The Style & Vibes Podcast

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In this episode we dissect how Caribbean culture is represented in series like Netflix's 'Survival of the Thickest', Amazon Prime's 'Harlem,' ABC's 'This is Us,' and HBO Max's 'Full Circle.'

We also explore the importance of having Caribbean actors, producers, and filmmakers at the helm of creating authentic cultural narratives. We talk about the subtleties of character development and the significance of filming on-location in places like Guyana to immerse viewers in the Caribbean experience. We touch on the portrayal of Caribbean accents in the media - an intriguing conversation sparked by the influence of films like 'Black Panther' and the anticipation around the upcoming Bob Marley biopic. 

Looking ahead, we offer a glimpse into the upcoming Hulu series based on the book 'Black Cake'. We discuss the importance of empowering Caribbean creators to tell their own stories, and the opportunities this presents for the broader Caribbean community. Join us in our next episode as we further deliberate on 'Black Cake' and its potential impact on amplifying Caribbean voices in the media. 

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Produced by Breadfruit Media

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Get ready to embark on a captivating journey with George A. Glean Sr., a lifelong teacher, writer,  and avid student of West Indian history and culture. Born and raised on the island of Grenada, George opens up about his childhood, his migration to the United States, and the unanticipated joy found in the simplicity of island life.

In this episode we discuss how George's personal migration tale and expertise in Caribbean History inspired his first fiction novel, Searching for Higher Ground. It serves as a testament to the idea that migration is not always rooted in hardship, but can emerge from love and family.  We discuss the how migration impacted the main character Sinclair from his childhood in Grenada and the heartbreaking decision of his parents to leave him behind.

From the rhythms and history in Calypso music to the pulsating story of Caribbean migration, this episode has it all!

Buy Searching for Higher Ground

Calypso Song mentioned: "Jack" The Beach is Mine by Gabby

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We focus to the implications in the sale of New York City's WVIP 93.5 FM to Hope Media Group. WVIP had majority Caribbean programming over the last 40 years, home to Caribbean media groups including Irie Jam Radio, Linkup Radio, Winner’s Circle Radio, Groovin' Radio, Wake Up Radio and other programmers who purchased air time on the independent radio station. The station will now focus on Spanish language Christian music.

Caribbean artists owe their introduction to the larger community to platforms such as WVIP 93.5 FM. We converse on the struggle for discoverability of Caribbean music in an era brimming with digital platforms. We emphasize the importance of intentionality when tuning into radio stations and the role of radio in safeguarding Caribbean culture for posterity.

In continued dialogue on media ownership, cultural preservation, and the future of Caribbean music; we scrutinize how ownership of these radio stations across the US impacts the digital music landscape and the broader conversations ignited on legacy, culture, and ownership. Join us as we discuss how the community missed an opportunity to rally behind a Caribbean-owned and operated station.

Jamaica Gleaner Article

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Help me shape the future content of your favorite podcast. I'm asking you, our listeners, to fill out a quick five-question survey to help us better understand what you love and what you want to hear more of. Your feedback is crucial, and will directly influence the planning of our episodes for the next year.

The survey link is in the show notes, so feel free to fill it in and make your mark on Styling Vibes. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the family, your input matters a lot. This episode might not have a guest conversation, but we promise we have exciting ones lined up for the coming weeks. Don’t forget to fill out the survey and catch us in two weeks for our next episode.

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Annya Brown dynamic entrepreneur combined her daughter's skincare needs and her Jamaican heritage into a successful business - Natural Annie Essentials. What began as a bath and body product venture, has now morphed into a household name in the scented candle industry.  Annya shares her journey, highlighting the importance of staying true to your roots and the resilience needed to navigate the rough waters of entrepreneurship.

From grappling with growth, limited space and manpower to executing a balancing act between her full-time job and a budding business. Discover how her family became her backbone during the COVID-19 pandemic, turning Natural Annie Essentials into a full-fledged family business. Anya also sheds light on how she leverages social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Google to fuel her business growth. Hear her unique approach towards expanding her brand and her mantra of saying yes first, and learning on the job. Delve into the life of this inspiring businesswoman, who's story is sure to light a spark in every budding entrepreneur out there.

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The Caribbean Music Awards was held in the heart of the Caribbean diaspora, Flatbush Brooklyn aka Little Caribbean. This pulsating event, coinciding with the New York Carnival weekend, was a spectacular display of unity, pride, and the rich Caribbean culture. We dish out the unique experiences of the artists, the nomination process, and the sheer vibrancy of this cultural evening. This episode is a tribute to the exhilarating Caribbean vibes that have left an indelible mark in the music industry.

I discuss  the highlights and provide feedback about the award show. From Beres Hammond's Male Artist of The Year Award*  to Machel Montano's Lifetime Achievement Award*, every moment was a testament to the Caribbean spirit and talent. The camaraderie among the artists, the positive energy, and the phenomenal performances - everything about this event was electric.  We also discuss the challenges with Caribbean Music Award show's production, execution for online and in-person viewing experiences  to further celebrate its potential influence.

*Awards were incorrectly noted in the podcast, corrected in the show notes. 

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Prepare for a journey of music, culture, and entrepreneurship as I engage in a captivating conversation with Lexi Chow, a PR maven who has left no stone unturned in her diverse career trajectory. Lexi's storytelling prowess takes us through her experiences with music industry big shots like Lil Wayne and Flo Rida, her transition to corporate giants like Paramount and MTV, and her roots touching the soil of Jamaica that motivated her entrepreneurial ventures. We delve into the significance of solid networking and the influential role it played in her professional journey. Lexi recount stories from the music and film industry  to her journey in entrepreneurship where we discuss her sea moss company Bontanica Gold, candle company Scene Candele and new venture, The CODA Network.

The CODA Network which stands for Caribbean On Demand All in one place is a curated streaming service featuring Caribbean culture. Discover Lexi's vision for CODA, her growth strategy for the network, and how she plans to balance monetization with the profits of creatives. Hear her passionately speak about her love for culture, travel, and documentaries, all of which are bound together on her platform. 

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How often do we take the time to truly listen and understand our own cultural stories? The remarkable Dr. Danielle Brown, ethnomusicologist and founder of 'My People Tell Stories', brings her passion for teaching and understanding her own culture in an enlightening discussion on the Style and Vibes podcast.

Dr. Brown imparts her wisdom on the role of study of music at the academic level and the importance of having people from within the culture involved. We'll unpick the complexities of academic research, the challenges that come with it, and how technology can be leveraged to reach a wider audience. This conversation is more than just an exploration of music and culture, it's a call to everyone to discover, interpret, and share their cultural narratives in their own unique way. Don't miss out on this captivating conversation with Dr. Brown—empower yourself with the knowledge to narrate your own cultural story!

Links Mentioned in the podcast
My People Tell Stories Book

Parang (Emmy-nominated documentary short)

Havana Tour

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In this episode, we tackle the question of why dancehall hasn't seen the same level of growth as hip hop. We explore the trials and triumphs of these two vibrant genres. Our special guests, Chris and Kerry, share their expert insights on the often overlooked ways that reggae and dancehall have shaped hip hop. 

Venture even further into the music space as we dissect the unique song clash culture in dancehall and hip hop. With a critical look at the harsh realities faced by artists and the importance of staying connected to the culture, every beat and note matters in creating a successful song. A must-listen for any music lover or aspiring artist.

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In continued celebration of #HipHop50 we are sharing our favorite Reggae/Dancehall and Hip-Hop song collaborations.

Check our playlist with some our favorites.
Apple Music 

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Produced by Breadfruit Media