The Style & Vibes Podcast

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In this episode Jamaican singer/songwriter Sevana speaks to us about the release of her second EP, Be Somebody. Sevana effortlessly flows between her powerful vocals and bold Jamaican patois, blending traditional R&B/soul that influences her sound and the Caribbean’s tropical riddims that raised her. Be Somebody is Sevana’s first major-label debut since signing with RCA Records in partnership with In.Digg.Nation Collective facilitated through the relationship with Six Course Records. We talk in-depth about Sevana’s inspiration, musical process, blending genres, how she takes criticism and what fashion trends she’s stylin’ on right now.

 Stylin’ On Vibin’ to Video Series

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Produced by Breadfruit Media

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The Reggae Sumfest team did a great job putting together #ATasteofSumfest festival in just a few weeks, while most festivals are being canceled or going virtual for 2020, Sumfest is the only Caribbean festival to keep a presence this year. A Taste of Sumfest had a week-long schedule of digital events including music workshops, panels, re-visited older performances and showcased Jamaican homegrown artists on their own turf giving shorter performances for each artist gave us a great sample and something for us to rally around for Reggae and Dancehall music. 

Official Videos for  Night 1 &  Night 2 

We did a full review last year of some of the best moments of the full experience virtually, but now we all tuned in virtually multi-streamed on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. 

Stylin' on/Vibin' to segment extended video! Exclusively on YouTube. 

Stylin’ on: Shenseea Pretty Little Things ambassadorship
Vibin’ to: Kabaka Pyramid  “Babylon Fallin”

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In Style & Vibes podcast ep. 13 I discussed the idea of  Cultural Currency, in this episode, I’m revisiting this idea as it’s importance is more relevant than ever. The impact of being quarantined from the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people access to culture and there are so many conversations happening online about how Caribbean culture and experiences are being revisited.

 Audio Mack Let’s Talk

 State of Dancehall

 Nielsen Mid-Year Report

Stylin’ on: Jamaican model Lawrence self-produced photoshoot for Zara’s summer campaign in Port Antonio Jamaica, modeling a  linen shirt. (Saint Modeling agency in Jamaica) 

Vibin’ to: Sevana - If You Only Knew  video preparing for E.P Release July 31 entitled Be Somebody

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In this episode we speak with Dancehall artist, Noah Powa. Formerly a selector/DJ we talk about his he transitioned and how the two careers compliment each other. With more and more music being release we talked about how he’s able to stand out, performing while having fun, singles vs. albums vs. EPs and the investment it takes into being an independent artist. 

Stylin’ on:  Cushnie at Target

Vibin’ to: Buju Banton’s  Upside Down 2020 Album (Listen to full review of the album here)

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We’re celebrating our 2-year podcasting Anniversary. It’s a bittersweet anniversary as the Black people across the globe continue to protest the wrongful deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless others due to police brutality and racism. I share an opinion piece written on Style & Vibes 4 years ago about  Racism as a Caribbean-American during Caribbean-American Heritage Month, seemingly, not much has changed.

In celebrating our 2-year anniversary I share some of my favorite episodes that you should go back and listen to some of my favorite episodes from the last 2 years that you should listen to if you haven’t already.

 The State of Caribbean Film

 Know Your Caribbean

 Haiti’s History & Culture

 The Afrobeats Connection

 Cultural Currency

 Caribbean Media Matters

 Music Marketing

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DJ Kurt Riley is a DJ and Producer based in Jamaica and part of the monumental Verzuz with Beenie Man & Bounty Killer. In this episode we talk about how he started out in the music business and experiences with his father, product Winston Riley coming right up to the significance of Verzuz battle and his part in the virtual experience as one of the DJs selecting for Beenie Man.

Stylin on:  Beenie Man Verzuz Merch

Vibin to:  Dre Island - Now I Rise

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Beenie Man and Bounty Killer put on a full on show for the #VerzuzTV representing Dancehall to the fullest in the first virtual live experience on the platform founded by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. #BeenieManvsBountyKiller soundclash edition was the highest viewed battle to date for the music showcase series with over 470,000 international fans. Displaying authentic soundclash culture, which originated in Jamaica, we had to discuss the impact of this major moment for Dancehall.

It meant a lot for Beenie Man and Bounty Killer who have both seen little of their international audiences due to travel restrictions prior to COVID-19. As they stepped back into the international limelight fans watched in awe as these two battled chune fi chune, showcasing authentic clash culture complete with a sound system, early warm segment, toasting, lyrical exchanges, storytelling and dub plates! This Verzuz set the bar high from an executions standpoint -- little to no WiFi issues, continuous stream on IG Platform and having both parties in the same stream in-person. The series gets better and better.  

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Entrepreneur and fashion designer Princess Booker is the CEO of  Nine Mile Clothing inspired by Princess’ grandmother Cedella Marley-Booker’s small home town in the hills of St. Ann, Jamaica. Nine Mile is where Bob Marley was born and laid to rest, which is now a museum and popular tourist destination as one of the museums dedicated to Bob Marley legacy. 

After spending time Princess originally created items that people could purchase and has now expanded to full brand all it’s own. The Nine Mile lifestyle brand by Princess Booker is a versatile every-day streetwear line with ready-to-wear pieces for men, women and children that adapt to fit your unique lifestyle. It combines all the beautiful elements of Nine Mile: the happy peace, the freeness of spirit and the quiet fire that inspires all who visit its land. In this episode, we discuss Princess Booker’s journey in music and what led her to create Nine Mile Clothing. 

Stylin’ on:  Nine Mile Clothing

Vibin’ to: Lila Ike’s EP  The ExPerience

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Dancehall would be nothing without dance. Jamaica’s dance scene has garnered much intrigue and just as much backlash as it has changed over the years. In this episode with  Maria Hitchins, a dance advocate based in Jamaica and professional dancer herself, we discuss the beauty and challenges of dancehall dancers from inception to its current state. Check out and support her platform  Dancers of Jamaica which features authentic dancers and what they're up to… yard and abroad!  

Stylin’ on: Haitian artist  Cathy Illustrations

Vibin’ to:  City Lock - Keznamdi feat. Torey Lanez off Keznamdi’s  Bloodline album.

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Produced by Breadfruit Media

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It’s been an interesting last few weeks and while we’re all getting used to the new normal.  In this episode, I’m simply sharing what’s on my mind. Productivity, or lack thereof and of course all the random things on these internet streets!

Check out my convo with producer Kerry-Ann and Rachel Osbourne as we go deeper on the new work normal on the  Carry on Friends Podcast.

Also, check a replay of the  SocaMom Summit, talking about how Caribbean artists and the music industry will survive COVID-19.  

In the News:

• Protoje’s  In.Digg.Nation signing with a major U.S. Record Label
• Teddy Riley vs. Babyface Flop
• Walshy Fire continues Clash
• Beenie & Bounty on Digicel Live
• Jamaica Carnival Virtual Experience
• PutYour Back In it Challenge ( #putyuhbackinit ) -  DJ Flex feat. Denise Belfon
• Favorites on IG: Majah Hype, Kevin Crown, DJ Boof, D-Nice

Stylin’ On: Lounge Wear or Athleisure

Vibin’ To: Lila Ike -  I Spy

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Style & Vibes: Website |  Newsletter | Youtube  |  Instagram |  Facebook

Produced by Breadfruit Media