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Planet Thirty Episode 86: Viggy Da ArtistFrom the moment he stepped onto the stage as a bright-eyed primary schooler in the Prince and Princess Show, it was clear, Viggy Da Artist had that something special. A magnetic presence, a natural gift, and a love for performance that could not be denied. But as fate would have it, the journey wasn’t so simple. While music tugged at his soul, cricket whispered dreams of global glory. For years, Viggy danced between two worlds, bat and ball in one hand, microphone in the other. Still, the stage has a way of calling home those who be...

2025-07-211h 10

Planet Thirty Episode 85: Nicole BealShe grew up on the beautiful island of Anguilla, the daughter of two teachers, in a home where discipline was law and excellence was expected. As a child, Nicole Beal dreamed of following in her parents' footsteps. She admired the way former students would stop them in the streets, offering warm greetings and heartfelt thanks, proof of the impact they had made. Teaching, she thought, would be her path too. But as she grew older, Nicole discovered new passions. Singing became her outlet, a way to emerge from her shell and express herself. Ultimately, it was the...

2025-05-291h 06

Planet Thirty Episode 84: Miekaile BrowneThe road less traveled can lead to the most extraordinary destinations. Miekaile Browne, is a name that is quickly becoming synonymous with brilliance in the worlds of dance, fashion, and film. Born and raised on the serene shores of Anguilla, a tiny gem in the Caribbean, Miekaile’s first love wasn’t center stage; it was the race track. Coming from a family of athletes, it was only natural that he’d spend his childhood training, racing, and winning. With his uncle cheering him on stride for stride, it seemed inevitable that athletics would be his destiny. B...

2025-05-152h 06

Planet Thirty Episode 83: The Hon. Premier of Anguilla, Mrs. Cora Richardson HodgeSpecial thank you to Mr. Rickiell Hodge and the Communications Unit of the Government of Anguilla and Mr. Gilbert ‘GAF’ Fleming of Titanium Audio Visual for their technical assistance for this episode of the Planet Thirty Podcast. ______________________________________________________________________________ Cora Richardson-Hodge is a woman of firsts, of fierce devotion, and of purpose forged by both love and legacy. She holds the history-making title of Anguilla’s first female Premier. A moment that did not arrive by chance, but by the slow, steady build of commitment and calling. Born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and shaped...

2025-04-2857 min

Planet Thirty Episode 82: Heather Baldwin-McDowellHeather Baldwin Mc Dowell is a reservoir of information. She makes any conversation about the arts, especially music come alive. She lives and breathes culture, rhythm, melody and harmony. A native of Trinidad of Tobago, Heather grew up with a father who was a connoisseur of music and a mother who was a fashion forward seamstress who patterned and created dresses for some of Trinidad’s most stylish ladies. It is at their feet, that she studied, was exposed to and eventually cultivated a deep love for fashion, art, photography and yes… MUSIC. Heather would become a fixt...

2025-04-212h 12

Planet Thirty Episode 81: PumpaYoung Dennis Liburd was an exceptional athlete. In an alternate reality, this interview could have been with super star basketball player Dennis Liburd. Liburd may have followed in the footsteps of fellow St. Croix native Tim Duncan and entered the NBA. Conversely, we could have been chatting with Dennis Liburd the professional soccer player and his preparation for the next world cup. Either of these could have been the purpose of this interview. Instead, we have the privilege of interviewing the real evolution of Dennis Liburd, a charismatic, extremely talented and energetic giant of an artist that...

2024-12-141h 25

Planet Thirty Episode 80: Nessa PreppyNessa Preppy burst on to the music scene in Trinidad and Tobago a little over a decade ago. The Arima native with a multicultural background including German and First Peoples is the embodiment of what Trinidad represents. A potpourri of features and cultures all masterfully blended to create something… or in this case someone unique. A lover of all genres, her Soca songs were delivered to audiences with a sound that was distinctively Nessa. Her cadence, melodies and choice of beats and riddims were not common for that era. Nessa wove elements of hip-hop and dancehall throughout her...

2024-12-0755 min

Planet Thirty Episode 79: Marva CartyMarva Carty is a renaissance woman. Life has taken her to many countries, introduced her to many hobbies and has offered her experiences beyond her wildest dreams. Marva was born in London England but at an early age she was whisked away and taken to her mother’s homeland, Trinidad. It is here that Marva would adopt the wonderful habit of reading. She confesses, she read any and everything. She especially remembers learning random trivia from the set of World Book Encyclopedias that her family owned. That random knowledge would benefit her in some surprising ways later on...

2024-03-151h 38

Planet Thirty Episode 78: Darius JamesDarius James says that he has always been a BIG THINKER. When you hear his story, you may agree that even the word BIG is too small to describe the way Darius thinks. Born in Dominica, Darius says that he has always felt that his purpose in the world was to execute big projects with the intention of helping others. Darius’ father introduced him and his siblings to music. His father lived abroad for a time and on one of his trips back to Dominica he brought several instruments to the household. Darius says that he was im...

2024-03-091h 15

Planet Thirty Episode 77: Hon. Haydn HughesThe Honorable Haydn Hughes is the son of a politician. The Honorable Haydn Hughes became a politician. He admits that this was not always in the cards for him. His high school days were spent hanging out and admittedly skipping some classes. His behavior, however, did not reflect his intellect. While the lessons in the classroom may not have intrigued him, he was inspired by books and authors outside of the school's curriculum. Mr. Hughes tells the tale of him going to the local Public Library on the tiny island of Anguilla and reading everything and anything that the...

