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Exploring Papiamentu: The Unique Language of Curaçao

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema and guest Sheedia Jansen delve into the 300-year-old history of Papiamentu, the vibrant lingua franca of Curaçao.

Sheedia, a Freedom Alchemist born and raised in Curaçao, explains how Papiamentu emerged from a blend of influences from West Africa, Portuguese, Dutch, Indigenous Caquetios, and Spanish cultures, and is a result of Caribbean colonization. 

The conversation highlights the evolution of the language, its official recognition in 2007, and its survival in the face of past colonial restrictions. Speaking to the rich cultural tapestry of Curaçao, Sheedia also discusses her own efforts in promoting the language through her online course and the importance of preserving such a unique aspect of her heritage.

Connect with Sheedia:
https://www.heysheedia.com/
Learn Papiamentu with Sheedia
YouTube
Learn Papiamentu YouTube playlist
The Dungeon podcast

Episodes mentioned:
History of Curaçao with Sheedia
Curaçao's Culinary Heritage
Puerto Rican History with Laura Ortiz

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Antiguan Folktales: Anansi's Wisdom and Lessons

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Kesha Christie, a renowned storyteller and Ted Talk speaker, joins the show to explore the rich tapestry of Caribbean folktales, focusing on the iconic trickster hero, Anansi. This captivating Anansi story from Antigua & Barbuda has it’s origins in Ghana (Africa).

Hema and Kesha discuss how these stories reflect and preserve cultural and spiritual beliefs, the nuances and variations across different Caribbean islands, as well as the impact of historical influences, understanding pre-colonial African history and how these timeless stories continue to adapt while maintaining their core messages.

To learn more about Kesha and her work:

Website
Instagram
Walk Good Podcast

Resources:
The Caribbean Storyfinder by Sharon Barcan Elswit 

More episodes with Kesha Christie:
Exploring Caribbean Folklore
Trickster Tales

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Exploring the Rich Culinary Culture of Tobago

In the second episode on Tobago, one half of the twin-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago, Hema and guest Devonne Adanna, a storyteller and Caribbean history enthusiast from Tobago, dive into the diverse culinary traditions of Tobago. 

The discussion covers the historical influences on the islands' food, the distinction between Trinidad's fast-paced, street food culture and Tobago's homestyle cooking, and the unique flavours and dishes from both islands, including popular meals like pelau, curried crab, and doubles. 

The episode touches on local folklore, the influence of African culture across the Caribbean, and various snacks and sweets that are cherished in Tobago. Devonne shares some of her childhood favourite foods and memories.

Throughout the conversation we share some must-try foods and recipes, plus a one-day itinerary if you want to visit Tobago but are limited on time.

Connect with Devonne:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

Episodes mentioned:
Tobago's Past Revisited with Devonne Adanna
Exploring Dominican Republic with Harry Alvarez
Caribbean Culinary History with Keja Valens

Resources:
Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve
Tobago Cocoa Estate
Tobago Heritage Festival
Store Bay
Nylon Pool
Tobago Tourism

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In this episode host Hema and guest Devonne Adanna, a Caribbean history enthusiast, discuss the intricate historical backgrounds of Trinidad & Tobago, with a focus on Tobago. They delve into the impact of European colonization, the economic struggles Tobago faced post-slavery, and the distinct cultural evolution of both islands before they amalgamated to become one country. 

Devonne also shares her advocacy for autism awareness through her content creation, highlighting the intersections of history and personal narratives. 

Connect with Devonne:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

Previous episode: Trinbagonian Chats with Devonne

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The Rich Tradition of Anansi Stories, Monkey Tales and Caribbean Folklore

In this bonus episode, Hema and guest Kesha Christie explore the origins and rich tradition of Caribbean folklore and trickster tales. Starting with an Anansi story skillfully told by Kesha, they follow it up with a talk about the origins and roots, tracing it back to West Africa, specifically Ghana. 

Kesha shares another tale, Monkey Who Loves Trouble, followed by a discussion on how these narratives have travelled and evolved across different cultures and Caribbean countries. The stories, shared by passionate storyteller Kesha Christie, offer deep lessons wrapped in engaging and entertaining plots, making them valuable for audiences of all ages. The episode also highlights the significance of communal storytelling in passing down wisdom and cultural heritage.

Previous episode: Exploring Caribbean Folklore with Kesha Christie

To learn more about Kesha and her work visit her website.

