Episodes
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Episode 61: Tamara Leonard
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Simply 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 and fulfil her promise to herself by becoming a business owner. She admits that there were a few stumbles along the way, however she saw great success eventually. And yes… being a politician was always at the back of her mind, but it was not priority. That was until the opportunity came to her in the early 2010s. Tamara Leonard was elected to office on her first attempt.
However, this almost did not occur. During the election campaign she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was the fight of her life. Tamara however did not give up. With strength, hope and immeasurable faith in God, she pushed through and was able to defeat the disease. She went on to serve the people of St. Maarten well.
In late 2020 Tamara was again diagnosed with breast cancer. Fresh from her treatment, Tamara sat with me to discuss her ambitions, her philosophies and shed light on her journey with breast cancer.
Tamara is strong! Tamara is an inspiration! Tamara is a Warrior!
This is the story… Thus far… Of Tamara Leonard!
Thursday Oct 07, 2021
Episode 60: Rae
Thursday Oct 07, 2021
Thursday Oct 07, 2021
In 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 in the United States this year? There is a high chance that Rae is on it. She is booked and busy.
While other artists were not seen or heard from during the pandemic, Rae was pumping out songs and music videos. She says that as a new artist she did not want the old adage “Out of sight, out of mind” to affect her career. Thus, she ensured that whether it was social media, traditional media or music platforms, you were able to see and hear her.
With a mind full of ideas, a body of work yet to be released and an unstoppable work ethic, Rae is poised to shine through and light up the Soca industry even more as time passes. In her short career, she has worked with the likes of DJ Private Ryan among others and has built a strong catalogue in less than five years. She is however, by no means done.
This is the story… Thus far.. of Rae…
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Episode 59: Patricia Chin
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Her 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 little girl who could not afford to attend the show, would eventually create the show.
Miss Pat and her husband the late Vincent “Randy” Chin came from humble beginnings, but they both had big dreams. Armed with a relentless work ethic and a knack for business, they took the road less travelled and decided to sell music. They sold all of the popular pop and R&B records of the day. However, they took it a step further. At a time when radio stations in Jamaica did not support reggae music, the Chin’s opened a studio and started to record and press the sounds of Jamaica as they evolved and defined the culture.
What started out as Randy’s Records in Jamaica evolved into VP Records. The store, the label and the distribution company. After more than 40 years of VP Records introducing the world to reggae and dancehall’s top artists and solidifying deals with major American labels, Miss Pat sits on her throne as the reigning monarch of Caribbean music business.
With new initiatives to push Caribbean music into more spaces and a newly published book about her life’s journey, Miss Pat is showing no signs of slowing down.
This is the story… Thus far… Of Patricia Chin. Miss Pat.
Wednesday Sep 22, 2021
Episode 58: Joy Buchanan
Wednesday Sep 22, 2021
Wednesday Sep 22, 2021
*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 new home.
Joy attended Imperial University. One of the UK’s top institutions. By trade she is a construction manager. She is an executive for one of the top company’s in the world and like her childhood, her work takes her all over the globe. Though there is not an abundance of women in her industry, her work ethic and skill prove time and time again that women are just as capable in the sector as any man. Joy however is so much more than a construction manager. She is a life coach, helping persons through difficult times and issues. In her own words she does this all through a Christian lens. Though some view her approach as bold, Joy says that she is simply being honest. Even people of faith she says have to be honest with themselves and one another in order to progress.
As if that was not enough, Joy is an entrepreneur. She has started a business, manufacturing products on the African continent for worldwide distribution.
Bold, feisty, maybe quirky, but always honest and true to herself.
This is the story… thus far… Of Joy Buchanan!
Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
Episode 57: Terrence ”Daddy Hodgie” Hodge- Carty
Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
Terrence “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, nothing had more of an impact on him than the Soca bands of his immediate region. It was unlike the Soca music coming out of Trinidad. This style wasn’t even necessarily called Soca just yet. Though not social commentary, it was still referred to as Calypso in the smaller islands; and boy was it different. Bands like the Wrecking Crew, 17 Plus and the Burning Flames ruled the airwaves and Hodgie soaked it all in. The sounds escaping the Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Maarten, Dominica and his Native Anguilla all landed in his headphones and he promised himself that one day he too would be a part of the fabric of sound coming from the region.
Hodgie kept his promise. Since 1998 Hodgie has been the maestro behind countless hits. More importantly his work as producer and keyboardist has won him a record breaking 13 Road Marche titles on Anguilla. Whether he is performing hits from the 90s and the 2000s with his Better Band or Exodus HD, his current band fans flock to venues knowing that Hodgie will be serving up sonic treats. Musicians in the region respect him. However his music is most loved in, Anguilla, the place where he has been an integral part in shaping the modern sound and structure of the island’s Soca scene.
Though he has accomplished much, Hodgie is not finished. He has plans to make his BRAND bigger and yes… BETTER! This is the story… Thus far… of Terrence Daddy Hodgie Hodge Carty.
Wednesday Sep 08, 2021
Episode 56: Hans Charles
Wednesday Sep 08, 2021
Wednesday Sep 08, 2021
Hans 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 toward huge goals. Like anyone else, he admits that he has stumbled along the way, however through it all he says, he has remained committed and dedicated to his dream. These steps have allowed him to work with the likes of Ava DuVernay among other luminaries in the world of film.
While he is billed as a cinematographer, Hans is so much more. His passion for the craft has led him to both producing and writing. In 2018, Hans and his colleague produced the film “1 Angry Black Man”, the first in a long list that he plans to create.