2024-02-221h 21

Planet Thirty Episode 76: Kevin LyttleIf you didn’t know that it was reality you would be convinced that it was a fairytale. Young man from a tiny Caribbean Island with a love for music records song for his island’s carnival festivities and the song shoots to #1 in the world. It could have been a fairytale. But it actually happened. Kevin Lyttle grew up on the island of St. Vincent. His love of the arts lead him to join his uncle’s dance group in his younger days. His love for the arts grew and he began to experiment with music. Althou...

2023-06-271h 42

Planet Thirty Episode 75: Dr. Tremane BartleyDr. Tremane Bartley is the eldest of three siblings. Him, his brother and his sister were raised by parents who were entrepreneurs. His younger siblings took notice of his hard work as he paved the way for them by setting a good example. In his last year of high school, a chance meeting one morning would lead him into a full scholarship at Benedict College, a prestigious HBCU in South Carolina. His stellar performance at the undergraduate level ushered him into dental school at the University of Connecticut. His fascination with science and inspiration from...

2022-12-161h 14

Planet Thirty Episode 74: India ’Alanis’ BrowneIf you are a friend or a member of her family, then her name is India. If you are a fan of competitive gaming and in particular Rocket League, then her name is Alanis! At just 16 years old, India Browne is already making history. In 2022 she became the youngest female from the UK to win a gold medal in E Sports at the Commonwealth Games. She may be just a teen; however she is as focused as an experienced CEO. India speaks with determination and an authority that many adults are still chasing. ...

2022-12-0855 min

Planet Thirty Episode 73: Daryl C. ThompsonDaryl C Thompson has solidified a sound reputation as an artist in the Northeastern Caribbean. However, he is a sage of sorts. Not only does Daryl run his family’s business successfully, but he has used his experience and education to assist young entrepreneurs to start their ventures the right way. Do you need to rebrand? Ask Daryl. Would you like a beautiful painting? Ask Daryl. Need new logo? You guessed it. Ask Daryl. Daryl is a source for all things creative. The artist, entrepreneur and startup guru was raised in the Caribbean between three islands. Though the...

2022-12-021h 50

Planet Thirty T’keyah Crystal KeymáhChicago is a special city. Two former first ladies, Robin Williams, Jennifer Hudson, Walt Disney, Bernie Mack and today’s guest T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh are all products of this spectacular city. It is certainly a blessing to be gifted in one facet of the arts, however T’Keyah executes at an extremely high level in multiple areas. The director, actor, writer, producer and poet has struck gold on and off screen. Her initial plan in life saw her heading in the direction of finance. However, a few profound experiences in college lead her to the arts. I...

2022-11-2456 min

Planet Thirty Episode 71: Barth of BGoldNYCBarth! If you have never heard the name, it is now time to remember it! Barth is poised to be the next big… no colossal thing in fashion. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Barth was influenced early on by styles, cuts and colors on the streets of New York. New York City’s streets are infamous for doubling as the world’s favorite runways and catwalks. Unknown to a young Barth, these sights would influence him in years to come. Barth admits that he wasn’t initially a “fashion guy”. Like every other New Yorker, he loved to look good...

2022-11-1644 min

Planet Thirty Episode 70: The Honourable Perin BradleyThis episode is dedicated to two of the most kind, loving, intelligent, creative and humorous souls that the world lost within the past decade. Erika Cannegeiter was a dear friend to me and this episode’s guest the Honorable Perin Bradley. Kareem Bradley was a very very close friend. To say I miss his presence is an understatement. While I miss him as a friend, my guest misses him as his brother. To Erykah and Kareem. We miss you both. The times we spent together coupled with the impact you had on our lives are forever etched in...

2022-11-101h 10

Planet Thirty Episode 69: Flyy MoonHer name says it all. Flyy Moon. Her personality, her spirit and her art invite anyone who crosses her path to elevate and indeed ascend to the level of…. Flyy Moon. Born and raised in Compton, Flyy Moon discovered writing at an early age. When her heart and pen first connected, beautiful poems decided to manifest themselves. That was followed by stories, then plays and scripts and all sorts of wonderful pieces that erupted from her musings. Through the years she thoroughly enjoyed all forms of writing, however Flyy felt as if it was time fo...

2021-12-0851 min

Planet Thirty Episode 68: Twilla AminMany times in the world of film and television, people are encouraged to pick a role. Producer, Director, writer? Which one are you? Sometimes however, someone like Twilla Amin arises. Twilla has experience working as all of the aforementioned and more. Born in North Carolina to an African American Mother and a Cameroonian father, Twilla fell in love early with art and media. By childhood she was auditioning for national commercials as an actor and performing. As she grew, so did her love for show business. Twilla entered the famed Univerity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill...

2021-12-021h 30

Planet Thirty Episode 67: TK DawkinsTK Dawkins is an intellectual. TK Dawkins is a leader. Perhaps most importantly, TK Dawkins is an executer. Born and raised in Jamaica, TK Dawkins had dreams of becoming an attorney. Afterall, society dictated that that was the path to success. Luckily, by the time TK entered University she realized that success could be reached via many paths. TK took advantage of everything the university experience had to offer both inside and outside the classroom. Upon completion she returned to her beloved Jamaica. While many were seeking ways to stay abroad, TK was trying to f...

2021-11-271h 19

Planet Thirty Episode 66: Janay ReymondSimply put, Janay Reymond is a creative and has always been. Though she was fascinated by all forms of art, fashion mesmerized her most. Her paternal grandmother was a seamstress, while her maternal grandmother owned one of the most popular boutiques on her native Anguilla. Janay was smitten by clothing and in particular swimsuits. As a little girl she would sketch patterns for all types of clothing however, by age 12 she had designed her first evening gown for a pageant contestant. That contestant came 1st runner up. In her final years of high school, Janay decided what...

