In this episode of FTF Conversations, we sit down with the legendary Ivan Duran, founder of Stone Tree Records and the visionary behind the Belize Music Project. We dive deep into his journey recording with iconic artists like Andy Palacio and The Garifuna Collective, his contributions to the Belizean music industry, and the enduring legacy of preserving Belize’s unique musical heritage. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of music, community, and cultural preservation.

For our latest FTF Conversations, we had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Nicole Ramsey, an expert in Central American and Black Studies. We explored the dynamic cultural landscape of Belize, diving into its histories, current events, and the growth of industries in towns and cities alike.

From the importance of music, art, and education to the critical role of archiving and research, Dr. Nicky shared invaluable insights from her personal work, research, and experiences as a professor. We also touched on the challenges and triumphs of preserving Belize’s cultural identity.

Tru joined Amina El Kabbany in studio to catch up on all things happening at Kismet Cazimi Studio. The two talk on importance of third spaces, art as a safe space to confront and explore identity, family histories and introducing new generational cycles, and much more.

In conversation with Los Angeles born interdisciplinary Artist Zeroh on Self-awareness, Ras G, Low End Theory, gardening, sound design & sound art, living / not making a living with your art, knowing your why, philosophy & much more.

In conversation with Elsa M'Bala. Elsa M'Bala: Elsa M’Bala aka A.M.E.T. is a sound artist who makes live podcasts as a mixture between DJ’ing and live radio shows, in which field recordings and interviews are shared live with an audience. She performed internationally at Akademie der Künste Berlin (DE); Casino Luxembourg-Forum d’art contemporain (LUX); Dak’Art Biennale (SEN); Gessnerallee Zürich (CH), among others. She made the trailer for the Berlin Biennale 10 and currently she is working in Cameroon on a project funded by Akademie der Künste Berlin and Musicboard. A.M.E.T.’s musical journey, and her reflections on race, cultural background, gender and spirituality, challenge preconceptions of how someone’s music should sound based on where they’re from. Her practice breaks with western classical music by creating graphic scores that enable her to include semi tones as it is regular in non western music. By using technology, she amplifies her unique voice and addresses narratives of inclusion and visibility. Her work is also marked by collaborations with musicians, dancers, artists, performers and makers from different backgrounds. Since 2019, Elsa M’Bala also practices as a massage therapist.

A conversation on Ethiopian art & culture, authentic storytelling, the power of filmmaking & more with Dee, Salem & Tru. Denkinesh Argaw is a cultural producer and entrepreneur within the Ethiopian-Eritrean diaspora. She is deeply involved in several initiatives (KITFO TV, Motherland Sounds & 2591Worldwide) that bridge gaps between community, technology, and culture. Outside of the Ethiopian-Eritrean space, Denkinesh is involved in the music tech world working with independent artists through her platform Sound Squeeze. Salem Daniel is an Ethiopian American director and producer based in Los Angeles. Her work is informed by the interplay of culture, migration, and socio-political dynamics that shape one’s identity. Salem’s commitment to unifying the diaspora and rewriting divisive narratives is reflected in her initiative Cushy Collective, a grassroots network that aims to foster Pan-African artistic collaboration.

FTF Conversations with Maddy Inez, multidisciplinary artist working in sculpture, ceramics and printmaking. She talks about process, lineage, and her new show 'Venus Freak'.

MOREJUSTICE is a brand that emphasizes the intersections of art and community in everything they do. We sat with founder and director Justice Marley to speak on her influences within her artist practice, getting back to roots in Jamaica as well as her journey bringing her brand to fruition.