Planet Thirty

Episode 32: Tahirah Banks

Like 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 explored the business of… well… Business.

Like many entrepreneurs she wasn’t always sure about what type of business she would start, however she knew one thing. She wanted to be her own boss. Her first venture, a music studio did not exactly work out. This, however, was a mere lesson, not the conclusion of her journey. Tahirah took the lessons learned from that experience and poured it into every other business that she has started since then.

With her entrepreneurial spirit guiding her, Tahirah graduated college and was ready to take on both the music business and her personal ventures. She was ready.

In the fall of 2013. Her world changed forever. Her best friend passed away after a car accident. A devastated Tahirah decided to end her music career and focus on building her empire on her native Anguilla. With the memory of her best friend fueling her, Tahirah has since  started several successful ventures, chief of which is the Thoughtful Agency. An agency that works across multiple platforms, providing marketing and technology solutions to businesses and organizations both in the Caribbean region and internationally.

Her journey has been quite interesting thus far. But it is far from over.

This is the story… thus far… of Tahirah Banks

Episode 31: Oneika Phillips

Oneika 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 within and discover things about herself that would prove useful both in life and career. Having lived in the Caribbean and East Africa, Oneika for the first time was “the other.” Instead of crumble under the pressures of that title, she embraced it and became just that. Oneika separated herself from the pack with positive thinking and an unbelievable work ethic.

Onieka continues to be “the other”. She is exceptional. That little girl who fell in love with musicals in her living room in Grenada is now a celebrated actor, dancer and singer on theatres biggest platform, Broadway. Oneika has graced the stage and appeared in several of Broadway’s best shows in recent times including Fela! and Westside Story. Being a part of such productions has been rewarding enough, however Oneika has had the privilege of being a part of two casts that have won Tony Awards. In addition, she has danced with some of the best dance companies in New York City. Oneika embodies success, wrapped in a spirit of joy and humanity. She sees her purpose as larger than her individual accomplishments. She does it to encourage, to remember and to inspire. She does it for Grenada, the Caribbean, the ancestors… and for the culture! Even though she has done and accomplished much, Oneika is not done yet.

This is the Story… Thus far… Of Oneika Phillips

Episode 30: Nigel Campbell

Nigel 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 things plus more. He is especially detailed in recounting significant events and shifts within the Calypso and Soca genres.

What separates Nigel from the casual music observer is his knowledge and understanding of the music business at large. His scope and approach are wide. He understands the bigger picture. He understands where Caribbean music is, where it comes from and where it ought to be. Nigel Campbell exudes… Music!

These days, the former website developer finds himself as Co-host of one of Trinidad’s most informative Podcasts, publishing a magazine about Caribbean Jazz, promoting jazz events and writing music reviews for Caribbean Beat, the inflight magazine produced by Caribbean Airlines.       

Nigel Campbell may not have all of the answers to solve the issues within Caribbean music industry, but he certainly has many of them. If you are interested, involved or intrigued by Caribbean music on any level, you will be both entertained and informed by the following.

This is the story… thus far… of Nigel Campbell.

Episode 29: Azana Serene

Azana 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 created Azana Serene. An elegant clothing like for women.

Her designs are dramatic, the angles, color scheme and overall aesthetic of the brand can be likened to a powerful piece of art depicting rough seas or a cyclone. They are exciting, yet practical. Artistic, yet made for the everyday woman.

With a red carpet client already under her belt, Azana Serene is the definition of success and goals for young entrepreneurs. Never one to be arrogant, she is all business when necessary and all lovely when needed. With her beloved bowl of peanut M&Ms by her side, Azana Serene is only just beginning. Trust me, you will see her evening wear and recently introduced day wear grace elite red carpets, runways around the world and oh yes, her own branded boutiques. But that is all still to come. In the meantime.

This is the story... thus far.... of Azana Serene

 

Episode 28: Nolan Baynes

Nolan 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 within the surrounding neighborhoods. Neighborhoods that were teeming with households filled with the scents of curries, stews and baked goodies from every country within the Caribbean archipelago. Like many before him, Nolan was no longer just Guyanese. He was now West Indian American. And just like many West Indian Americans before him, Nolan would eventually go on to greatness.

His love of music allowed him to collide with the likes of Red Fox, Busta Rhymes and Jay Z in their pre fame years. In his words “Everybody in the neighborhood was an artist.” In the years that would follow, Nolan would himself get signed to a label, leave and start his own label to work with then unknown artists named Shaggy and Capleton (Yes, that Shaggy and that Capleton). He would eventually land at MTV where he would rise through the ranks. After MTV, Nolan spent time at Music Choice as a marketing executive negotiating deals with some of entertainment and media’s top brass.

Today, Nolan is once again embracing visual media as Senior Content Strategist at 300 Entertainment, home to Megan Thee Stallion, Fetty Wap and Young Thug. Nolan is part of a senior team that is poised to revolutionize the way we consume music and receive new artists.

That little boy from Guyana who hardly saw television in his early days, grew up and is now one of the innovators behind millions of screens around the world. But Nolan has more plans.

This is the story… thus far… of Nolan Baynes

Episode 27: Micha Cooper Edwards

Trinidad 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 teams for several of the world’s top brands. Micha you see is dreamer. However, unlike many she is laser focused and more importantly she is an executer. People dream of working for one large brand during their lifetime. Micha’s resume reads like an all-star list of global companies. She has worked for and lead marketing teams for NIKE, Brand Jordan, Diageo, Frito-Lay, Cadbury, Kraft and Moët-Hennessy.