2021-11-211h 05

Planet Thirty Episode 65: Maya GilliamMaya Gilliam is a consummate entrepreneur. This introduction could possibly end right here. My first sentence more than aptly describes Maya, but, she is so much more. Born in the Tar Heel State, North Carolina, Maya was surrounded by a family teeming with entrepreneurs and investors. She remembers observing family members as they tended to their separate businesses and made decisions. Her lessons in business came directly and indirectly. Maya, soaked it all up. By the time Maya walked onto the infamous yard at Howard University, she was prepared for greatness. Her college years saw...

2021-11-1156 min

Planet Thirty Episode 64: Sabrina FrancisSabrina Francis is brave as she is charming. The Grenadian chanteuse fell deeply in love with music in her childhood but began her professional singing career in her late teens. Like many singers in the Caribbean, Sabrina held down traditional jobs in order to provide for herself. Though she appreciated the opportunities, she was convinced that her soul could only be happy if she was doing music full time. Sabrina began working the local circuit in Grenada. Local gigs turned into regional ones and eventually international. What is remarkable is that Sabrina is not performing sets of...

2021-11-0356 min

Planet Thirty Episode 63: BrammaTake 2 parts historian, one part activist, 3 parts teacher and 4 parts fashion guru and you will end up with a potent blend called Bramma. Bramma is a man of many talents who thinks on many levels. He was born and raised in Trinidad by a Trinidadian mother and a Jamaican father. Having parents from two different countries contributed to his understanding of the Caribbean, its people and its culture. What added to this, was the fact that he had the opportunity at a young age to travel. Bramma was not only a “Beewee” baby, but was a decorated swim...

2021-10-2859 min

Planet Thirty Episode 62: Olaide BanksI first encountered Olaide Banks when we were both boys. We both attended the same primary school and coincidentally were a part of the same cub scout pack. As an elder cub, he was chosen as one of our pack’s leaders. Olaide was then and is now a natural leader. Upon passing his CXC exams, Olaide went against the grain and began to work at a bank in our native Anguilla. While many were shocked at his decision not to continue on to the popular advanced level program at his high school, Olaide says that the ex...

2021-10-211h 36

Planet Thirty Episode 61: Tamara LeonardSimply put Tamara Leonard is a warrior. A native of Dutch St. Maarten, Tamara fell in love with business from an early age. Both of her parents were entrepreneurs. Their work ethic and the independence that entrepreneurship allowed had a profound impression on her. Though business was always her first love, she remembers seeing members of St. Maarten’s government being sworn into office after every election. There was something about being able to make changes in her community that spoke to her. After completing studies in the US, Tamara would return to St. Maarten an...

2021-10-131h 23

Planet Thirty Episode 60: RaeIn the fiercely competitive world of Soca music, it is very difficult for new artists to propel themselves through the wall of already established super stars. Difficult, yet not impossible. The probability of breaking barriers however depends on the artist. Rae is one such artist. She has an unforgettable combination of good looks, superb vocals and personality galore. Added to that, Rae’s formal training in music, coupled with her manager and co-writer Darryl Gervais’ ability to pen strong hooks and verses has taken her on a meteoric rise. Have you seen a flier for a Soca fete...

2021-10-071h 08

Planet Thirty Episode 59: Patricia ChinHer name may be Patricia Chin, however, to anyone in or around the music business, she is Miss Pat. Miss Pat, has childhood memories of running behind her mom and dad as they rode their bike to the movies in Jamaica. In those days she says, her mother and father could not afford to take the entire family to the cinema. She and her siblings could only dream about the adventures portrayed on screen. Years on, Miss Pat’s company’s name would appear on the marquee of the world-famous Radio Music Hall in New York City. The...

2021-09-2949 min

Planet Thirty Episode 58: Joy Buchanan*The following episode of the Planet Thirty Podcast contains adult themes and adult language. This interview should be consumed by mature audiences ONLY.* Joy Buchanan is opinionated to say the least. In her estimation she is a beautiful blend of her calm-natured Anguillian father and her expressive Jamaican mother. Joy’s childhood journey saw her living on both islands for a time and eventually landing in the UK. The UK brought with it a mix of experiences and adventures. She has many tales about adjusting to a new culture and learning to embrace her...

2021-09-221h 32

Planet Thirty Episode 57: Terrence ”Daddy Hodgie” Hodge- CartyTerrence “Daddy Hodgie” Hodge- Carty is an architect. No, he does not design homes or skyscrapers, but he does have the ability to lift you way above the earth. Daddy Hodgie as he is known to his legions of fans has masterfully created a catalogue of music that spans over 3 decades. Music, was his only career choice he says. More of a calling. In his early teens he was attracted to the new phenomenon called hip hop that was beginning to stream into the Caribbean from cities in the United States. Though the genre caught his attention, noth...

2021-09-151h 46

Planet Thirty Episode 56: Hans CharlesHans Charles is modest. He’s unassuming. He will sit and have a conversation with you about history, music, TV… you name it. Yet still, you would never guess that he is an Emmy nominated cinematographer. He has worked on films that have won multiple awards including a Bafta and an Oscar. The son of proud Haitian parents, Hans had dreams of becoming a professional musician. Recognizing that the journey in music may not have been for him, he decided to pursue a career in film. Hans’ life philosophy has guided him to take small steps...

2021-09-081h 18

Planet Thirty Episode 55: Alison HindsIn the late 70s and early 80s Calypso music began to evolve. The genre, known for its wit, social commentary and coverage of serious issues set to slow tempos and delicate melodies started to adopt faster bpm rates and slightly more risqué content in its lyrics. Lead by Trinidad and Tobago artist Ras Shorty I, this new fusion of sounds; a manipulation and interpretation of percussion, electronic instruments and fresh melodies gave birth to Soca music. Soca music was rhythmic yet sensual, energetic, yet had the ability to touch the soul just as any genre created by C...

