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Two voices, one legacy, and a catalog that ignites dancehall to tek it to the dance floor every time their songs are played. In this episode I sit down with dancehall group Voicemail to unpack the spontaneous birth of their name, the unlikely path from R&B harmonies to dancehall dominance, and the creative spark behind "Weddy Time"—guided by producer Danny Champagne and inspired by Bogle’s dance moves. What follows is a rare, candid look at joy, grief, and the unbreakable thread that ties performers to fans across decades.

Kevyn and Qraig take us inside the shift from five members to three, then to the duo we know today, revealing how they rebuilt their sound without losing the heart that made them. They share why Japan became a second home for their music, how a structured rollout amplified their reach, and the practical playbook young artists need now: align with the right partners, think beyond a small home market, and let quality lead because value attracts opportunity. We also discuss dancehall in the digital age—how constant access dissolved mystery, why playlists weakened artist-fan bonds, and what it takes to rebuild real community that lasts.

There’s humor, vulnerability, and plenty of hard-earned wisdom: setting boundaries with love, crafting solo projects, Qraig with Me And Di Gal Dem and Kevyn with SKILLVCHI under the Voicemail banner, and remembering to celebrate the wins instead of sprinting past them. If you care about dancehall culture, artist longevity, or the craft of connecting with an audience in a crowded world, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.

If this moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves dancehall, and leave a review telling us your favorite Voicemail track and why—it helps more listeners find conversations like this.

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Produced by Breadfruit Media

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The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards makes its television debut on BET, and we're breaking down every moment from our dual perspective as both live attendees and television viewers. This milestone broadcast marks a crucial step forward in recognizing Caribbean artists on mainstream platforms, delivering a carefully edited showcase of Caribbean excellence.

Dyschick joins me to compare our in-person experience at Brooklyn's King's Theater with the television broadcast, revealing what made the cut and what didn't. We dive into standout performances, particularly praising the energetic opening from Elephant Man and Ding Dong, and the dynamic staging of Full Blown, Machel & Ayetian and Good Spirits that transformed the stage into a Caribbean block party. Busta Rhymes' powerful acceptance speech emerges as a highlight, perfectly articulating why Brooklyn during Labor Day weekend serves as the ideal backdrop for celebrating Caribbean musical achievement.

Fashion takes center stage in our conversation as we celebrate the stunning looks that graced the red carpet. From Nyla Blackman's elegant dress paired with a carnival-inspired backpack to Lady Lava's structured ensemble, Caribbean artists showcased their distinctive style.

Looking toward future ceremonies, we advocate for broader representation across the entire Caribbean, including more French and Spanish-speaking artists, enhanced production values, and stronger participation from sponsors, particularly Caribbean tourism boards and brands who should recognize these musicians as their most powerful cultural ambassadors. Join us for this celebratory yet thoughtful analysis of a landmark moment for Caribbean music on the global stage.

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Resilience defines Tifa's journey through the music industry, and her return to the Style and Vibes podcast after five years showcases an artist who has not only survived but thrived through evolution. We discuss changes that have shaped her career since we last spoke—from navigating a global pandemic to celebrating a Grammy win with Kabaka Pyramid, and finding her voice again with her powerful new single "I Want a Man."

We dive into Tifa's writing process as she explains how her songwriting has remained remarkably consistent since age 15. Rather than writing solely from personal experience, she crafts stories from observations, emotions, and the collective experiences of women, creating music that resonates far beyond typical dancehall themes. "I Want a Man" exemplifies this approach, the song became a voice for women navigating complex relationship dynamics and societal expectations.

Her triumphant performance at Alkaline's New Rules Concert marked a definitive statement about her enduring relevance in Jamaica's music landscape. Despite industry attempts to sideline her, 15,000 fans singing her lyrics word-for-word confirmed what she's always known—authentic artistry outlasts social media manipulation.

As she maps out her future with multiple albums spanning different genres, Tifa's vision extends beyond personal success to contributing to the legacy of Caribbean artists who have achieved international recognition.

What makes this conversation particularly fascinating is Tifa's candid reflections on the value of stepping back. In an industry that demands constant visibility, her strategic break allowed her to reconnect with herself, relearn the evolving social media landscape, and fall in love with music again. For anyone feeling burned out or seeking reinvention, her journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom about balancing authenticity with strategic evolution.

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Produced by Breadfruit Media