Reels & Riddims

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This episode is an edited version of our Instagram Live from April 19th. 

Listen to Mikelah and Kerry-Ann catch up on the latest on TV and streaming kicking it off with Sheryl Lee Ralph's ongoing Jamaican representation in Abbott Elementary. Their discussion moves to the reality show that brings the Cayman Islands to life and the excitement building around "Shirley" and "Queenie."

Amid reflections and laughs, we also discuss the less than transparent decisions behind television show renewals, feeling the pinch of uncertainty that grips our favorite shows.  We encourage our listeners to become champions themselves—rewatching and advocating for the stories that mirror our experiences. 

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It's a riddims episode! Mikelah went to the Traffic Jam Concert,  featuring  Damian Jr. Gong Marley and Stephen Ragga Marley. Relive the magic with Mikelah as she recounts the concert where the synergy between these siblings wasn't just heard; it was felt.

 Tune in for an episode that celebrates not only the sounds of reggae but also the enduring spirit of the Marley family, connecting us all through the power of music.

Video: Jamdown's Finest

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Our latest episode takes you through the period series "Three Little Birds," a British mini-series crafted by Sir Lenny Henry that traces the lives of three Jamaican women in 1950s Great Britain. 

We discuss the emotional complexity and the heavy choices faced by these women in pursuit of a better future for their loved ones, all while navigating the cultural dynamics of family, both left behind and newly formed in foreign lands.  

We invite you to join us in this exploration of a Jamaican-British tale that speaks to the heart of the immigrant experience. It's a celebration of the strength and sacrifice that is woven into the fabric of diaspora communities around the world. 

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This is a quick mini-sode of Reels and Riddims. Kerry-Ann is doing a check in and update about what's coming up. Tune in.

Be sure to:

Share with us what your favorite episode from Season 2 has been and why. We might just shout you out in the next episode. Follow, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast app. Give us a five-star rating and a written review 

Thank you for supporting Reels & Riddims

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Welcome to part 2 of our passionate town hall-style critique of the "Bob Marley One Love Movie." As we dissect the film's selective focus and its potential missteps in portraying the reggae legend's multifaceted persona, our conversation becomes a powerful call for authenticity in cultural narratives.

This episode transcends mere film review, becoming a platform for a broader conversation about the delicate craft of balancing reverence and critical exploration of our heritage. We highlight the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of Caribbean stories in mainstream media and deliberate on how the Bob Marley film's portrayal has been received across different cultures. Together, we shout from the rooftops our hunger for a film industry that not only entertains but also genuinely represents the Caribbean.

Resources mentioned:
Documentary: Marley , Remastered: Who Shot the Sheriff

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In this joint episode of Carry On Friends, Style & Vibes and Reels & Riddims we are unpacking the  "Bob Marley One Love Movie." Joined by regular guests and audience members, we engage in a lively debate.

Our panel sheds light on the communal legacy of Marley, while casting a critical eye on the choices made in representing the music icon. The temperature rises when we turn to the controversial casting decisions that have sparked dialogue and discontent across Marley's fanbase. The panel wrestles with the complex blend of pride and identity, questioning how family involvement and the absence of screenings in key cultural hubs influence the narrative. We peel back layers of misinformation and  we scrutinize the movie's storytelling fabric, weighing in on the emotional depth and character arcs.

Tune in for this discussion.

Resources mentioned:
Documentary: Marley , Remastered: Who Shot the Sheriff
Book: No Woman, No Cry by Rita Marley and Hettie Jones

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In this episode we wrap up our review of The Netflix series Champion, covering episodes 6 though 8. 

Our discussion begins discussing episode 6 where Beres, Aria and Vita goes to Jamaica for a funeral. The filming in Jamaica was absolutely PERFECT with the show's attention to detail, highlighting the authentic portrayal of Jamaican culture, from the scenic beauty of the island to the significance of traditions such as the nine-night. 

