Planet Thirty

Episode 46: Brad Hemmings

Brad 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, the Caribbean it was not. Brad, was forced to adjust to many things that he was not used to. However, he was introduced to facets of American culture that would aid in his development. He recalls getting a full and true understanding of hip hop and being able to truly identify the relationship between it and the music of the Caribbean.

Brad knew that a career in music was in his future. Growing up in a musical family and around one of Jamaica's premier stage in lighting technicians, he quickly learned the business and formed relationships at all levels. Unbeknownst to him at the time, those relationships would usher him into what would become one of the most successful companies to represent Caribbean artists globally. Brad’s company, Caribbean Entertainment, has booked and represented some of the top artists in the world. In addition, he has been the catalyst to getting artists into countries on every inhabited continent. Caribbean Entertainment is also the company that introduced China to its first Soca concert. With a who's who of artists on his roster, Brad can book you virtually any top Caribbean artist at virtually any venue in the world. Brad has also done the reverse, bringing some of the United States’ top acts into the Caribbean.

Now Brad and his team are adding to their already stellar accomplishments. They have now embarked on artist management, starting with global Soca sensation Mr. Killa.

But like any ambitious Caribbean entrepreneur, Brad Hemmings is not done yet.

This is the story ... Thus far ... Of Brad Hemmings.

Episode 45: Niik

Niik 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 add. Niik remembers long summer days rehearsing for the stage. Little did she know… or maybe she did, this discipline and work ethic would prepare her for life as an artist.

Niik was raised in the Caribbean surrounded by the rhythms and sounds of everything from Soca, Reggae and Zouk music. She has tremendous respect and admiration for those genres; however, it was R&B that really spoke to her. Her sound is soft and sensual, yet her melodies, harmonies and delivery force you to hang on to every word. Niik is backed by an exceptional team called The Black Jetty. Their attention to detail both in Niik’s sound and her visuals are second to none.

Niik worked on her first album ‘Die for Love’ while attending University. Talented and Smart. ‘Die for Love’ shifts the listener emotionally. It is the type of album that requires soft candlelight and a glass of wine while playing it. You see… one doesn’t merely listen to a Niik record, one experiences a Niik record.

Niik has so much more music to offer the world and plans to deliver it. In the meantime, take a listen. This is the story…thus far… of Niik.

 

 

Episode 44: Jason Edmund

Jason 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 construction sites during school vacations. He fell in love with the process of designing and building. His interest took him to Howard University in Washington DC where he studied Civil Engineering.

After college, Jason started work as an engineer. In addition, he started a successful part time gig selling high demand items such as Air Jordans and Video game systems online. Life was good and he was on his way to fulfilling all of his dreams. And then 2008 came around. That’s right. The great recession. Like thousands of others, Jason was laid off.

He decided to go back to Antigua for a few weeks to clear his mind and decide on his next steps. An afternoon in solitude on his porch lead to him being hungry. For some odd reason he was craving a Honey Bun, a vending machine staple in the United States. Jason could not find the snack anywhere in Antigua. Nor was he able to find many vending machines. A lightbulb went off… Without hesitation, Jason started researching. By the next day he had made contact with a vending machine manufacturer in Iowa. Jason Edmund aka Machine Man, was on his way to becoming the King of the vending business on Antigua.

What I have offered thus far is just a snippet. The details of his story are even more intriguing. In his own words, this is the story, thus far… of Jason “Machine Man” Edmund

Episode 43: Charla Hobson

France’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 whatever way she could.

One year, Charla’s mother encouraged her to attend a sewing class during school vacation. She was hesitant. By the end of the class however she had learned much and was now excited about what she could create. Although she had been taught the basics of sewing by one of her grandmother’s the class opened up new possibilities and was perhaps the catalyst for her creative genius.

By the time Charla was a teenager, influences from some of the island’s most fashionable women, album art from pop artists and designers such as Zac Posen were bursting in her mind and erupted in the form of her first clothing line, Panache Couture.

On an island with virtually no fashion industry, Charla defied the odds. She began to design original pieces and took it a step further by producing and promoting her own fashion shows and recruiting and training a team of over 30 models. What never existed before, came into fruition because of Charla’s vision and execution. With no existing industry to pull from, Charla built the foundation for the designers and models on the island today.

With several local shows, regional exhibitions and a degree from the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design, Charla continues to evolve and teach the creative entrepreneurs of the future.

But the show is not over yet. This is the story…thus far… of Charla Hobson.

Episode 42: Crystal Waters

I 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 every calypso, soca, reggae, dancehall and hip hop artist that you could imagine. But this thing… this music that I had fallen in love with proved elusive. What was it even called? The pre-teen me had given up. One day that would all change. There it was a commercial on TV advertising a CD with several tracks of this mystery music. Dance Mix USA. Living on a British island I could not simply ask my mom to dial the 800 number on the screen. There was no access to such numbers from our territory. The solution. My aunt who lived in the US Virgin Islands could source it.

After months of waiting. It arrived. I popped it in my dad’s stereo system and turned those Aiwa speakers up to their max. I liked all of the songs. But there was something about track number 8 that grabbed hold of me. “Gypsy Woman” by Crystal Waters. I was in love with this song.

I would not hear from Crystal Waters again until some time later when she dropped 100% Pure Love an absolutely infectious record that captivated the world and shot to number 1 in several countries.

By this time, I had discovered that this music that I was enamored with was called House Music. I was a fan of it and an even bigger fan of Crystal Waters. With her writing and vocals she has caused many to fall in love with House music. Over the years the internet has allowed me to follow her work and not miss a beat or a hit. When I created this podcast, I had a list of persons, outside of my network, whom I really wanted a chance to interview. A list of persons whose work I admired deeply, but whom I thought would probably not respond to my invitation. Crystal Waters was on that list. To the contrary, she responded and obliged. Not only is she a phenomenal artist, but she is truly a phenomenal person.