2021-09-011h 42

Planet Thirty Episode 54: Alwyn "Daddy Jones" BaptisteAlwyn “Daddy Jones” Baptiste is a master craftsman. To music lovers in the Virgin and Leeward islands, he is not only a legend but a pop culture fixture. The master keyboardist, arranger and beat maker has been in the business of creating Soca hits for decades. There are very few producers that can match his creativity r his record of hits! Daddy Jones has produced for aritsts and bands and several islands and his productions include artists from several islands. Growing up in St. Croix Daddy Jones was encouraged and inspired by his father, Alwyn Baptiste Sr. He r...

2021-01-061h 49

Planet Thirty Episode 53: ShingaiThis Episode is dedicated to my dear friend Alex Horsford whom the world lost tragically in 2016. We’ll always love you and we’ll never forget you bro. #AlexForever. In 2009 I picked up a gig as a morning DJ at a radio station on the Caribbean island of Anguilla. My daily sidekick was Alex Horsford. Alex was a little over 10 years younger than I was. However he had an interest in photography, film.. really all things media. He was also the younger brother of one of my best friends. Alex had just finished high school and was awai...

2021-01-061h 00

Planet Thirty Episode 52: Jerome WillockJerome Willock is the definition of determination. After moving from his native Montserrat to Anguilla, Jerome continued to learn about his childhood passion. Flying. What began as a dream and quite frankly what seemed far-fetched, became his reality. As luck would have it, his family moved into a house right next to the airport. Jerome would sit and watch planes land and take off at Anguilla’s airport, dreaming about flying one of the aircraft one day. After high school he worked for a telecommunications company. While many his age were partying and spending frivolously, Jerome was sa...

2020-12-241h 15

Planet Thirty Episode 51: Bianca DijkhoffzBianca Dijkhoffz has red hair. However, that is not the only unique thing about her. She is a burst of energy and quite honestly one of the most awesome persons you’ll meet. She was raised on the island of Saint Maarten. Her dad is from the island and a mom is from the United States. This gave her a very unique perspective, experiencing the Caribbean, yet having access to the thoughts and perspectives of someone that was raised in a larger country. Both philosophies on life resonated with her and shaped her view of the world. ...

2020-12-181h 05

Planet Thirty Episode 50 Part 2: TV Boss and Paul HaughtonWelcome to part 2 of episode 50. We continue our conversations with the talented cast of the short film for Busy Signal’s single “Seen it before” Directed by Dameon Gayle. In this episode we learn about the journeys of two very talented Jamaican actors TV Boss and Paul Haughton.

2020-12-111h 55

Planet Thirty Episode 50: Dameon Gayle and Zbek NelsonHello everyone, welcome to the 50th Episode of the planet Thirty Podcast. We would first like to thank you for your support over the past 6 months. Thank you to everyone who shared, downloaded, streamed or even recommended our podcast to a friend. To all, we are truly grateful. This 50th episode also marks the start of our monthly partnership with VP Records. VP Records is legendary. They have been pioneers in the production and distribution of Caribbean music for over 4 decades. If you like reggae and dancehall music, trust me you have heard music touched by VP...

2020-12-081h 15

Planet Thirty Episode 49: Denecia NilesDenecia Niles is a multi-tasker. She grew up in the Caribbean with a passion for football. As she says, Football was my life. She also grew up with all brothers. Denecia was crushing stereotypes from the very beginning. She was fearless on the field and had no problem facing the best among the boys, whether at home or in school. She took this forward approach into what would become her second passion: music. Several church concerts as a child gave Denecia the confidence to start fiddling around with songwriting. Her music teacher Mrs. Daphne Jacobs Richardson, a...

2020-12-041h 40

Planet Thirty Episode 48: Nicholas de TorantoNicolas de Toranto is a world traveler. But seeing the world from different perspectives is nothing strange for Nicholas. Nicholas grew up in Germany his mother is English, his father is half English, half German. However, his last name made its way to England all the way from Italy. With such complexity in his family, Nicholas was destined to become a storyteller. After high school in Germany Nicholas attended University in England. His interest in History and English literature developed into curiosity and he found himself being attracted to cameras and the process of filmmaking more and...

2020-11-261h 20

Planet Thirty Episode 47: INOJINOJ knew that she was destined for a career in music. She blames her parents. She recalls her mom and dad putting a radio in her room as a very small child in order to keep her quiet. This she credits with allowing her to feel the magic of music and thus her love affair began. Her childhood was also filled with singing, and stories from her favorite musicals and plays. If ever she was naughty and as a result was grounded, INOJ would use that time to write songs of her own. Although music was foremost...

2020-11-171h 25

Planet Thirty Episode 46: Brad HemmingsBrad Hemmings’ father is Jamaican. His mother Trinidadian. Both islands are rich in culture and history. Jamaica has gifted to the world reggae music, while Trinidad and Tobago has gifted the steel drum, Calypso and Soca music. It is with this portent blend of music, food, knowledge and vibe that Brad Hemmings was raised. Brad grew up being influenced by and understanding the beauty of Caribbean music. He saw how Caribbean music could affect and change the world. When Brad was a teenager, he moved to South Florida. While South Florida may have had a similar temperature, th...

2020-11-101h 06

Planet Thirty Episode 45: NiikNiik is perhaps one of the most demure artists that you will ever come across. She is very soft spoken and well… quite shy. But there are several layers to Niik. You should in no way allow her shy appearance to dictate your total opinion of her. Niik grew up competing in pageants and singing competitions. Winning many of them of course. In her teen years her star really began to shine as she was crowned Miss Talented Teen and Junior calypso Monarch for her island. She was junior Calypso monarch two years in a row, might I...