Why almost every Caribbean funeral comes with drama? This episode has secrets exposed and they impact the dynamics between the characters, revealing hidden tensions and unspoken dreams. A significant moment occurs between Vita and her mother, Aria, unearthing the sacrifices Aria made for her music career. The conversation between them hints at underlying jealousy and unresolved emotions within their mother-daughter relationship.

Bosco learns the truth about Beres and Beres' desperation leaves the last episode with a cliffhanger. 

We hope that there will be a second season and the continuation of the compelling narrative that "Champion" has begun. 

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Welcome back to Reels & Riddims! We are still discussing episodes 4 and 5 of the Champion series currently on Netflix. In these epsiodes we continue to see where the paths of Vita and Bosco take dramatic turns. We're peeling back layers of complex characters and hidden secrets as we explore Vida's artistic journey and Bosco's haunting past. 

Join us as we share every nuanced feeling, unearthing the intentions behind characters like Laurent and Memet.

As we anticipate the Jamaica episode, join us in applauding the character evolution that has been masterfully crafted throughout the series. We're not just wrapping up; we're gearing up for a crescendo of revelations. The journey through the Champion narrative is far from over, and we promise a finale packed with insights and surprises. 

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We're back with more reactions to the Netflix Series Champion and we're deep diving into episodes 2 and 3. 

Our latest chat takes you behind the scenes of Vita's complex journey, where her leap from the shadows to the spotlight stirs up a family drama. Witness the raw moments as she asserts herself, and a moment of vulnerability that sparks a chain of events that leads to a fiery family argument and feelings of betrayal. There's so much to dissect.

Don't miss this beat—join us on Reels and Riddims for more music and drama.

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Kerry-Ann and Mikelah are back for a second season of Reels and Riddims; and they're unpacking Netflix's latest hit series, "Champion" - set against a backdrop rich in British and Jamaican influences, we delve into the Champion family saga. 

In this epsiode we review episode 1 of the series "Champion vs. Champion." The Champion siblings' rivalry takes center stage, with Vita's uncredited contributions to Bosco's music career fueling a narrative that's as gripping as it is relatable.  With a keen eye on the storytelling mechanics that drive character development, we’re inviting you to immerse yourself in the series alongside us. 

By the time the credits roll, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the characters' journey and the storytelling artistry that brings "Champion" to life. So, tune in and experience the drama with us. It's going to be a ride you won't want to miss.

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We unpack the Hulu series "Black Cake" with special guests Alexandria from the Strictly Facts podcast and Georgie-Ann, a past guest. 

In our lively dialogue, we delve into the critical importance of historical accuracy and character development. We share candid thoughts on how the storylines could be more faithful to the era's true spirit and the vital need for genuine on-screen chemistry. Our anticipation grows for future episodes that promise a deeper exploration into character backstories. We advocate for steering clear of traumatic law enforcement stereotypes, craving narratives that showcase the multi-faceted experiences of Black communities.

Wrapping up, we engage in a heartfelt homage to the cultural cornerstone that is Black Cake in Jamaican traditions, noting how such elements deserve the spotlight in media portrayals of Caribbean Americans. We dissect the missed opportunities in cultural storytelling and express a yearning for a stronger Jamaican roots focus in future productions

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Have you ever wondered how the soul of a book fares on its journey to the screen? In this episode, Mikelah and Kerry-Ann share candid reflections on Hulu's "Black Cake" series adaptation and its rich literary origins by Charmaine Wilkerson. 

Join us as we compare Hulu's adaptation and the original book. We tackle the complexities inherent in depicting family secrets, cultural identity, and the authenticity of representation, particularly in the realms of casting and dialect. Delving into the added characters and plotlines, we critique these deviations, questioning their necessity and the impact on the story's essence. 

Whether you're a bookworm or a series binge-watcher, we invite you to engage with "Black Cake" in all its forms and share with us how these stories resonate with you.

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Our latest episode spotlights Netflix's "Survival of the Thickest," where Michelle Buteau embodies the heart of Caribbean vivacity, and we dissect the multifaceted portrayals that resonate so powerfully with our community. We dissect the laughter and challenges woven into Caribbean parenting, and the candid, sometimes tough, conversations that shape our familial bonds, delivering a celebration of representation that's as flavorful as our cuisine.