This is the story… Thus far… of the legendary Crystal Waters.

Episode 41: Melissa Mussington

Melissa 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 tennis pro at one of the island’s resorts. For the most part life was good. But Melissa was facing some difficulties. After some soul-searching she decided to purchase a one-way ticket to the UK. She wanted a fresh start, she wanted to fulfil her dreams, she wanted to become the best version of herself that she could possibly be. She was not sure if the UK was the place for her, but she was willing to take the risk. She took a bet on having a change of scenery, but more importantly she took a bet on herself.

In her short time in the UK, Melissa has completed a degree, become a personal trainer, created a fitness brand (Mussbefit) and expanded her training and nutrition offerings, gained over 70 thousand social media followers, has been featured in the UK version of Cosmopolitan Magazine and is on the verge of starting her own athleisure clothing line. Whew! Please note, she has done all of this before age 30.

Melissa is a burst of energy, knowledge and positivity. As she speaks, she drops gem after gem. Don’t believe me? Just take a listen.

This is the story… thus far… of Melissa Mussington.

Episode 40: YHNG Clothing

In 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 names for the occasional reunion at carnival or Christmas. Most sentences of course starting with “Remember that time when…”

But, ”YHNG or Young Hustlers New Generation” is not most cliques. Not only have they remained friends, but they have now gone into business together. YHNG the group has created YHNG the clothing line. What started as a one-off idea for a t-shirt design and group logo during their high school years, has snowballed into a fully-fledged brand, boasting several styles and designs, for every demographic. Their brand is huge in the North Eastern Caribbean and is growing rapidly. What is most impressive is the group’s ability to organize and move with a level of efficiency that larger companies should both emulate and envy.

Although it is a relatively young company, YHNG has already started to demonstrate why they are one of Anguilla’s top corporate citizens. The company supplied dozens of electric fans for classrooms around the island in order to ensure students’ comfort. Their brilliant marketing strategy sees them throwing innovative events such as their recent virtual party, where DJs from the Virgin Islands and New York City were projected unto a jumbo screen at a night club in Anguilla. The DJs also had a video feed of the crowd streamed to them. Virtual interaction at its finest.

But this is just the beginning for YHNG. They have plans. BIG PLANS. In the meantime, this is the story… thus far… Of YHNG, Young Hustlers New Generation.

Episode 39: Diction Edwards

Diction 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 fruits of his labor.

What started in high school as friendly rap battles with his friend and now fellow artist J.R. Da Lion, turned into a full-fledged career.

After high school, Diction attended University in Orlando Florida. Though he fully appreciated the opportunity music kept tugging at his heart strings. Diction’s University days also introduced him to a crew of friends that in essence became a ring of creativity. Diction and his friends eventually formed ODBMG, Out Da Box Music Group, an entity that produced a soca band called Jus Action, several mix tapes, producers, songwriters and artists. Although they were popular in their home turf of Orlando, the group debuted a record in 2007 that would take their profile to new heights. “Island Girls” became an anthem in several Caribbean islands, the Eastern United States and parts of Europe. This was followed by group member Iyaz being signed to Warner Music and Sean Kingston’s Time Is Money Imprint. Diction was there every step of the way as one of the main architects of the entire movement.

Several years after his high school rap battles, Diction has emerged as a prolific and accomplished songwriter, tour manager, booking agent and concert promoter. He is Mr. Entertainment! But he is not done yet. In his own words.

This is the story… thus far… of Diction Edwards.

 

 

 

Episode 38: Jibri Lewis

Jibri 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 people you will ever meet, therefore he will disapprove of my next statement. Jibri is BRILLIANT!

Few people can testify that their entry into a high school science fair was the base for a mechanism that has the potential to change the way the world produces electricity. A science fair that he did not win by the way.

Jibri’s proposal to improve an already existing wave turbine was eventually examined by professors at MIT. MIT was hungry to learn more about Jibri’s research and about Jibri himself. After some negotiation, Jibri traded his research with MIT for the opportunity to attend and earn both his bachelors and master’s degrees free of cost. In addition, the consummate island boy was not fond of Boston’s brutal winters. He further persuaded the institution to allow him to take classes from Anguilla and fly to Boston every few months for examinations. Jibri was attending University from his living room, long before Covid 19 ever thought of it.

Today, additions have been made to Jibri’s research and new wave turbines that house the essence of Jibri’s initial brilliant idea are being tested in several countries including Australia and Puerto Rico.

An idea sparked by a science fair led Jibri to become one of the world’s most celebrated young physicists. But there is so much more to tell.

This is the story… thus far… of Jibri Lewis.

 

 

 

Episode 37: Lori Webster

There 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 childhood years. That fascination led her to shoot, direct and edit her first film by her teens. She admits that the film was her 16-year old interpretation of John Singleton’s Boys in the Hood set in her beloved North Carolina.

Lori’s experimental film solidified her love for the artform and ushered her thoughts in one direction. When others were wondering what their major would be in college, Lori knew that she was destined for the world of media. She was convinced that being a storyteller was her calling. A series of life events including pageants, (she’ll tell you about that later) and travel to several countries, plus 18-hour days at several networks has produced in my estimation one of the next great African American filmmakers.

Lori’s eye is among the best, her imagination limitless, her ability to compose and deliver stories… exceptional. From her work in documentary to narrative tales, Lori Webster is a name that you should remember. Though I have attempted to provide a brief synopsis of Lori the filmmaker, she is somewhat of a renaissance woman. In her own words,

This is the story… thus far… Of Lori Webster.