2020-11-031h 23

Planet Thirty Episode 44: Jason EdmundJason Edmund is the definition of enterprising. Born and raised on the island of Antigua, Jason learned the value of hard work and to always insist on the highest levels of customer service. You see, Jason’s dad was the manager of one of Antigua’s top resorts. Even as a child, he marveled at the way guests’ faces would light up upon being treated well. Whether he knew it or not, these experiences during his childhood were preparing him to be the person that he is today. By his teenage years, Jason picked up work on constr...

2020-10-291h 15

Planet Thirty Episode 43: Charla HobsonFrance’s Coco Chanel is famous for creating the Little Black Dress and the Skirt Suit. Detroit’s Tracy Reese is one of the most important African American designers of our time having dressed A list actors and at least one first lady. Meiling is widely considered the mother of modern fashion in Trinidad and Tobago. Charla Hobson is just that for the island of Anguilla. Growing up she remembers matching and picking her outfits as soon as she could express herself. Although her primary school wore a uniform Charla always found the urge to alter it in w...

2020-10-2756 min

Planet Thirty Episode 42: Crystal WatersI can’t say that house music was a staple over the airwaves or on deejay sets in the Caribbean when I was growing up. However, I do remember hearing the pulsing rhythms and deep steady basslines on TV and sometimes in stores. What was this music? It made me feel happy the way Soca music did, but it sounded so different. As the 90s dawned upon us I heard this genre more and more. But how could I get my hands on this music? My local record store, Ellie’s, was stacked to the ceiling with offerings from ever...

2020-10-2244 min

Planet Thirty Episode 41: Melissa MussingtonMelissa Mussington is passionate about fitness and pizza. One, slightly more than the other. Whether it is pizza or working out, one thing is for certain, Melissa is disciplined and driven when it comes to what she likes. Melissa grew up surrounded by a family of musicians on a Caribbean island. Though she loved music she and her family realized that she had tremendous talent in sports. Tennis, volleyball, track, if it was to be played Melissa was on the team. After high school, Melissa secured jobs as a tennis coach and as an assistant...

2020-10-201h 21

Planet Thirty Episode 40: YHNG ClothingIn 2013 a group of high school friends decided to formalize themselves as a unit. This has happened for generations all over the world. Groups of guys and gals have joined forces to form named cliques. These cliques serve different purposes depending on the group. More often than not teenagers identify themselves with like-minded persons and try to establish as much social capitol as possible. Most of these cliques or crews fizzle out with time. Members graduate, secure jobs, leave for college and build families; leaving any memories of their high school glory days, nick names and clique...

2020-10-1551 min

Planet Thirty Episode 39: Diction EdwardsDiction Edwards called me late one night. He was on tour and had some down time. From the background noise on his side I could hear that he was outdoors. I automatically assumed that he was on the other side of the globe, as he often is. I was correct, he informed me that he was some 15 hours ahead of my time in New Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific Ocean. Phone calls like this are not a rare occurrence. Diction has worked very hard in the music industry, and work trips like these are the...

2020-10-1354 min

Planet Thirty Episode 38: Jibri LewisJibri Lewis’ grandmother perfected a pastry on the island of Anguilla some decades ago. That pastry is known as a cheese patty by legions of local fans. Jibri’s dad took the cheese patty to new levels and has turned it into one of the most popular on the go meals on the island. Jibri, cannot make the cheese patty. Though his culinary skills have much to be desired as far as the cheese patty is concerned, he makes up for it with sheer scientific genius. Jibri is very modest and quite simply one of the nicest peop...

2020-10-081h 09

Planet Thirty Episode 37: Lori WebsterThere are very few black female filmmakers that have been acknowledged by mainstream media and Hollywood. By no means does it mean that the work of such artists is not good enough. Kasi Lemmons, Ava DuVernay, Julie Dash and Euzhan Palsy are but a few that have had the opportunity to breakthrough. Their work is exquisite, only surpassed by their work ethic. It is from this lineage and tutelage that Lori Webster emerges. Lori grew up in a small town in North Carolina. She was fascinated with stories and more importantly storytelling as far back as her...

2020-10-061h 00

Planet Thirty Episode 36: Trudy NixonTrudy Nixon cooks a mean pot of curry. This however is not the extend of her talents. Trudy was raised on a farm in a little town in the English countryside. By the time she had graduated high school, Trudy had developed a love for the arts and especially for language and writing. Her University years gave her the opportunity to explore several facets of the arts both inside and outside of the classroom. While she sharpened her writing skills during the day, she explored the sights and sounds of the city at night. It was during...

2020-10-011h 04

Planet Thirty Episode 35: Ron ElliotAs a child, Ron Elliot was a lover of comic books. He bought them, he sold them, he read them. He loved comic books. Comic books truly introduced Ron to the world of fantasy and stretched his imagination. While he was an elementary school student, Ron wrote, produced and directed his first play. His teacher was thoroughly impressed. This was the beginning of Ron Elliot the storyteller. The seed was planted. Ron was in love with telling his own stories. The realm of possibility however, was taken to another level, once Ron experienced his first Star Wars...

2020-09-291h 09

Planet Thirty Episode 34: Cherrod LewisCherrod Lewis remembers listening to R&B for most of his childhood. His two older sisters were uber fans of the genre. Naturally their love for the genre and music in general had a huge impact on their little brother. Cherrod’s thoughts however ran a lot deeper than just knowing the hit songs. He wanted to know how they were created. He recalls spending hours trying to deconstruct the tones, drums, melodies and other sounds that he was hearing. By his early teenage years, he was convinced. Music wasn’t just something that he loved; music was...