Connect with Kesha on social media:
Instagram
TikTok
Walk Good Podcast

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Exploring Trinidad's Rich History and Cultural Blends

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, host Hema and guest Sunity Maharaj delve into the historical influences on Trinidad's food and culture. We chat the profound influence of diverse cultures on Trinidadian music, spirituality, and daily life, emphasizing the creativity and unique cultural fusion evident in the society. The conversation touches on economic challenges stemming from a plantation economy left from colonization, the influence of historical events on modern Trinidad, and insights into the Lloyd Best Institute's efforts to promote independent thought and decolonize the education system, drawing inspiration from the Trinidadian steel pan. This episode showcases the depth beyond Trinidad's - and the Caribbean’s -  renowned elements of sun, sea, and sand, revealing a vibrant and complex society.

Part 1: History of Trinidad: Tales of Heritage and Resistance with Sunity Maharaj

Resources and Links:

Lloyd Best Institute of the Caribbean
Lloyd Best Institure of the Caribbean Archive
Pelau: The unofficial, National Dish of Trinidad & Tobago
Life in Trinidad & Tobago
Recipes from Teri's Food Therapy

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Exploring the Rich History of Trinidad: From Indigenous Roots to Cultural Fusion

This episode is the first of two parts with host Hema and guest Sunity Maharaj. They explore the history of Trinidad, uncovering the island's rich cultural tapestry. From the Indigenous people to the effects of European colonization, the relevance of understanding the island’s history is critical to comprehend present circumstances and promote compassion. 

Sunity shares her expertise as a journalist and director at the Lloyd Best Institute, emphasizing the importance of Caribbean development. The episode covers the island's Indigenous people, the impact of European colonization, the African influence, Indian indentured labourers and the resilience of Trinidad's culture, culminating in a discussion on present-day economic and social dynamics.

Come back in two weeks for the second part of the episode where we dive into food, music and culture.

Resources
The Lloyd Best Institute of the Caribbean
The Banwari Man
Banwari Trace
Celebrating the First Peoples of Trinidad and Tobago
Peggy Mohan
Lise Winer
Maureen Warner-Lewis
Dr. Kelvin Singh
Patois Song Dodo Piti Popo

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In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema and Kesha, a Jamaican-Canadian storyteller, chat about the rich tradition of Caribbean folklore. 

Kesha discusses the timeless relevance of folktales, the cultural significance embedded in them, and how they have evolved and intermixed across Caribbean countries. From trickster tales featuring Anansi to the eerie stories of Lagahoo and La Jablesse / La Diablesse, Kesha explains how these narratives continue to shape social behaviours and cultural identity. She also touches on the influence of colonization and the fusion of African, Indian, and Indigenous traditions in Caribbean folklore.

Connect with Kesha:
Website
YouTube
Instagram
TikTok
Walk Good Podcast

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Discovering Curaçao's Food Culture with Sheedia

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast Hema and Sheedia chat about the vibrant and diverse food culture of Curaçao. Following up on all we learned in the history of Curaçao episode, we dive into the Caribbean island's culinary influences from African, Dutch, and Indigenous cultures, and how the proximity to Venezula has influenced what is eaten. Sheedia gets into dishes like funchi, iguana soup, and keshi yena, and sweets that may have been influenced by the Sephardic Jews. Join us for a delicious exploration of Curaçaoan cuisine!

Connect with Sheedia
Website
YouTube
The Dungeon Podcast

Resources
Top 10 Dishes You Need to Try in Curaçao
Keshi Yena recipe
Blue Curacao

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In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema is joined by Sheedia Jansen, a Freedom Alchemist from Curaçao. Together they delve into the rich history and culture of the Caribbean island. Sheedia shares insights on Curaçao's colonial past, from its Indigenous Caquetio inhabitants to Spanish and Dutch rule, the TransAtlantic Slave Trade, and the influential contributions of the Afro-Caribbean, Dutch, and Jewish communities, and explains the relationship with the Netherlands as part of the Netherland Antilles.

The island's linguistic diversity with four languages, and the shift from oil refinery to tourism as its main economic driver, Curaçao was known as the Caribbean's best kept secret!

The conversation highlights the importance of preserving local culture amidst a blend of global influences, and listeners are encouraged to explore the unique elements of Curaçao's heritage and contemporary life.

Connect with Sheedia:
https://www.heysheedia.com/
YouTube
The Dungeon podcast

Resources:

https://www.britannica.com/place/Curacao
https://www.curacaohistory.com/ 

Support the show

Join us on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to continue the conversation.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/jerk-sauce