A Talking Point: Conversations that Shape the Caribbean Narrative

In our final episode of the season, we’re going beyond our borders to explore how Barbados’ beloved Crop Over — with its rich history and resistance roots — can become a sustainable global export.Barbadian diplomat and policy analyst Jovan Reid, speaking from Nairobi, Kenya, shares how Caribbean culture is connecting with audiences across Africa, the strategies we can use to license and scale our festivals abroad, and why we must stop underestimating the value of our own stories.If you’re a creative, brand, or policymaker, this episode is packed with insights on turning culture into a year-round business.A Talking Point is where we unpack Caribbean culture, creativity, and commerce, and this episode will leave you seeing our festival season in an entirely new light.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)For more information visit www.thomasapr.com

Is Caribbean entertainment really a billion-dollar industry — or just a billion-dollar vibe?In this powerful episode, host Tracy Fowler sits down with economist Keisha Blades to unpack the real numbers behind Crop Over and Caribbean festivals. From the unseen economic value of creatives to the urgent need for structure, data, and investment, this episode makes a bold case for treating entertainment as serious business, not just seasonal fun. They delve into:Why creatives need to start capturing dataHow the industry contributes to GDP (and why we don't know for sure)What Barbados can learn from Trinidad Carnival and Notting HillHow to move from hustle to full-blown industryWhat role should the private sector really play?Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)For more information visit www.thomasapr.com

How do you turn a Caribbean story into a global brand?In this episode of A Talking Point, PR strategist and Thomas. A Public Relations founder Aprille Thomas joins host Tracy Fowler for a behind-the-scenes look at the storytelling blueprint behind successful tourism and cultural campaigns.With experience spanning luxury hospitality, national festivals, and international PR, Aprille breaks down:How to build a narrative that resonatesThe balance between authenticity and aspiration in brand storytellingWhy PR is about strategy, not spinWhat Caribbean brands need to compete globallyWhether you're in government, culture, or creative business, this episode will challenge how you see PR.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)For more information, visit www.thomasapr.com.

What’s the cost of not protecting Caribbean music?In this episode of A Talking Point, Tracy sits down with Scott Galt, one-half of the legendary production duo The Red Boyz, to talk about the realities of building a long-term music career in the Caribbean and what’s at stake when we fail to treat our art like a business.We discuss:What it really takes to build a music brand that lastsWhy Soca and Caribbean artists must protect their creative workThe risks of exploitation when we don’t register, license, or own our contentThe balance between passion, ownership, and longevity in the entertainment industryFrom behind-the-scenes studio strategy to artist development and publishing rights, this is a powerful look at the business behind the hits.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)For more information, visit www.thomasapr.com.

What does it really take to scale a Caribbean brand?In this episode of A Talking Point, brand strategist and creative entrepreneur Matthew 'Fewwture' Ashby breaks down the business side of culture, from managing artist brands like DJ Puffy, to scaling events, building brand trust, and learning when to pivot.We’re talking:Why strategy is everything for creativesHow to structure your brand like a businessWhen to expand your image and how to stay authentic while doing it What makes a Caribbean event or artist truly exportableHow to build a team when you have no budget (yet)This one’s for anyone trying to turn vibes into value and build something that lasts.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)

In this conversation, Tracy Fowler and Adanna Asson delve into the intricacies of artist development within the Caribbean music industry. They explore the challenges artists face, including financial constraints and the need for a supportive team. Through the lens of her experience working with artistes such as Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Lady Lava and more, Adanna speaks to the importance of branding, narrative building, and monetization strategies beyond live performances. The discussion also highlights the significance of collaborations, global strategies, and the need to reduce the seasonality of Caribbean entertainment. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a guide for emerging artists to navigate their careers with intention and authenticity.TakeawaysArtist development is a comprehensive process that includes various elements like PR, branding, and training.Financial constraints are a significant challenge for Caribbean artists, often limiting their growth.Building a supportive team from your close circle can help artists grow without immediate financial burdens.Authenticity in branding is crucial; artists should show up as their true selves.Collaborations should be sincere and based on mutual benefit, not just popularity.Artists need to be prepared for opportunities by staying ready and understanding their market.Support from the community is essential for artists to feel confident in their creative expressions.Artists should not be boxed into specific genres; they should be free to explore their creativity.Understanding the role of a manager is vital for artists to choose the right support.Emerging artists should focus on honing their skills and knowing their brand identity.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)