2020-09-2456 min

Planet Thirty Episode 33: Zahira MarmarSint Maarten, not to be confused with St. Martin is the Dutch half of the small Caribbean island shared by the Netherlands and France. Zahira Marmar was raised there. She was introduced to farming by her immediate family. She fell in love with it. Typically, this story would continue to tell you how Zahira grew peas, pumpkins and corn. However, Zahira fell in love with herbs. Herbs for seasoning? Well yes… but more specifically, herbs for teas and herbs for healing. Zahira recognized the benefits of the herbs that grew naturally on her island. Her mother taught he...

2020-09-221h 30

Planet Thirty Episode 32: Tahirah BanksLike her father and brother before her, Tahirah Banks was destined for a career in music. At 13 she was the lead singer of one of her island’s rising soca bands. Wanting a change of scenery, Tahirah negotiated with her mother and decided to move to Houston Texas to live with her eldest brother. Houston opened up a new world of possibility for her and although she was still in love with music, her experiences during both high school and college at the university of Houston expanded her dreams. In addition to the business of music, Tahirah ex...

2020-09-171h 39

Planet Thirty Episode 31: Oneika PhillipsOneika Phillips is a burst of energy. She has the type of personality that can light up an entire theatre. And she does… quite often. Oneika has been dancing from ever since she can remember. Born in Guyana and raised in Grenada, Oneika was exposed to musicals via her parents VHS collection. Jesus Christ Superstar was her favorite. Oneika’s colorful personality and obvious talent and love for dance eventually lead her to attend University in Virginia. She admits that those years were not always the most joyous, however what they did was allow her to look with...

2020-09-152h 25

Planet Thirty Episode 30: Nigel CampbellNigel Campbell is a lover of all things music. The Trinidad and Tobago native ventured to Toronto then on to Washington DC in his youth. No matter where he studied and lived one thing remained consistent. His curiosity about and his love for Caribbean music. Many Caribbean people consider themselves connoisseurs of the region’s music. Some are experts within a particular genre. Others may be able to detail songs, albums and perhaps years that compositions were released. Some may be versed on one particular artists’ catalogue. Nigel Campbell’s knowledge base encompasses slices of all of these...

2020-09-101h 47

Planet Thirty Episode 29: Azana SereneAzana Serene is an absolute joy to speak to. The young Los Angeles native grew up knowing that she had a passion for fashion. That passion turned into reality when she was accepted to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandizing (FIDM.) Her experience there would shift her thinking completely. The relationships made, the lessons learned and the mentorship had would prepare Azana for life as a fashion designer. At an age that many would consider too tender to go into business, Azana decided to take the plunge. After much thought, planning and counsel, she...

2020-09-081h 07

Planet Thirty Episode 28: Nolan BaynesNolan Baynes remembers playing in the lush greenery of his native Guyana. He also remembers being surrounded by family and friends who felt like family. Nolan also remembers not always having access to television. Ironically, the thing he lacked at that time would end up impacting his life the most. At age 9 Nolan was moved to the bustling streets of Brooklyn. To him, Brooklyn was a whole new world and he was ready to absorb everything the New York borough had to offer him. His teen years saw him hanging out in basements and make shift studios...

2020-09-032h 19

Planet Thirty Episode 27: Micha Cooper EdwardsTrinidad is known for producing a plethora of things that have come to define both its culture and the culture of the wider Caribbean. Trinidad is also known for sending both scholarly and creative people out into the wider world. Micha Cooper Edwards is one of those persons. She cannot be described by just one of the aforementioned, for she is the perfect combination of scholar and creative. Micha Cooper Edwards is the definition of discipline. After successfully completing her undergraduate degree at Howard University where she was a student athlete she moved on to lead marketing...

2020-09-011h 24

Planet Thirty Episode 26: Chev and SimbaSimba and Chev, Chev and Simba. No matter the order of their names, their power remains the same. Simba was born and raised on Anguilla. Chev Jamaica. The two met at Toronto’s famed York University and became fast friends. Their personalities melded and they eventually started dating. Chev and Simba’s energies and personalities propelled them to become much more than a romantic couple. With the power of YouTube and other social media platforms in their grasp, Chev and Simba are well on their way to establishing a multi-media empire. With their charisma and natu...

2020-08-271h 06

Planet Thirty Episode 25: Chad KentDorinda Medley an entrepreneur and cast member of the Real Housewives of New York once said “Money shouts, wealth whispers.” Chad Kent whispers. He speaks softly and never too much. His work however, shouts at the highest possible measures of amplification. Growing up on Anguilla, Chad had dreams… big dreams. While walking home from school one day, he asked his friend “Do you ever feel like we were put here on earth for a bigger purpose than we think?” His friend said yes and advised that whatever he wanted to accomplish he had to speak it into existence...

2020-08-2559 min

Planet Thirty Episode 24: Young DevynMy last encounter with Young Devyn was when I ventured into Manhattan to see her perform at an all-women’s hip-hop event. There is nothing quite like a crisp fall evening in New York City. Every time you enter the city’s chambers, it speaks to you. What it says depends upon its mood. New York City needs no introduction and brings with it a slew of preconceived notions. Its own modern day anthem boasts that “These streets will make you feel brand new” and “its big lights will inspire you.” On that evening I hop into one of the city’s f...

2020-08-2040 min

Planet Thirty Episode 23: IyazIyaz, did the unthinkable. Historically, artists from the Caribbean who have had world-wide success, have been from one of the larger islands in the Caribbean. Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados all lay claim to internationally successful artists. Iyaz experienced wonderful childhood complete with a large family and loving parents on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. After high school Iyaz decided to spread his wings and attend college in the United States. He had big dreams of becoming an audio engineer and music video director. Within a few years, his wish would be granted… Sort of...

