Planet Thirty

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.

 

Episode 22: Cordane Richardson

Cordane Richardson stands 6 feet 7 inches. Let me say that again. Cordane Richardson is 6 feet 7 inches tall. Cordane, moves as gracefully on the basketball court as his fingers do on the ivory keys of any piano.

His dad? A painter and well-loved high school science teacher. His mom? A legendary instructor and authority on all things music. Being raised by these parents allowed Cordane to explore several subjects within the sphere of academia, in addition to diving head first into the arts. He admits that his painting ability peaked at age 12. Evidently water color, acrylics and oils were not in his future. But that was ok. He still had music. With an expert teacher as a mother, it wasn’t a bad plan B.

Cordane started playing the piano at age 3, and by age 14 he had completed all examination levels of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. He was sure that this was his calling. After completing University in San Diego, he decided to reach higher and completed his masters at the Berkley School of Music’s campus in Valencia,  Spain.

Today Cordane is an excellent musician and composer. Meticulous yet emotive. His compositions are informed by the countless hours of classical music which he practiced on his parents’ piano, yet still brushed by the rhythms of soca, dancehall and reggae that his ears could not avoid, growing up in the Caribbean.  His work puts him in a world where entertainment and the arts intersect and live happily.

Cordane Richardson. Remember his name. If you can’t, please write it down. It is poised to be amid great media composers like John Williams. Yes he has quite a ways to go, but if what he has accomplished is any indication. He’ll get there.

Here is the story… thus far… of Cordane Richardson.

 

 

 

Episode 21: Jermaine Payne

Jermaine Payne is a burst of energy. Then again, why wouldn’t he be? He grew up with the ambition to be a singer or an actor… or both really. His formative years were spent around his grandmother’s restaurant. Little did he know, he was absorbing the fundamentals of business even at that early age.

 

While playing with his friends around his grandmother’s restaurant was fun, Jermaine had his sights set on the big stage. By the time he was in his early teens he started a Soca and Reggae band with said friends. They surprised everyone with their talent. Jermaine was one of the lead vocalists and wore his heart on his sleeve. In the world of Soca music in the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands, band members are akin to gladiators. They throw insults at one another during live shows and especially on record, both subtly and directly. Jermaine, was there for it all. His love of the music and culture saw him singing all the way through his college years. Often taking flights from New York back to the Caribbean just to perform.

 

By his early 20s Jermaine realized that his goals for success were not likely going to be fueled by a music career in such a small market. After landing a job as a purchasing manager at a small, boutique, but dare I say uber chic property on Anguilla, Jermaine’s thoughts toward success and the direction of his career were altered. The lessons learned while scampering around his grandmother’s restaurant came rushing back. Jermaine fell in love with business.

 

After a few jobs in the hospitality industry and creating a social media marketing company he landed on his first huge success as an entrepreneur: Squareless Property Solutions. In hip-hop terms, Jermaine was Killing the Game. He was the go-to source for apartment rentals on the island. Jermaine however realized yet again that the size of the market would not continue to propel him in his intended direction. He threw caution to the wind, packed his bag and moved to London. What happened next surprised even Jermaine.

 

This is the story… Thus far… of Jermaine Payne.

 

 

Episode 20: Amanda Lewis

Amanda Lewis is as funny as she is talented. As a child, she dreamed of being a dancer. From jazz to ballet she studied different styles of that art form move by move. She dreamed of attending one of Baltimore’s best institutions to study dance. However her world was overturned when she was not placed into the dance program. That disappointment resulted in what perhaps was the biggest victory in her life.

 

Amanda grew up in a musical family. A grandmother who was the director of a church choir, a father who played several instruments, and a supportive mother who exposed her during childhood to performances at the highest levels. This resulted in Amanda not only having a love for dance, but also for singing. Her disappointment in dance lead her to audition for slot in the school’s singing arena. It is there that she truly found her voice.

 

Amanda embraced what she now discovered was her gift and ran with it. She studied music at University and impressed audiences every time she performed. After university she studied in Italy with some of the most renowned voice coaches in the world. Upon returning to the US, Amanda continued to perform, in both classical and contemporary spaces.

 

Being one of the few African Women in the opera space, Amanda discusses with us her journey and swings open the door to reveal much more about the world of sopranos, arias, descants and all things opera. Did I mention that she is now writing and producing her own opera?

 

This is the story… thus far… of Amanda Lewis

Episode 19: Founders of Staple Clothing

When we started the Planet Thirty project, a huge part of our mission was to not only inspire others by interviewing persons with a wealth of experience, but also to expose the world to those that were ambitious, passionate and aspiring. Hence our tag line is “Planet Thirty. Where aspiration meets inspiration.”

 

A few weeks ago, we got a message from a gentleman named Vicente who explained that he was working for a new company called Staple Clothing. He thought a Planet Thirty interview with the company’s founders was a great idea. Vicente was 100% correct.

 

After an initial zoom meeting with Staple Clothing’s founders Connor and Greg we were convinced that the world needed to hear their story. We were even more convinced when we learned the mission of their company.

 

Staple Clothing is trying to change the fashion game. Not only are they providing opportunities to designers in developing countries, however, they are passionate about changing the perception of where fashion could and should come from. In their version of the future, the styles we wear will no longer be influenced exclusively by the runways of New York, Milan and Paris. Their passion for equity in the fashion space is beyond admirable. Connor and Greg are the definition of what good entrepreneurship is. They have founded a company that not only provides a future for themselves and their employees, but helps designers to enter spaces they perhaps never thought they would be able to occupy.

 

Connor and Greg are going to change the world. This is only the beginning.

