Chat to me! 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 fav...
Jun 15, 2020•23 min•Season 2020Ep. 55
Chat to me! 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 Support the show Style & Vibes...
Jun 01, 2020•54 min•Season 2020Ep. 54
Chat to me! 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 me...
May 25, 2020•20 min
Chat to me! 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. Th...
May 18, 2020•41 min•Season 2020Ep. 53
Chat to me! 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’ o...
May 04, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Season 2020Ep. 52
Chat to me! 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 surv...
Apr 20, 2020•24 min•Season 2020Ep. 51
Chat to me! We’re celebrating our 50th episode! Special thanks to all the listeners, it wouldn’t be possible without you. In this episode we speak with beauty entrepreneur, Saraa Green about her new product the Braid Releaser. We discuss her journey in the fashion industry and what led her to developing the Braid Releaser with her mom, her Jamaican-American upbringing and more! Stylin’ on: Cloth masks created by Caribbean designer sales D’Marsh and Territory Six . Vibin’ to: Quarantine Clash hos...
Apr 06, 2020•43 min•Season 2020Ep. 50
Chat to me! While we are all coping with the new normal of pandemic COVID-19. I’m on lockdown and sharing my thoughts on how I’m coping and sharing some observations from the week. While many are working from home, there are many who aren’t able to. Thank you to all the workers who have to keep working during this time, nurses, doctors, emergency responders, grocery clerks, warehouse workers, drivers and so much more. We’re seeing creatives getting creative with live DJ sessions (virtual parties...
Mar 23, 2020•21 min•Season 2020Ep. 49
Chat to me! Interviewing Tifa about her song on The Silent Riddim Project (silent riddim) “Man ah Come Back” Rellee of A Team Music co-produced with Paul of Platinum Kids we such a great convo with Rellee and Tifa about Rellee’s journey as a producer of some major hits. He dropped way to many industry gems, which I know all you music lovers will enjoy! Support the show Style & Vibes: Website | Newsletter | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Produced by Breadfruit Media...
Mar 09, 2020•33 min•Season 2020Ep. 48
Chat to me! We’re talking Dancehall with artist Tifa! Tifa came up in Dancehall with Spell it Out and has had a number of hits including, Dash Out, Big Bumper, Crawny Gal, Jealous Over , with a solid foundation of lyrics, style and stage performance. The early 2000s was one of the most interesting times in Dancehall, where the genre was explosive and changing at the same time, Tifa has managed to maintain success and strengthen her personal footing in the music industry while branching out with ...
Feb 24, 2020•37 min•Season 2020Ep. 47
Chat to me! In honor of Valentine’s day, we’re celebrating love in this episode. A semi-holiday that we really didn’t “celebrate” until our daughter came along. It’s not a big “to-do” in our household, but love definitely is. My hubby Kirk joins me as we share a journey in love with music as the backdrop. Reggae, Lover’s Rock and Soul music. We share our top three reggae love songs and more. Support the Podcast Stylin’ on: Baseline Cosmetics World Tour red lipstick. Get 10% off your purchase usi...
Feb 10, 2020•28 min•Season 2020Ep. 46
Chat to me! This week I’m reasoning with fellow podcaster Odessa! She’s much more than a podcaster, she’s the founder of O-access Jamaica, a media platform sharing the best in Jamaican music and lifestyle. She has a number of years of experience in the entertainment industry ranging from Record labels to brand experiences, TV shows and so much more. Currently a T.V. executive for Jamaica’s Daytime LIVE while building her own media platform, Odessa shares her journey as a reggae legend’s daughter...
Jan 27, 2020•58 min•Season 2020Ep. 45
Chat to me! It’s the top of the year and I’m reflecting on a few trends of 2019 and making cultural predictions for 2020. There was so much happening in Caribbean music, fashion, travel and much more that I wanted to touch on my thoughts on what happened and what I think is coming in the New Year. 2019 Trend Recap Culture: Festivals Music: Women dominating music Music: Artist releasing albums/mixtapes/EPs Music: Gimmicks Marketing in music Culture: Fusion/Battle of Afrobeats/Soca/Dancehall/Regga...