2020-08-181h 34

Planet Thirty Episode 22: Cordane RichardsonCordane Richardson stands 6 feet 7 inches. Let me say that again. Cordane Richardson is 6 feet 7 inches tall. Cordane, moves as gracefully on the basketball court as his fingers do on the ivory keys of any piano. His dad? A painter and well-loved high school science teacher. His mom? A legendary instructor and authority on all things music. Being raised by these parents allowed Cordane to explore several subjects within the sphere of academia, in addition to diving head first into the arts. He admits that his painting ability peaked at age 12. Evidently water color, acrylics and oils were...

2020-08-131h 48

Planet Thirty Episode 21: Jermaine PayneJermaine Payne is a burst of energy. Then again, why wouldn’t he be? He grew up with the ambition to be a singer or an actor… or both really. His formative years were spent around his grandmother’s restaurant. Little did he know, he was absorbing the fundamentals of business even at that early age. While playing with his friends around his grandmother’s restaurant was fun, Jermaine had his sights set on the big stage. By the time he was in his early teens he started a Soca and Reggae band with said friends...

2020-08-112h 13

Planet Thirty Episode 20: Amanda LewisAmanda Lewis is as funny as she is talented. As a child, she dreamed of being a dancer. From jazz to ballet she studied different styles of that art form move by move. She dreamed of attending one of Baltimore’s best institutions to study dance. However her world was overturned when she was not placed into the dance program. That disappointment resulted in what perhaps was the biggest victory in her life. Amanda grew up in a musical family. A grandmother who was the director of a church choir, a father who played several ins...

2020-08-072h 09

Planet Thirty Episode 19: Founders of Staple ClothingWhen we started the Planet Thirty project, a huge part of our mission was to not only inspire others by interviewing persons with a wealth of experience, but also to expose the world to those that were ambitious, passionate and aspiring. Hence our tag line is “Planet Thirty. Where aspiration meets inspiration.” A few weeks ago, we got a message from a gentleman named Vicente who explained that he was working for a new company called Staple Clothing. He thought a Planet Thirty interview with the company’s founders was a great idea. Vicente was 100% correct...

2020-08-041h 13

Planet Thirty Episide 18: Omari BanksIt may be safe to say that by the time Omari Banks was a teenager he was a veteran stage performer. Church and community concerts, official ceremonies, serenading ladies on stage during pageants, talent shows and every conceivable choir that requested his vocals. In the late 80s and early 90s Omari Banks was a hot ticket. By his pre-teen years, Omari showed signs of separating himself from the thing that up until that point he seemed destined for. A career in music. Many were shocked and disappointed when Omari stopped performing as much on his n...

2020-07-301h 53

Planet Thirty Episode 17: Kira DivineAccording to a 2017 article on babbel.com, Queens holds the Guinness World Record for “most ethnically diverse urban area on the planet,” and it's also the most linguistically diverse, with at least 138 languages spoken throughout the borough. It is also a fact that many kings and queens of the entertainment industry have emerged from this storied borough. One of the most talented Queens from Queens is Kira Divine. Kira is a reflection of the potpourri of accents, music genres, cuisines and cultures that she was raised among. In Queens, Kira learned how to be kind...

2020-07-281h 12

Planet Thirty Episode 16: Denise CaldwellDenise Caldwell’s dream was to be a professional choreographer. As a child she spent hours being instructed in the finer points of the artform at schools for the performing arts in her native St. Louis. In addition to being a talented dancer, Denise was also gifted in math and science. During her high school years, Denise would focus her efforts toward the sciences with a new dream of becoming a doctor. By graduation she was poised for success as a pre med student. When the time came for that all-important decision, she chose to attend Howard University in Wa...

2020-07-231h 38

Planet Thirty Episode 15: Arthur WardArthur Ward has always been curious. His childhood in the Caribbean saw him taking hikes with friends into caves and bushes for the sheer purpose of exploring. Much to the chagrin of his mother, Arthur’s curiosity led him to dismantle many of his toys and upon occasion, some household appliances. Arthur just wanted know how things worked. In time Arthur discovered cameras. Instead of merely finding out how things worked, he now had a zest for documenting them. His curiosity about things and people could now be captured and preserved in images.

2020-07-211h 14

Planet Thirty Episode 14: Kris DawkinsThe year is 2002. Kris Dawkins and I are de-stressing in our favorite place on Howard University’s campus. The Office of the Caribbean Students Association. Amid verbal reviews of the day’s dancehall artists’ latest offerings… Sean Paul, Elephant Man, Wayne Marshall, Wayne Wonder… Kris and I arrive at a discussion about our futures post University. We discuss business ideas and financial goals. Jokingly I say to him “Kris, do you want to be rich one day?” In his distinct Jamaican accent, he swiftly responds “Hmph.. It’s not option my yute.” For as long as I have known him, this...

2020-07-161h 11

Planet Thirty Episode 13: Davon CartyDavon Carty is a thinker. Davon Carty is a doer. He is sometimes controversial. However he is always willing to teach and assist anyone in need. These days, Davon has rekindled his passion for restoring vintage cars, trucks and SUVs. The brands range from Britain’s Land Rover and Italy’s Alfa Romeo to Sweden’s Saab. He says that the process brings him joy. Just as these cars migrated and ended up in junk yards on the Caribbean island of Anguilla, Davon too has left the island’s shores to as he puts it “find wisdom.” Fiftee...

2020-07-1453 min

Planet Thirty Episode 12: Nisha DupuisNisha Dupuis experienced a joyous childhood in a rural village on the Caribbean island of Dominica. The lush green forests of Dominica produce just about every tropical fruit and flower that one can think of. Perhaps what the village did not know, is that along with the trees and flowers, it was producing one of the Caribbean’s future media prodigies. Later in her childhood, Nisha moved to Anguilla, where she immersed herself in debating and academic competitions. By the peak of her teen years, her unique look and style allowed her to grace magazine pages and bil...

