The Style & Vibes Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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We welcome the Paradise Plum, Naomi Cowan back to unpack the heart behind her debut album, Welcome To Paradise. Inside the studio with producer Toddla T and co-writers like Runkus, she found a collaborative space where her vision held, her pen stayed sharp, and the sound fused lover’s rock warmth, subtle dancehall undertones, and modern storytelling. We dig into the album’s cohesive arc, the intimate interludes featuring her parents, and how family history roots the record in a lineage you can hear.

Paradise isn’t a place on a brochure; it’s a feeling you experience through community, love, and the music that carries you there. Naomi shares how portraying music legend Marcia Griffiths in the Bob Marley biopic re-centered her commitment to making a fully reggae album, free from trend-chasing and built for longevity. 

The conversation turns to a deep introspection love—romantic, communal, and self-directed.  Naomi shares her perspective on how today's culture treats independence as a badge of honor without the context of its potential isolation. She makes the case that partnership is a spiritual practice, that real growth requires letting others in, and that reggae remains a living vessel for these truths. 

We also celebrate the sisterhood rising in reggae with artists like Sevana, Jaz Elise and Lila Iké, showing how authenticity dissolves competition and strengthens the scene. Along the way, Naomi opens up about performing the new songs, balancing album promotion with relief efforts after Hurricane Melissa, and why this project is meant to grow on human time, not algorithm time.

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Produced by Breadfruit Media

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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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This episode discusses future of music for 2025. I focus on the potential impact of AI on Caribbean Music (Reggae, Dancehall and Soca), the importance of community engagement, and the evolving expectations from fans for live experiences. 

• Exploring the rise of AI in music production 
• Discussing the impact of AI-generated songs on artist integrity 
• The shift towards royalty-free music and loss of artist connection 
• Importance of community engagement in the music industry 
• Expectations for live performances as ticket prices rise 
• Rethinking merchandising strategies for deeper fan connections 
• Navigating social media changes and its impact on promotion 
• Emphasizing the need for authenticity and creativity in music 

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Dancehall would be nothing without dance. Jamaica’s dance scene has garnered much intrigue and just as much backlash as it has changed over the years. In this episode with  Maria Hitchins, a dance advocate based in Jamaica and professional dancer herself, we discuss the beauty and challenges of dancehall dancers from inception to its current state. Check out and support her platform  Dancers of Jamaica which features authentic dancers and what they're up to… yard and abroad!  

Stylin’ on: Haitian artist  Cathy Illustrations

Vibin’ to:  City Lock - Keznamdi feat. Torey Lanez off Keznamdi’s  Bloodline album.

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It’s been an interesting last few weeks and while we’re all getting used to the new normal.  In this episode, I’m simply sharing what’s on my mind. Productivity, or lack thereof and of course all the random things on these internet streets!

Check out my convo with producer Kerry-Ann and Rachel Osbourne as we go deeper on the new work normal on the  Carry on Friends Podcast.

Also, check a replay of the  SocaMom Summit, talking about how Caribbean artists and the music industry will survive COVID-19.  

In the News:

• Protoje’s  In.Digg.Nation signing with a major U.S. Record Label
• Teddy Riley vs. Babyface Flop
• Walshy Fire continues Clash
• Beenie & Bounty on Digicel Live
• Jamaica Carnival Virtual Experience
• PutYour Back In it Challenge ( #putyuhbackinit ) -  DJ Flex feat. Denise Belfon
• Favorites on IG: Majah Hype, Kevin Crown, DJ Boof, D-Nice

Stylin’ On: Lounge Wear or Athleisure

Vibin’ To: Lila Ike -  I Spy

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We’re celebrating our 50th episode! Special thanks to all the listeners, it wouldn’t be possible without you. 

In this episode we speak with beauty entrepreneur, Saraa Green about her new product the Braid Releaser. We discuss her journey in the fashion industry and what led her to developing the Braid Releaser with her mom, her Jamaican-American upbringing and more!

Stylin’ on: Cloth masks created by Caribbean designer sales  D’Marsh and  Territory Six. 

Vibin’ to: Quarantine Clash hosted by  Walshy Fire

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While we are all coping with the new normal of pandemic COVID-19. I’m on lockdown and sharing my thoughts on how I’m coping and sharing some observations from the week. 

While many are working from home, there are many who aren’t able to. Thank you to all the workers who have to keep working during this time, nurses, doctors, emergency responders, grocery clerks, warehouse workers, drivers and so much more. We’re seeing creatives getting creative with live DJ sessions (virtual parties) Kevin Crown, Uber Soca Cruise Quarantine “Cooler Fete”, Majah Hype & Lyrikal.  DJ D-Nice hit 100k viewers on his IG #ClubQuarantine, with a plethora of celebrities popping in like Rihanna, Buju Banton, Diddy, Michelle Obama, Eve, Queen Latifah, A.Rod and so many more! Influencers are hosting virtual Happy Hours, Netflix & Chill movie viewing parties. Caribbean choreographers are holding fitness and dance classes (Wukkout, Sokatribe, Brukwine.) Let’s continue to support as many Caribbean and local businesses as we can, check out Carib Biz Network’s 150+ Caribbean Biz in Brooklyn to support.

Movie & Shows:  Raising Dion, She’s Gotta Have It, The Intent, Intent 2, Top Boy, Inside Man Most Wanted, Self Made (C.J. Walker story) 

Currently listening to:  Jah 9 Note to Self and  “New Hail” - Zagga 

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Interviewing Tifa about her song on The  Silent Riddim Project (silent riddim) “Man ah Come Back” Rellee of A Team Music co-produced with Paul of Platinum Kids we such a great convo with Rellee and Tifa about Rellee’s journey as a producer of some major hits. He dropped way to many industry gems, which I know all you music lovers will enjoy!

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We’re talking Dancehall with artist Tifa! Tifa came up in Dancehall with Spell it Out and has had a number of hits including, Dash Out, Big Bumper, Crawny Gal, Jealous Over, with a solid foundation of lyrics, style and stage performance. The early 2000s was one of the most interesting times in Dancehall, where the genre was explosive and changing at the same time, Tifa has managed to maintain success and strengthen her personal footing in the music industry while branching out with brand partnership, touring and more. Tifa was recently in New York promoting her new single “Man a Come Back” on the Silent Project co-produced by New York-based DJ/Producer Paul Platinum (of Platinum Kids) and Relle Hayden. We discuss her journey in music, her new role in an upcoming film project For Little Girls, Who Are Afraid to Speak and dive into why 90s Dancehall will forever resonate with the masses. 

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Stylin’ on:  Naturalannie Essentials (Soy candles & lifestyle products) 

Vibin’ to:  Silent Riddim Project

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In honor of Valentine’s day, we’re celebrating love in this episode. A semi-holiday that we really didn’t “celebrate” until our daughter came along. It’s not a big “to-do” in our household, but love definitely is. My hubby Kirk joins me as we share a journey in love with music as the backdrop. Reggae, Lover’s Rock and Soul music. We share our top three reggae love songs and more.

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Stylin’ on: Baseline Cosmetics World Tour red lipstick. Get 10% off your purchase using the code: mikelah

Vibin’ to: For the Lovers Playlist  Apple Music ,  Spotify &  Youtube

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Produced by Breadfruit Media