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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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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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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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Produced by Breadfruit Media