Venture further with us as we champion the intricate brushstrokes of cultural representation in character development, highlighting the burgeoning influence of Black and Caribbean storytellers who infuse their work with authenticity. Cue the applause for "Full Circle" and the illustrious CCH Pounder, whose performances showcase the richness of Caribbean culture and the specificity of Guyanese-American families in Queens, New York. We even navigate the complex spectrum of Caribbean American accents, engaging in a candid dialogue about their evolution and significance in shaping identity. 

Join us for this conversation on diversity in media, proving that when it comes to representation, it's not just about getting the accent right—it's about crafting stories that echo our heritage.

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We're peeling back the vibrant tapestry of New York City's Harlem, as seen through the eyes of four dynamic women in the Amazon series of the same name. Our conversation examines how Caribbean heritage flavors the narrative and the pivotal moments where Grace Byers and Jasmine Guy shine, bringing authenticity and complexity to their roles. This episode isn't just about the on-screen drama; it's about the reverberations in our own lives, exploring how themes of ambition, friendship, and the quest for authenticity resonate across the soundtrack of our daily hustle.

Join Kerry-Ann & Mikelah in their dissection of scenes that spark debate on cultural appropriation and identity within the Caribbean diaspora. Hear the nuanced take on Angie's faked Jamaican accent, a scene that opens the floor to talk about the intricate tapestry of heritage and how it's represented in the media. Quinn's calling out of cultural appropriation leads to a broader dialogue on the roots we claim and the ways they are woven into our public personas. And it's not all about the external; delve into the internal landscapes as we explore the show's portrayal of complex family dynamics, mental health, and the generational secrets that shape us. 

Tune in and let us know your thoughts

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This episode is a deep dive into the Lovers' Rock episode in Small Axe, the British Anthology Series. Join us to understand how an entire generation of diaspora children in the UK stamped their cultural presence in the echoes of house parties and the reverberating bass of sound systems. We'll pay homage to the women who crafted this scene and the unifying force of Janet Kay's "Silly Games," a tune that transcends time and remains a beacon of the genre's influence.

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This episode features Rachel Osborn from Julie Mango TV. Together, we unpack the compelling British anthology "Small Axe," which chronicles the West Indian community's stories in London during the 1960s to 1980s. The conversation goes beyond the screen to dissect the critical need for spaces that amplify Caribbean voices in film, and we delve into the symbiosis of global Black liberation movements, highlighting the poignant themes that resonate through time.

Rachel lends her expertise on the challenges "Small Axe" faced in bridging the gap between the UK and international audiences, emphasizing the crucial roles behind the scenes that push for a more inclusive media landscape. 

Concluding with a look forward, we share our collective aspiration to see the Caribbean film industry flourish, recognizing the role of streaming services in catapulting regional and diaspora cinema to the forefront. This podcast aims not only to celebrate Caribbean narratives but also to serve as a call to action, encouraging the support and recognition these stories rightly deserve. Stay tuned for the continuation of this rich dialogue with Rachel's return, as we further analyze the cultural significance and future of Caribbean cinema.

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Welcome to Reels & Riddims where every episode promises an insider's peek into the captivating world of TV, film, documentaries, and live music experiences, all while showcasing the strength and diversity of Caribbean narratives that resonate with our experiences across the Americas and the UK. 

Join us as we merge our previous individual discussions from Style and Vibes and Carry On Friends, creating a collective space to share our seasoned perspectives. From shows that define Caribbean-American identity to tales that thread through the diaspora in the UK and beyond. 

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Welcome to Reels & Riddims a new podcast brought to you by Carry On Friends in partnership with Style & Vibes and Breadfruit Media. 

Reels & Riddims is hosted by Kerry-Ann and Mikelah. Each episode, they offer their candid reviews and reactions to what they're watching on TV, Streaming, Movies or Live Entertainment/Concerts - especially those that have strong Caribbean stories and characters. 

Tune in for candid discussion between friends about reels and riddims. 

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