The Style & Vibes Podcast

The Style & Vibes podcast is where Caribbean style and culture collide. Hosted by Mikelah, founder of Style & Vibes, you’ll get to know from Caribbean tastemakers and celebrities across the globe in dancehall, reggae, soca and more!

End of Summer Vibes: Sizzla Concert and Barbados Crop Over

Chat to me!Cheers to a great summer! Sharing my last few events of an unforgettable summer. After seeing Buju Banton in concert, I kept the fire blazing at Sizzla's concert in Hartford, Connecticut. Then jetted with friend for my first Barbados Crop Over experience. Meticulously planned adventure with the help of Sha of Tingz Nice, Global Carnivalist, and Bahamianista. Join me as I recount the vibrant parade, playing mas with Krave band, and the unforgettable events, all while soaking in the ...

09-16
22:16

Breaking Barriers for women in Dancehall and Hip-Hop (Throwback Episode)

Chat to me!What if the notion of 'only one woman can be on top' in the music industry is nothing more than a myth perpetuated by the media? Joining me in this episode to dissect this is executive producer Kerry-Ann and Shawn from Reggae Talk Podcast. We challenge this stereotype and shine alight on the remarkable diversity of female talent across genres. We dissect how media narratives fuel rivalries like Rihanna vs. Beyonce and Nicki Minaj vs. Cardi B, questioning whether these stories serve...

08-19
45:51

Celebrating Cultural Currency: Black Creativity and Global Trends (Throwback Episode)

Chat to me!Ever wondered why cultural trends started by Black creatives often go unrecognized? This throwback episode explores this.Inspired by my experience at Culture Con, a gathering celebrating Black creatives, we'll embark on a conversation about cultural appreciation and the global impact of Black culture. It's time to address the importance of giving credit where it's due and the harm of cultural appropriation. From the mislabeling of cornrows to the significance of silk presses, we'll...

08-05
18:18

Exploring R&B and Reggae's Connection with Always on Key

Chat to me!On this episode of Style and Vibes we explore the connection between R&B and Reggae with Kea and Ashley, the dynamic duo behind the "Always on Key" podcast. We kick things off with fun filled trivia challenge that will test our knowledge of song lyrics explore the rich tapestry of R&B and reggae music, tracing their evolution and current trends. We delve into the diverse subgenres of R&B, the artistic freedom that today's musicians enjoy, and the critical role of collab...

07-08
56:55

Red Bull Culture Clash NYC

Chat to me!The Red Bull Culture Clash held in New York City unofficially kicked off the summer for me! Not only is it Caribbean American Heritage Month, the event was inspired by parades in New York City tied to cultural heritage, where teams from the West Indies, Latino, Pride, and Asian American communities showcased their unique cultural elements in a friendly yet fierce sound clash. Tune in to hear about my experience rooting for the West Indian team “No Long Talk” team, who displaye...

06-10
15:33

Unpacking Apple Music's 100 Best Albums

Chat to me!Apple Music unveiled their 100 best albums of all time which has music community reacting. We're talking about the list's impact, how lists like these inspire conversation and exploration, and the personal connections we all share with music. While art is subjective, when a collective of people view music with appreciation, admiration mixed with a strong artistic foundation is what deems these bodies of music valuable. In this episode I share how albums from the Apple Music 1...

05-27
13:30

Let's Catch Up

Chat to me!Let's catch-up! I've had conversations recently on the podcast with comedian Kerry Coddett, soca star Kes, gospel singer K-Anthony, and reggae crooner Mortimer. All great interviews filled with reflections and life perspectives. Concert and festival season is heating up and I share my most recent experiences at the Traffic Jam concert featuring Damian and Stephen Marley. Buju and Sizzla are back on U.S. soil and I mention canceled concert disappointment, fan concer...

05-12
14:53

K-Anthony: Weaving Melodies of Faith from Jamaica to Canada

Chat to me!From Falmouth, Jamaica to the chilly Saskatchewan, Canada, gospel singer K-Anthony has woven a tapestry of melodies and faith that both comforts and challenges the soul. K-Anthony unravels the story behind his stage name, born out of an uncanny clash with another artist. His journey moves from a youth with sports on the brain to a musician with a divine calling, spurred by an incident that nearly claimed his life. The intimate bond with his brother, the wisdom of a nurturing ...

04-29
33:46

Reggae Royalty Live – The Marley Brothers' Musical Journey

Chat to me!Up close and personal experience on the Traffic Jam tour, the Marley brothers did not disappoint. Soaking in the electrifying atmosphere where Damian and Stephen Marley, I share every resonating note with you. We're talking about a concert that was more than just melodies and rhythms; it was a cultural embrace of Reggae music that spanned ages and backgrounds, with a level of niceness that the Marley’s bring to the stage.Transport yourself through my recount of the Traffic Jam tour...