Jan 13, 2020•29 min•Season 2020Ep. 44
Chat to me! In this episode, we’re joined by Reggae singer, Naomi Cowan. The singer was recently in New York City and popped up at VP Records’ Strictly the Best 60th compilation celebration and I was able to catch up with her before she headed back to Jamaica. She shares her musical journey, with music being part of her foundation growing up as her parents Tommy Cowan and Carlene Davis are well known in the Reggae music industry. Naomi talks about her spiritual growth into music, her mixtape Par...
Dec 16, 2019•33 min•Season 2019Ep. 43
Chat to me! It’s that time of the year again! Style & Vibes’ annual holiday gift guide is one of our most popular features highlighting Caribbean brands. Caribbean Style Phyle has also done a Holiday It Guide and Syn and I wanted to highlight both of our lists featuring amazing Caribbean talent! Make sure you check the Caribbean Style Phyle Holiday It Guide video which showcases the items from the Gift Guide exclusively in the video with a creative story backdrop! Support the Podcast Stylin’...
Dec 02, 2019•27 min•Season 2019Ep. 42
Chat to me! In this episode we speak with Virgin Island Reggae star Pressure! Pressure just released a new album Rebel with a Cause, an 18-track album and his seventh album Featuring appearances from reggae all-stars Sizzla, Protoje, Jah9, Kabaka Pyramid, Anthony B and Akae Beka as well as rap icon Redman and Virgin Islands hitmakers R City. We were able to catch up with Pressure while he was in New York City promoting the album. Known for his hit “ Love & Affection ” the reggae singer talks...
Nov 18, 2019•18 min•Season 2019Ep. 41
Chat to me! In this episode we’re talking to music marketing maven Chelsea Grant, she been in the music and entertainment industry for a few years now and recently joined Caribbean record label VP Records as a project manager working with album launches for Chris Martin, Busy Signal, Jah Cure and many more. We talk a lot about the consumption of music and trends that I thought it would be a great idea to talk more about the business side. While we get to learn about her journey, she gives some i...
Nov 04, 2019•43 min•Season 2019Ep. 40
Chat to me! In this episode I’m connecting with my ladies of Sip n Chat, an online radio program hosted Kerry, Jendayi, Jo Wheeler and myself, produced by Ronnie Tomlison. We’re dissecting impact of Noise Abatement Act being re-enforced on the the Dancehall community, particularly in the country’s capital Kingston, cutting the end time of street Dancehall parties at 12am during the week and 2am on the weekends. Street dances are a significant part of Dancehall culture that happens starts at nigh...
Oct 21, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Season 2019Ep. 39
Chat to me! There so many aspects to the Reggae music industry! Sound system culture is at the cornerstone of the one of the most loved and influential musical genres globally. In this episode I connect with the crew from Reggae Lovers Podcast , Āgard and Khalil Wonda about how they started their sound system, how they’ve evolved as DJs and how much the role of the DJ/Selector/Sounds have changed. Stylin’ On: Jae Jolly Vibin’ to: B.L.E.M. EP by Tarrus Riley Support the Podcast Support the show S...
Oct 07, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Season 2019Ep. 38
Chat to me! We’re giving you more style! In this episode Syn of Caribbean Style Phyle and I are talking about Caribbean designers at New York Fashion Week. Cushnie, by Carly Cushnie, Pyer Moss by Kerby Jean Raymond and Savage Fenty by Rihanna. Stylin’ On: Caribbean Designers Cushnie SS/20 Phenomenal Mother Pyer Moss Collection 3 - Sister (see full show here ) Savage x Fenty by Rihanna Vibin’ to: “ Games ” by Tosh Alexander (also check out the video ) Support the Podcast Support the show Style &a...
Sep 23, 2019•29 min•Season 2019Ep. 37
Chat to me! We’ve all heard the term “Gyallis” is a popular Danceahall slang for a man that is romantically involved with multiple women. Jamaican entertainment newspaper The Star put out an article about Gyallis culture being cancelled because more Dancehall artist are getting married. In this episode executive producer Kerry-Ann and Shawn of Reggae Talk Podcast go in on this topic and evaluate if this is true or not. Stylin’ On: Brass Triangle Cuff by 84 Gem Vibin to: Jah Cure’s Royal Soldier ...
Sep 09, 2019•43 min•Season 2019Ep. 36
Chat to me! K’Coneil is a talented Jamaican born, New York-based artist that has been growing steadily over the last few years charting Billboard, winning awards, collaborating with various artists like Stonebwoy and Kreesha Turner, making music that the ladies adore with nuff island vibes. In the episode K’Coneil gets into why his musical style is considered genre-fluid, doing reggae/dancehall being based in NYC, his growth as an artist, how his childhood shaped his views on life and music and ...