Hans Charles’ name has been floating among the who’s who of the film world. While some movie lovers may not recognize his name, surely, they have seen his work. The world should stay tuned. This incredible filmmaker has only just begun.
This is the story… thus far… Of Hans Charles.
Wednesday Sep 01, 2021
Episode 55: Alison Hinds
Wednesday Sep 01, 2021
Wednesday Sep 01, 2021
In 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 Caribbean people had done in the past. Soca’s popularity swept the Caribbean region and everywhere that the diaspora was represented.
The genre created several male super stars; however, few women were able to penetrate the male dominated Soca industry. That is until the mid 90s. A popular hotel and club band from Barbados named Square One decided to produce their own material. Their lead singer? A fresh faced 20 something year old named Alison Hinds. Her vocals were powerful, her stage presence commanding and her moves unforgettable. Her entree changed the face of the entire genre. Suddenly every band in the Caribbean required a female lead. Female solo artists from every island in the archipelago appeared in recording studios ready to tell their stories through Soca music. Alison Hinds did not merely push the door open, the removed its hinges and threw it away.
With a catalogue of hits spanning 3 decades and tours around the globe spreading the message of Soca, Alison Hinds has been appropriately dubbed the Queen of Soca. I had the honor of conversing with her about her storied career in music and her plans to expand the Alison Hinds empire through fashion among other things.
This is the story… thus far… Of Alison Hinds… The Queen of Soca!
Tuesday Jan 05, 2021
Episode 54: Alwyn "Daddy Jones" Baptiste
Tuesday Jan 05, 2021
Tuesday Jan 05, 2021
Alwyn “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 remembers literally sitting at his father’s side observing his prowess, not only as a composer but as a musician. He marveled at his ability and the respect his dad had among fellow musicians. Through his teens Jones tried his hand at different sports. He was a high-level performer academically and at one point thought seriously about going to law school. As disciplined a person as he is, he more than likely would have succeeded. However, as he indicates, he had no choice. Music had a hold of him since childhood and it would not let go.
At carnival time, Alwyn Baptiste puts on his cape and transforms into Daddy Jones, the musical superhero that has inspired legions of keyboardists and rhythm programmers across the Caribbean. He has produced for some of the Caribbean’s best including the late “Daddy Friday”. Daddy Jones has won coveted Road March titles in an unprecedented 6 countries.
As much as he has accomplished, Daddy Jones is not yet done. He has his eyes set on taking his brand of Soca production into the rest of the world. He is determined to make the would bounce to a Daddy Jones Riddim.
This is the story… thus far… of Alwyn “Daddy Jones” Baptiste.
Tuesday Jan 05, 2021
Episode 53: Shingai
Tuesday Jan 05, 2021
Tuesday Jan 05, 2021
This 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 awaiting answers from job applications. He decided to join me on air every morning. We had tons of fun and really added something new to the airwaves on the island.
On an island whose radio stations played primarily soca, calypso and reggae, we decided to cater to the persons who wanted something different in their mornings. We played soft rock, pop, zouk, groovy soca, commercial dancehall, 80s and pop music. Generally, I would pick the playlists. One day Alex told me that there was a song that he wanted me to play on air. This was a rare request from him. He said that a friend of his in the UK had introduced him to the song. We didn’t have the record, so I looked it up on youtube, ran the computer’s audio through the system and played it on air. The song was “Never forget you” by a group called the Noisettes.
I had never heard of the Noisettes. However, from the moment I discovered them, I indeed would never forget them. I was smitten. From that day we played that song over and over on air.
With Alex’s passing, the song came to mean even more to me. Over the years, I continued to follow the band’s lead singer, Shingai Shinowa, and her work. It was always a dream to interview her. I added her to my wish list for this podcast. I had no connections to her within my network. The likelihood of an interview was near zero. One night I took the chance. Why not I said to myself…. And so I began… Hello Shingai. I trust that this message greets you well…
To my surprise she responded directing me to the appropriate email address and even added that she was looking forward to my invitation for the interview. Needless to say, I was ecstatic!
Shingai Shinowa has a voice that you indeed can never forget. She was born and raised in London. Her parents are from Zimbabwe. She carries her family’s roots, culture and legacy boldly, proudly and most importantly unapologetically.
No matter what she has accomplished, she remains down to earth and as centered as ever. With undeniable talent, striking beauty and an incredible work ethic Shingai continues to win. She recently released her debut album, “Too Bold”. A wonderful collection of sounds that in my estimation encompass the many parts that make up Shingai and her extraordinary journey through life. I had the pleasure of speaking with her
This is the story… Thus far… Of Shingai Shoniwa.
Thursday Dec 24, 2020
Episode 52: Jerome Willock
Thursday Dec 24, 2020
Thursday Dec 24, 2020
Jerome 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 saving and focusing soley on his dream. He eventually gained employment at a local aviation company. This motivated him even more. With a stroke of luck, seemingly straight out of a movie, he was able to go to flight school and become a pilot.
Although flying smaller aircraft was a huge accomplishment, Jerome wanted more. He traveled through many hills and valleys, had several ups and downs. But today, Jerome has a mass of experience and is a pilot for one of Dubai's top airlines. He flies throughout the Middle East Europe and Africa. He is living his dream. Jerome’s story is certainly a testament to discipline hard work and never allowing your dreams to disappear. This is the tale of a little boy from a tiny island who has accomplished exactly what he set out to.
This is a story… thus far… of Jerome Willock.