04-15
17:03

Kes' Man With No Door Celebrates Creative Fusion in Caribbean Music

Chat to me!I sit down with the Soca sensation Kes, lead singer of Kes the Band. He takes us on a spirited journey from the early days of his namesake to the dynamic experience that has become Kes the Band, an evolution spurred on by passionate fans and the electric atmosphere of live shows. Kes's voice, imbued with the wisdom of his musical voyage, offers a treasure trove of advice to his younger self and paints a colorful panorama of his beginnings in Trinidad & Tobago, where the pulse o...

04-01
23:34

Humor and Heritage with Comedian, Actress and Writer Kerry Coddett

Chat to me!Kerry Coddett is a Caribbean-American writer, actress, and stand-up comedian from Brooklyn, who currently serves as the co-EP, showrunner, and head writer of the upcoming Untitled Yvonne Orji Stand-Up Special on HBO. Kerry is also a story editor on Showtime’s Flatbush Misdemeanors, where she appears as a recurring guest star. Kerry can also be seen on Showtime’s Desus & Mero, Pause w/ Sam Jay on HBO, and season 2 of Ramy on Hulu, in addition to appearing as a core cast member o...

03-18
48:08

Bob Marley: One Love - A Movie Review on Its Hollywood Representation

Chat to me!When the previews of "Bob Marley: One Love" were released, it set our hearts cautiously excited in the promise of a cinematic journey through Bob Marley's life. The biopic is an opportunity to highlight Marley's musical genius and symbolizes the next stage of legacy building for one of Jamaica's most popular figures. In this episode, the impassioned voices of Kerry-Ann, Chris Williams, Alexandria, Jendayi Indira, and Mikey T, who dissect the film's Valentine's Day unveiling. We dis...

03-04
58:08

Reggae with Mortimer's Soulful Harmonies

Chat to me!When Mortimer's relationship hit a stormy patch, "Lightning" struck, transforming personal turmoil into a chart-topping hit. It's a glimpse into the soulful artistry of our guest, the Jamaican reggae sensation Mortimer, who joins us to unravel the layers of his music and its profound connection to life's ebbs and flows. Our conversation peels back the curtain on his writing process, revealing how raw emotion can lead to lyrical brilliance, and provides a window into the world ...

02-18
23:11

Dancehall vs. Afrobeats: The Battle for Global Dominance and the Evolution of Music Industry Dynamics

Chat to me!When Murray Elias sparked a fiery debate with his take on Dancehall versus Afrobeats, it was a call to arms for everyone in the music industry. He joined popular Jamaican music podcast The FixThis episode peels back the layers on his claim that dancehall is stumbling in unity and being outpaced by afrobeats artists in the international music arena. We not only wrestle with the question of dancehall's global appeal but also dig into the historic connection between reggae and Black A...

02-03
24:42

Celebrating "Thriller" at 40: Michael Jackson's Iconic Influence on Music and Culture

Chat to me!After watching the Thriller 40th Anniversary documentary on Paramount+ Kerry-Ann and discuss the legacy of Michael Jackson's classic, ground breaking album and its deep resonance within our lives and the intersection of Jamaican culture. We recall our first encounters with the "Thriller" album and its timeless tracks, sharing anecdotes that affirm Jackson's unparalleled influence on music lovers worldwide, including stories of family dance-offs that showcase his universal appeal.Na...

01-22
37:57

Savoring the Caribbean: Nneka Nurse and the Best Dressed Plate Experience

Chat to me!Nneka Nurse, the innovative mind behind Best Dressed Plate, share her inspiring journey as a trailblazer forging a new path for food enthusiasts to revel in the diverse culinary landscape of the Caribbean. Throughout our conversation, she shares the origin story of Caribbean Chef and Food platform Best Dressed Plate, it's chic moniker and building a spirited community where island flavors are not just savored, but celebrated. Nneka's brainchild of supper club , Caribbean TraDI...

01-08
27:16

Book-to-Screen Adaptation of 'Black Cake’

Chat to me!Explore the complexities of a Jamaican family as the on screen adaptation of the book ‘Black Cake’ debuts as a mini series on Hulu. Kerry Ann and I discuss how one our favorite books come to life in the series through episode 4. as we pull back the curtain on the adaptation process, beginning with the mini-series 'Black Cake'. We'll explore the intriguing world of Covey, the protagonist, and delve into the ardent set design and location that caught our eyes. Prepare for an honest c...

12-04
38:39

Carving Caribbean Narratives: A Deep Dive into Cultural Representation in TV and Streaming Series

Chat to me!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 ...

11-20
26:17

Searching for Higher Ground: An Exploration of Caribbean Migration with George A. Glean Sr.

Chat to me!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 ...

11-06
30:26

The Power and Struggle of Caribbean Radio: WVIP 93.5FM & the Future of Caribbean Music

Chat to me!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 commun...

10-23
29:29

Breadfruit Juice

I love your podcast! I'll be following!

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