined by author of 'Get Rich or Lie Trying' Symeon Brown and second time guest, Aniefiok 'Neef' Ekpoudom FRSA, newly anointed Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and, more importantly, friend of the pod.

We talk Symeon’s inspiration for about his new book (2:21), what even is an influencer (8:49), as well as the limitation of moments built on influencers (17:54), the new marks of influencer culture (22:26) the losers in the world of influencing and what ultimately gives us a fulfilling life (29:42) and how to pursue it among other things

Finally we share the devastating loss to the world of Jamal Edwards with SBTV alumni, Neef, as well as his impact on each of us and the world (37:37).

Please like, share with your friends if you love it, subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen and leave a review on Spotify.

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WE BACK! It’s a New Year and a new season of Black in a Box and there’s already an abundance of f*ckry to unpack. Starting off with a look at Kurt Zouma and the many woes his candid cruelty has drudged up (3:05), we then get into the tearful confessions of Thandiwe Newton (18:00). At (33:40), Angelo has a few things to get off his chest about the Labour Party and we share a raised eyebrow at the Brits award of Best “New?” Artist to Little Simz (49:49). Welcome back!

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Merry Christmas, happy new year and all dem ting deh! Glad to see the back of 2021? Us too. We got together for a year-end wrap up, discussing all of the highs and lows of another crazy lap around the sun.

We kick things off with our individual reflections and give flowers to SimplySayo, Mark Phillips of RDC World, Jadakiss amongst others, then we jump into our regular end of year music segment, with best album (31:26) and best track (42:14). Who is your Dick of the Year? We put forward a few of our own suggestions (50:35) and round things off with another tribute to our dear brother, Nate (56:10), as we reflect on how his devastating loss has shaped our lives.

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As we approach the end of another year, the Black in a Box crew reflect on some big questions in this episode. What were our childhoods like and what do we want the future to look like for our children and future generations?

Is there maybe some futility in procreating given the state of the planet (5:30) We discuss the merit in mentoring future generations and creating intergenerational communities (11:10). Then things take a turn when we discuss the white savior tropes in entertainment & why it’s still a big deal (21:00), before Dom jumps to the defence of White Yardie (35:00) We close things out with a discussion of all the things we like to blame Africa for (41:25), inspired by Prince William.

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How do you solve a problem like institutional racism? Deny, deny, deny then reaccuse if the Azeem Rafiq Yorkshire County Cricket club experience is anything to go by.

The team got together for Series 3 Episode 10 to discuss the mishandling of the scandal, what constitutes “banter” and whether things will change from here.

The performative tears of American teen shooter Kyle Rittenhouse at his trial are also on the agenda. We tackle the selective weaponsation of both age and white remorse in America as Angelo makes the argument that America needs Rittenhouse to walk free.

Marcus Rashford picked up his MBE and Barbados was taking back control of its head of state duties from Britain’s monarchy. Which if us would take a royal honour?

Finally we look at Netflix series Colin in Black and White and the impact of microaggressions on your mental health as a minority.

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Blackfishing. Appropriation. Transphobia. What a week it’s been for shenanigans and the good friends at Black in a Box get into it all in this latest episode.

We start by addressing the minstrel show that came in the form of Jesy Nelson's “Boyz” music video (1:00) before discussing the difference between appropriation and appreciation (17:00). Then we get into the uncomfortable truth that Dave Chappelle's latest Netflix special may, indeed, need to be cancelled (31:45). Like. Share. Subscribe.

"We have to be able to walk and chew gum."

In the latest episode of Black in a Box, we discuss Chimamanda Adichie's blistering essay on cancel culture, after a friend and apparent mentee of hers took to the internet to denigrate her for, what she perceived as, dangerous and transphobic rhetoric (03:25).

We then jump into Michaela Coel finally getting her flowers after winning the Emmy for Outstanding Writing (34:24), before closing on our new segment, in which we'll be focusing on Black male mental health (42:22).

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