Season 2 of A Talking Point kicks off with real money moves for Caribbean creatives with Michael Jordan, Executive Director of JMMB International (Barbados). This conversation is a blueprint for turning talent into long-term wealth. In this powerful episode, we get into:Funding your creative hustleHow to make seasonal income stretchTurning your talent into long-term wealthWhy your story is your secret weapon for sponsorshipsAnd the money moves entertainers should be making nowCredits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)Find out more at www.thomasapr.com

Let's go down memory lane and review the lessons learned from all of our amazing guests as we wrap up Season 1!

This week we sat down with visual storyteller, Leah de Gannes, whose work has taken her around the region, including Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and Barbados. In this episode, Leah talks about her journey transitioning to her passion of videography during the pandemic, and the impact its had on the culture. Businesses and creatives will get insight into the transformative power of bringing your work to life. About our guestLeah de Gannes is a visual storyteller, videographer, and filmmaker whose journey behind the camera began five years ago. Deeply inspired by the rhythms, colors, and energy of the Caribbean, Leah uses her lens to celebrate culture, community, and connection. Her work capturing festivals and everyday moments reveals a sensitivity to both movement and stillness—often blending sound, visuals, and emotion into a single frame. Leah thrives on collaboration, and her love for travel has shaped a creative voice that feels both rooted and expansive. Through visual storytelling, she invites viewers to see the beauty in the familiar and the extraordinary in the everyday.Drop a comment & let us know how you’re loving the series!Want to recommend a guest? Seeking a PR agency to partner with to tell your story? Get in touch with us: ⁠info@thomasapr.com.

“We need to embrace technology or get left behind.”This week we sat down with regional multimedia journalist Krystal Hoyte, whose storytelling has inspired many across the region. In this episode, Krystal talks about her journey from writing stories to editing content carried on CNN. Brands and creatives will be inspired to embrace technology and seek creative ways to get their stories to their audiences. About our guestA multimedia journalist at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation with almost 10 years experience in the media industry, from print to digital to broadcast. Barbadian born but a regionalist at heart with a personal understanding of the unique environmental, economic, and social challenges facing the Caribbean region.Focused on amplifying the voices of communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. She has covered natural disasters across the Caribbean, from earthquakes in Haiti to the La Soufriere volcano eruption in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, hurricanes in Dominica, Grenada, Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines including most recently the impact of Hurricane Beryl.Wherever the story leads, she’s there.Drop a comment & let us know how you’re loving the series!Want to recommend a guest? Seeking a PR agency to partner with to tell your story? Get in touch with us: ⁠info@thomasapr.com.

"Creation isn’t always invention; sometimes it’s the art of reimagining the known in ways that make it feel brand new."This week we sat down with Barbadian author and filmmaker, Shakirah Bourne, whose award-winning children’s books and screenwriting work have brought Caribbean folklore to global audiences.In this episode, Shakirah shares how a last-minute writing challenge led to a book deal; her passion for preserving regional stories through fantasy and film; and why authenticity—not trend—is the secret to impactful storytelling. Brands and creatives alike will walk away with insights on repurposing legacy, taking creative risks, and staying true to your voice... especially when the world expects otherwise.About our guestShakirah Bourne is a Barbadian writer and filmmaker whose debut children’s book, Josephine Against the Sea, was a Best Book of 2021 by the School Library Journal and the Black Caucus of the ALA, and an Ignite Award finalist. Her works Nightmare Island and Beware the Heart Man draw on Caribbean folklore and have been widely acclaimed. A former Commonwealth Short Story Prize finalist and recipient of the Governor General Award for literary fiction, Shakirah has also co-edited the YA nonfiction anthology Allies and continues to push Caribbean narratives onto the global stage through both literature and film.Drop a comment & let us know how you're loving the series!Seeking a PR agency to partner with to tell your story? Get in touch with us: ⁠info@thomasapr.com