After years of rising among the corporate ranks, the London School of Economics graduate decided to build her own powerhouse company. With an army of well qualified and experienced professionals by her side, Micha has created Soleil Entertainment. A company with the potential to completely rewire the culture and practices within the film industry. While she appreciates the lessons and relationships earned from the corporate world, Micha has her sights set on a bigger purpose. Soleil is a multi-dimensional, multi-platform company that will introduce the world to creatives who prior to this had little or no chance of being discovered because of the crowded spaces that exist in the world of visual media.

Micha Cooper Edwards is a pioneer. She contributed ideas and allowed some of the world’s top brands to see themselves from a different perspective. Now she is about to do the same to you and you and you by changing the way you think about and view visual media.

This is the story… thus far… of Micha Cooper Edwards.

Episode 26: Chev and Simba

Simba 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 natural talent, they manage to keep their almost 400 thousand subscribers entertained and satisfied across two channels.

While continuing to build their following, Chev and Simba are now expanding their brand into products. Simba’s marketing degree coupled with Chev’s sense of style and knowledge of hair care is a match made in cyberspace. Their business savvy is noteworthy. Their courage is admirable. They have taken on traditional thoughts of what a career looks like and emerged victorious. They have embraced modern technology and media and they are molding it to their liking. Chev admits that while she has a passion for all things media, she’s still thinking about building on her political science degree with a law degree. Simba has begun exploring his acting chops and promises that we will either see or hear him in productions outside of YouTube in the near future.

Chev and Simba are not a stereotypical YouTube couple simply seeking outside validation or involving themselves in senseless antics. They are a focused, planned and visionary young couple who are destined for huge success. From their travel blogs to their “rate my outfit” segments on their joint channel to Chev’s hair and beauty advice on her channel, they keep their audiences in tuned and informed.

Their love for culture, entertaining and learning are sure to guide them to the stars.

This is story… thus far… Of Chev and Simba!

Episode 25: Chad Kent

Dorinda 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. That conversation put things into perspective for Chad and unearthed an even stronger desire within him to succeed.

Chad wanted to be a successful music producer. His mother noticed that he had a flair for the artform at an early age and encouraged him to pursue his dream. His mother’s support was a huge plus but Chad was also in luck. His teenage years saw the advent and subsequent popularity of internet chat rooms. While others were joining chat rooms to meet strangers from other countries or even find dates, Chad’s focus was the total opposite. Even as a teen he was wise enough to use these platforms to meet older and more successful music producers from around the world. Imagine their surprise when they found out that these incredible beats were being sent to them by a teenager on a tiny island in the Caribbean.

Chad would eventually use some of the relationships formed with his friends from the internet and parlay that into a contract with one of Hip-Hop’s top managers, Julian Boothe.

After years producing sounds for some of hip-hop’s biggest names as well as TV shows and commercials, he returned to his native Anguilla to continue his adventure.

 

Today, he produces Reggae and Soca upon occasion, however Chad has found a new obsession. Filmmaking. As uncanny as it may seem, Chad is as excellent a cinematographer and editor as he is a music producer. With several music videos under his belt, Chad has become the talk of the town having worked behind the camera for some of Soca’s top tier artists.

But Chad is never comfortable. He has his sights set on doing even more…

This is the story… So far… Of Chad Kent!

 

 

Episode 24: Young Devyn

My 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 famed yellow cabs to see the city’s latest wordsmith do what she does best.

Young Devyn is not yet a household name, however many in hip-hop think that that may change in the not so distant future. Devyn was born in Brooklyn New York to Trinidadian parents. She is the latest product contributing to a long lineage of prolific wordsmiths from the Tri-State area born into the West Indian-American culture. Any perceived similarities with other MCs end there.

At the age of 8, Devyn performed at her first paid gig. Interestingly enough, as a Soca artist. This in itself is not uncommon for children interested in performing. What is uncommon is that the show took place at a nightclub and she performed at 2 AM.  She was smitten! The rush of adrenaline that she felt that night excited her and she knew that the stage was where she belonged. Subsequent performances with Machel Montano in Trinidad, Six Flags Theme Park in New Jersey and tours all prepared her for a life in the entertainment industry. Until her teen years Devyn was known as the young Soca sensation that was well loved by fans of the genre.

And then Devyn shocked the world. She started to release hip-hop free styles and songs. No one knew she could rap… And very well might I add. Devyn would in short order become one of the internet’s favorite MCs. The industry took notice too. Young Devyn’s words and delivery allowed her to perform on MTV, then Sway in the Morning, then for the Cypher at the BET Awards, then The Essence Festival… Then… You get the point.

Having not even departed her teen years, Young Devyn ushers in a new generation of Caribbean swagger to the hip-hop scene. With a new single and a new project in the works, Young Devyn has only just begun.

This is the story…. Thus far… Of Young Devyn.

 

 

Episode 23: Iyaz

Iyaz, 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!

As the story goes, pop star Sean Kingston messaged Iyaz via Myspace several times. Thinking the messages were fake, Iyaz initially ignored them. Finally, after some time, he responded and as the saying goes the rest was history.

Iyaz signed to Kingston’s Time is Money Entertainment, an imprint of the Warner Brothers Group. He then recorded and released a slew of singles, guided by Sean Kingston, his manager Steve Lobel and the Baluga Heights team headed by the legendary J.R. Rotem.

Ten years on, Iyaz has toured the world and performed to audiences in some of the most iconic venues. His songs have sold millions of copies and his music videos have racked up hundreds of millions of views.

Iyaz was preparing for a career behind the camera. Life however had other plans. He ended up in front of the camera. With appearances on top TV shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Iyaz has had a charmed career thus far. At present, he is assisting with the development of new artists. Selflessly ensuring that others benefit from his knowledge. But Iyaz is no where near finished. In addition to working on a new project due in 2021, he has enough experience in the business to tell a funny story or two as well as offer sound advice to aspiring artists.

This is the story… thus far… Of Iyaz.