2020-07-0943 min

Planet Thirty Episode 11: Henry J. WatkinsThe late 1970’s and early 80s saw job opportunities opening up for African Americans. The country was still soothing the fresh wounds of the civil rights era which was a mere 20 years prior. Henry J. Watkins grew up surrounded by the chaos of the times, but embraced the promise of a better America for young black boys. Growing up in Queens, New York, Henry clung to optimism and was audacious enough to dream. And dream he did. By his late teens, Henry was ready to explore the world. His ambition was to be an actor or a br...

2020-07-0750 min

Planet Thirty Episode 10: Samjah ImanThe American South. The region that brought us the infectious rhythms of New Orleans bounce music, sweet tea, candy painted cars and perhaps less known but just as important… Samjah Iman. Raised in the 80s and 90s on a fashion diet of neon colors, puffy sleeves and popped polo shirt collars, Samjah developed a love for all things stylish and fashionable. Clothing however was not the only thing that Samjah showed a flare for. From an early age her passion and talent for writing were noticeable and she was writing documentary scripts professionally by her sophomore year in...

2020-07-0255 min

Planet Thirty Episode 9: Donna HendricksAs a child you are innocent, curious and ready to discover the world. When I was 5 years old, I sat in my teacher Ms. Kinnear’s kindergarten class. It was the 80s. Reagan was president, Michael Jackson was everyone’s favorite artist and MTV and CNN were less than 10 years old. I befriended a girl named Donna. Donna her best friend and my friend would all play in our school’s yard every day. It was appointment recess. After two enjoyable years at Catholic School, my parents and I moved away. I remember being quite sad to move away from m...

2020-06-3058 min

Planet Thirty Episode 8: Vanessa CroftThis is the true story of how reggae music brought forth this episode’s guest. A young brunette from the American Midwest somehow found the tiny Caribbean island of Anguilla and decided to vacation there. Her introduction to reggae music would lead her to a local deejay who she would eventually fall in love with. That LOVE, gave the world Vanessa Croft. Vanessa was raised between the slow pace of the island and the bustling streets of Tinsel Town. A chance meeting at a Kinkos, yes… it was the 80s…, would propel her into the entertainment industry where sh...

2020-06-251h 46

Planet Thirty Episode 7: Trystin Kier FrancisAny child who is raised in, and allowed to explore the boroughs and streets of New York City, is bound to come away with a love and deep appreciation of the arts. The Garment District in midtown Manhattan, the storied theaters of Broadway and the sounds escaping the walls of Carnegie Hall found their way deep into the psyche of Trystin Kier Francis and led him into the world of art. As a young adult, Trystin explored becoming a filmmaker, however it was his passion for design that would eventually win him over. Memories of iconic New Y...

2020-06-231h 15

Planet Thirty Episode 6: Eljon WardallyEljon Wardally is a perfect combination of her Grenadian father and Italian mother. According to her, her curried chicken is a tasty as her eggplant parmesan. She grew up in New York City, surrounded by an abundance of sights, sounds, scents but most importantly, the arts. Eljon therefore set her sights on becoming an actor. She would later realize that her passion lived behind the camera. After stints behind the scenes at a major News Channel and MTV, Eljon decided to try writing. A decision that allowed her to express her creativity like never before. She had finally landed...

2020-06-1838 min

Planet Thirty Episode 5: Kerth GumbsGrowing up around Anguilla’s charming food scene is what allowed Kerth Gumbs to develop his eclectic palette. A chance opportunity to join a food and nutrition class while in high school would further usher him into the world of the culinary arts. More than a decade on, and several adventures in kitchens throughout Europe and Asia, Kerth is now the Executive Chef at one of London’s top restaurants. Here is the story… thus far… of Chef Kerth Gumbs.

2020-06-161h 28

Planet Thirty Episode 4: Wendy BrooksThe 90s would see the rise of what would be coined “plus size” models. One of the models to push the boundaries and emerge at the head of the pack was Wendy Brooks. A Toronto based beauty of Jamaican heritage. Now retired, I sat with her on a bright Sunday morning overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea to discuss her rapid rise and years of success in the fashion industry. We discussed the early days of her career, details about the business that aspiring models should definitely pay attention to and her new business ventures in t...

2020-06-1129 min

Planet Thirty Episode 3: David S. KappIn the late 1970’s a high school kid from New York was gifted a Bob Marley album by his friend. From the moment he dropped the needle on that record he fell in love with Reggae Music. That kid was David S. Kapp. In 1992 Kapp was instrumental in the launch of CSN (The Caribbean Satelite Network), the world’s first 24-hour TV channel dedicated to Caribbean music. With no budget, a limited staff and even less equipment Kapp walked away from CSN after two years with great experiences and even better stories. Here is the story of David...

2020-06-091h 07

Planet Thirty Episode 2: Tyrone Latest BrooksLatest is the reigning King of Soca music on the island of Anguilla. He has a track record of six (6) Roadmarch titles and counting, multiple Band Clash titles, a power and a groovy Soca Monarch title and a slew of hit songs in the past 15 years. In this interview we explore Latest's love for literature and spirituality and what he REALLY hopes to accomplish in the music business. As the sun set on another warm Caribbean evening, Tyrone ‘Latest’ Brooks and I sat on the verandah of his cousin’s radio station and engaged in a spirited conver...

2020-06-0452 min

Planet Thirty Episode 1: Adanna AssonSoca Music’s premiere Marketing, PR and branding architect opens the door and reveals how she built her company and where she intends to take her artists and by extension the genre.

2020-05-3141 min