"All art at its core is about love."This week we sat down with Bajan author and writer, Cherie Jones, whose novel 'How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House' has taken Barbados, the U.K. and the world by storm. In this episode we hear about her writing process, inspirations, and why she doesn't have a sequel in her immediate plans. Brands seeking storytelling guidance will get tips on the inspiration process and why you don't have to worry about copycats - your story is unique to you! About our guestCherie Jones is a Barbadian novelist and short story writer whose short fiction credits include Reflex Fiction, The Feminist Wire, PANK, Eclectica, and BBC Radio 4. She is a former fellowship awardee of the Vermont Studio Centre and the International Writers Programme of the University of Iowa. She is an alum of the MA Writing Programme at Sheffield Hallam University where she was awarded the Archie Markham Award and the AM Heath Prize and completed her PhD at the University of Exeter where her research centred on the poetics of violence against women in contemporary Anglo-Caribbean literature. Her first novel ‘How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House’ was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2021, the OCM BOCAS Prize in 2022 and the Internationel Literaturpreis Prize in 2023 and was translated into French and German. The French translation of her novel won the Prix Carbet des lycéens 2023.Drop a comment & let us know how you're loving the series! Want to recommend a guest? Seeking a PR agency to partner with to tell your story? Get in touch with us: info@thomasapr.com

This season of ‘The Women Who Write Our Stories’ kicks off in Jamaica with Sharma Taylor. Hear how she handles confronting vulnerabilities and uncomfortable conversations, all while navigating the complexities of being a multifaceted woman in the Caribbean space. Her passion for her writing inspires even non-writers to get up and go after the discovery of their true selves. Plus, listen to see what brands can takeaway about being honest and transparent with their clients and audiences. About our guestSharma Taylor, a Jamaican writer and lawyer, was awarded the 2023 Institute of Jamaica’s Musgrave Bronze Medal for contribution to Literature; and the University of the West Indies (Mona Campus) appointed her its Writer-in-Residence for semester II, 2024. Her work has won the 2020 Wasafiri Queen Mary New Writing Prize, the 2020 Frank Collymore Literary Endowment Award, and the 2019 Bocas Lit Fest’s Johnson and Amoy Achong Caribbean Writers Prize. She has been shortlisted four times for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize.  She has also judged on numerous prestigious writing panels, and her debut novel “What a Mother’s Love Don’t Teach You” was published in 2022.#CaribbeanAuthors #BookTok #Jamaica #ThomasAPR #CaribbeanStorytelling 

🎙️ A Talking Point Podcast – Trailer Episode   Welcome to A Talking Point Podcast, the go-to space for powerful Caribbean conversations! Produced by Thomas.A Public Relations, a premier Caribbean PR agency, this podcast dives deep into the voices shaping the region in business, literature, culture and everyday experiences.  In this episode you’ll hear from Aprille Thomas, founder of Thomas.A Public Relations, about her background and the inspiration for the podcast.  The first season ‘The Women Who Write Our Stories’ will launch tomorrow on International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025), celebrating Caribbean women storytellers: authors, journalists, and writers whose craft holds valuable lessons for businesses and brands. We’ll explore how their storytelling techniques can be applied to marketing and communication strategies to create more impactful and engaging messages. Co-hosted by Empress Zingha for the first season, each episode dives into the power of storytelling, helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives harness Caribbean narratives to stand out in their industries.  📌 Follow & Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more to stay connected.👉🏾 Listen now & join the conversation to be part of the story!  #ATalkingPointPodcast #CaribbeanStories #CaribbeanVoices #Storytelling #CaribbeanPRAgency