Aug 26, 2019•43 min•Season 2019Ep. 35
Chat to me! Syntyche Clarke has been working with Caribbean fashion designers in New York City and the Caribbean region for years. Syn has produced fashion shows and co-founded her former online boutique Signature 78. Syn is now transforming the curation space with Caribbean Style Phyle , an online platform dedicated to showcasing Caribbean designers, lifestyle brands and stylist in the region and the diaspora. We’ve teamed up to bring you a monthly segment on the podcast called Caribbean Style ...
Aug 12, 2019•21 min•Season 2019Ep. 34
Chat to me! Reggae Sumfest 2019 was pure fire! There was so much to unpack from Jamaica’s premier reggae and dancehall stage festival of the summer; from the brand marketing, production and of course the performances. In this episode executive product Kerry-Ann and I breakdown all of the moments that made Reggae Sumfest a hit in 2019 so you can make sure you don’t miss 2020! Check out the live stream Night 1 | Night 2 Stylin’ on: Marie Lime’s Caribbean Traveler Bag Vibin’ to: Sevana’s “Nobody Ma...
Jul 29, 2019•1 hr 2 min•Season 2019Ep. 33
Chat to me! Carnival can be an overwhelming experience to plan. In this episode I’m speaking with Shermica Farquhar, founder of Soka Tribe , to discuss Carnival’s cultural impact on her a Brooklyn native, starting Soka Tribe in Washington DC and preparing mentally and physically for the main event! Soka Tribe holds classes, event performances and hosts revelers on a trip to Trinidad Carnival. This year she’s bringing her Soka Tribe crew back to Trinidad and she’s inviting you to Travel with Soka...
Jul 15, 2019•35 min•Season 2019Ep. 32
Chat to me! Jamaican DJ/Producer Washly Fire’s who’s career in music has had a steady rise of success. Walshy Fire’s knowledge of various music genres and a deep understanding of music’s cultural impact globally make him stand out in any crowd. Well known for being one-third of the DJ/Producer supergroup Major Lazer, Walshy Fire recently released his album “Abeng” a project that brings the sounds of the Caribbean and Africa together on one project (we’ve talked about the similarities and the ris...
Jul 01, 2019•43 min•Season 2019Ep. 31
Chat to me! Winnie Sabbat is a millennial Haitian woman living her best life in NYC. A finance director for a creative agency, Winnie got bit by the travel bug when her friends convinced her to travel to Mexico her senior year in college and she’s never looked back. In this episode, we talk about her migration story, overcoming cultural traditions of a woman traveling solo and her memoir about her journey. As a child, Winnie often found herself daydreaming as she enjoyed the views of the island ...
Jun 18, 2019•39 min•Season 2019Ep. 30
Chat to me! Celebrating the anniversary of the Style & Vibe Podcast during Caribbean American Heritage Month (#CAHM) in this quick episode Mikelah is encouraging you to celebrate your heritage in a big way, but please share with others! We’re having fun, enjoying bringing you great interviews and commentary about our culture our way. Would love to hear your feedback and suggestions for future shows and guest e-mail us at styleandvibes@gmail.com Check our our list of Caribbean events for the ...
Jun 03, 2019•10 min•Season 2019Ep. 29
Chat to me! The Caribbean film industry has been blossoming over the last few years with more stories from Caribbeans and Caribbean diaspora filmmakers creating films and shorts. Thanks to organizations like Caribbean American Film Academy (CaFA) bringing them to the people through festivals and movie screens. In this episode Romola Lucas (co-founder of CaFA) and Alysia Simone (Director of CaFA and founder of Rewind & Come Again) discuss the challenges of the industry from a creative and bus...
May 20, 2019•51 min•Season 2019Ep. 28
Chat to me! As the number of Caribbean carnivals across the globe has grown, Jamaica Carnival has been on a rapid rise in the last few years. Jamaica is already one of the top Caribbean destinations for the Caribbean regions, for people visiting during the carnival weekend, it’s a time to explore the other side of the island as well as take advantage of the islands’ vibe and culture from a different perspective. In this episode Deanna, of Dyschick (pronounced Dis-chick), and I discuss its growth...
May 06, 2019•31 min•Season 2019Ep. 27