 

Here is the story… thus far… Of Connor, Greg and Staple Clothing

Episide 18: Omari Banks

It may be safe to say that by the time Omari Banks was a teenager he was a veteran stage performer. Church and community concerts, official ceremonies, serenading ladies on stage during pageants, talent shows and every conceivable choir that requested his vocals. In the late 80s and early 90s Omari Banks was a hot ticket.

 

By his pre-teen years, Omari showed signs of separating himself from the thing that up until that point he seemed destined for. A career in music. Many were shocked and disappointed when Omari stopped performing as much on his native island, Anguilla. Omari had discovered a passion for the game of cricket. He thrust himself into it with all his might.

 

Years of late evenings practicing at Anguilla’s only cricket facility, many times alone, would eventually pay dividends. In 2003 Omari was named as a member of the West Indies Cricket team. The first athlete from Anguilla to have this honor bestowed upon him. He would go on to appear in 10 test matches, play for top Cricket Clubs in the U.K. and win several awards.

 

At the ripe age of 29 Omari, the cricket professional surprised the world yet again. Omari put down the bat and ball and picked up the guitar. Yes, Omari Banks, the childhood singing sensation was drawn back to his first love. Music.

 

The opening lyrics of his first single said:

 

It’s in your moment of trial you decide

If you will win or roll over and die

Where there is no vision my friends we shall die

Steadfast to your faith and soar to the sky

 

… And that indeed is what Omari Banks has been doing ever since he returned to music. Holding fast and soaring to the sky.

 

This is the story… thus far… of Omari Banks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Episode 17: Kira Divine

According to a 2017 article on babbel.com, Queens holds the Guinness World Record for “most ethnically diverse urban area on the planet,” and it's also the most linguistically diverse, with at least 138 languages spoken throughout the borough.

 

It is also a fact that many kings and queens of the entertainment industry have emerged from this storied borough. One of the most talented Queens from Queens is Kira Divine.

 

Kira is a reflection of the potpourri of accents, music genres, cuisines and cultures that she was raised among. In Queens, Kira learned how to be kind, how to teach, how to love, how to be patient, how to believe and how to work hard.

 

Kira left her college, not only with her degree but having founded what is today one of that institution’s most important student organizations.

 

Years of dance training led to her teaching at the prestigious Alvin Ailey Academy of Dance in Harlem New York. However, she was not done. She then went on to appear in Broadway productions, music videos and films. She is the definition of a triple threat. Her dancing ability led her to work with Beyonce, her singing ability has seen her sing backup for Lauren Hill and her acting ability got her into a film with Cuba Gooding Jr.  Kira Divine is certainly all things that her name suggests. Divine!

 

Kira, who is currently the lead vocalist of Australia’s dance music sensation PNAU, is challenging herself once again, by producing her own solo music project. If the sky is the limit, my bet is that Kira Divine will stretch her hands passed it.

 

This is the story… thus far… of Kira Divine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Episode 16: Denise Caldwell

Denise Caldwell’s dream was to be a professional choreographer. As a child she spent hours being instructed in the finer points of the artform at schools for the performing arts in her native St. Louis. In addition to being a talented dancer, Denise was also gifted in math and science. During her high school years, Denise would focus her efforts toward the sciences with a new dream of becoming a doctor. By graduation she was poised for success as a pre med student. When the time came for that all-important decision, she chose to attend Howard University in Washington D.C.

 

The Chemistry faculty welcomed their latest scholar with open arms. Denise was ready to continue her journey. Everyone was convinced that becoming a doctor was her fate. Everyone that is, except for Denise.

 

During her sophomore year, Denise began to listen to the screams of her inner voice that until this point had been mere whispers. Those screams were guiding her into the world of media and fashion.

 

After a heart to heart conversation with her family, Denise made the plunge and switched majors. A decision that shifted the entire trajectory of her life. An internship at the office of Communication at Howard University would give her the opportunity to meet a team from Seventeen Magazine. Like most everyone else, the team was intoxicated by Denise’s bubbly and positive energy and personality. Her work ethic and organizational skills did not go unnoticed either. The team, still moved by the impression that Denise made upon them offered her an internship in New York City.

 

That was only the beginning. Internships led to entry level jobs, and with, as she says, “Passion, faith and grit” she ascended the ranks of the fashion world, becoming a stylist for some of the biggest names in Hollywood, music and media. Denise’s career has evolved even further and she is now a seasoned style and beauty expert and can be seen on many TV shows. But Denise is not done yet… the next move she makes will be even bigger. And even if we are not sure what it is as yet, we can be guaranteed that she will look good while making it.

 

This is the story, thus far… of Denise Caldwell…

 

Episode 15: Arthur Ward

Arthur Ward has always been curious. His childhood in the Caribbean saw him taking hikes with friends into caves and bushes for the sheer purpose of exploring. Much to the chagrin of his mother, Arthur’s curiosity led him to dismantle many of his toys and upon occasion, some household appliances. Arthur just wanted know how things worked.

 

In time Arthur discovered cameras. Instead of merely finding out how things worked, he now had a zest for documenting them. His curiosity about things and people could now be captured and preserved in images.

 

After joining his high school’s track team, the visionary recognized that some of his fellow track athletes had incredible stories that were not being told by any media outlets. Arthur, along with his friend Rohan decided to do something about it. They formed a small production company and began to cover every sport being played on the island. Little did he know, but this crash course in business would prepare him solidly for adventures and endeavors that were just beyond the horizon.

 

In the past few years, Arthur has continued his exploring ways. From climbing the snow-capped mountains of western Canada, to walking the enchanted beaches of New Zealand, Arthur Ward has taken his curiosity on the road.

 

Oh yea, about his love for cameras? Arthur has parlayed that love into his own thriving photography and video production company in one of Canada’s bustling cities.

 

This is the story… thus far… Of Arthur Ward