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Undeniable: Jah Cure’s Latest Album Dives Deep into Love and Relationships

By
Heneka Watkis-Porter
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Photo: @vprecords on Instagram (instagram.com/p/Cpde2xmMwr-/)

In his latest album, “Undeniable,” dedicated purely to love, Jah Cure delivers a soulful masterpiece that captures the essence of romance and heartache with raw emotion and “undeniable” talent. This new direction is unlike his previous mixed-subject works. It isn’t far off though, as, despite challenges in his personal life, his musical message to the world has always been about love and peace. 

The artist — who thrilled us with hits such as Longing For, Love Is, and True Reflection (Prison Walls) — says, “90% of my fanbase is women, and most of my famous songs are love songs. I have never put an entire album together about relationships and love, so I decided to complete an album for the first time with only love songs. The message is just a message of intimate love.” 

Jah Cure Creates Undeniable with VP Records
Undeniable album art // Photo: @therealjahcure on Instagram

And who can’t relate to love?

Artists are storytellers, often revisiting and reliving moments of their lives and the emotions that came with them, sharing their souls with their fans through their performances. This approach generated a wealth of material for Jah Cure’s new work as he, too, is known to draw inspiration from personal life experiences, rather than hype or fantasy, to craft his music. He says, “All of the songs on the album mean something to me ’cause they are all short stories from the good and the bad in my past relationships. Every song in this effort has a special meaning.”

As an artist, it’s essential to keep evolving and trying new things. Jah Cure’s pride in “Undeniable” and the direction his music has taken is manifested throughout the project. He’s anxious to confirm that his fans enjoy listening to it as much as he enjoyed making it.

Featured artists often hold their own special significance to a songwriter, and when different voices get to connect on a song, it’s electrifying. For this project, Jah Cure worked with Ghanaian musician Stonebwoy and Haitian / Belizean singer, songwriter and producer Kaylan Arnold, who were a great fit for “Undeniable.” Cure agrees, mentioning, “it’s not me who chooses, it’s the universe.”

Undeniable: Jah Cure's Latest Album Dives Deep into Love and Relationships
Photo: @vprecords on Instagram

The production process was smooth sailing. The team leveraged what happened during the pandemic to make an otherwise challenging time the perfect opportunity to focus on making music and having fun. “We didn’t face any challenge. My studio was just finished and we were so happy and excited to use it, so we cooked, had fun and made music,” Cure confirms.

“Undeniable” is Jah Cure’s final project… for now. Notwithstanding all the success the artist has had and is having, he’s taking a step back to prepare for his next chapter in life. 

Cure shared with us that he looks forward to connecting with his fans and supporters in new and exciting ways, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Afro-Caribbean Faiths Demystified in a “Supa-Natural” Panel Discussion at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum

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admin
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An audience is engaged by a presenter at an Island SPACE presentation. | Photo by David I. Muir (Island Syndicate)

Vodou, Orisha and other Afro-Caribbean faiths will take center stage as the subjects of a humanities panel discussion at South Florida’s Island SPACE Caribbean Museum on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. 

Practices like these, Jamaican Rastafari and Trinidadian Shango have typically conjured negative connotations, both in the Caribbean region and beyond it. Yet these are the faiths that most closely connect the many Black Caribbean people to their Yoruba African ancestry. 

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum will welcome a panel of academic professionals, faith leaders and subject matter experts, to explore the origins, impact and stigmas associated with these faiths. Panelists — including Vodou priestess Dr. Charlene Desir, Yoruba High Chief Nathaniel Styles and educator Dr. Clyde Bailey, moderated by pastor, author and educator Dr Owen Facey — will take part in the presentation titled “SUPA-NATURAL: An Afro-Caribbean Faith and Spirituality Panel Discussion.” The panel is meant to demystify and resolve misconceptions about Afro-Caribbean spiritual practices in an effort to elevate the dialogue surrounding them. 

Interested attendees within driving distance of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum in Plantation, Florida are invited to this free event. Register at islandspacefl.org/faithtalk2023. Remote viewers may also watch the live stream and ask questions during the discussion by visiting islandspacefl.org/supanatural.

In-person registration: islandspacefl.org/faithtalk2023

Watch it live online (virtual): islandspacefl.org/supanatural 

Funding for this program was provided through a grant from the Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund, Jack Belt Memorial Fund, Ginny and Tom Miller Fund, Stearns Weaver Miller Fund for the Arts, Harold D. Franks Fund.

About Island SPACE 

Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education (Island SPACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region, in South Florida and the broader diaspora. 

The public is invited to visit the museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General museum entry is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Visit islandspacefl.org to learn more.

Windrush Caribbean Film Festival Announces the 2023 Film Lineup

By
Guest Admin
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Windrush Caribbean Film Festival
Windrush Caribbean Film Festival's Class of 2023 // Photo: @@windrushfest on Twitter

Dozens descended on Rich Mix, London on Thursday for the launch of this year’s Windrush Caribbean Film Festival.   

The festival, in its 4th year, is set to be the most successful yet as it marks the 75th anniversary since the HMS Empire Windrush ship arrived at Tilbury Docks, the first stop enroute to London with Caribbean citizens who were invited to live in the UK. Many Caribbeans had already arrived in the UK a year prior, docking at Southampton on board The Almanzora.  

In the audience were many of those whose films were selected to be screened during the festival, which will run from June 6th to 30th across the country. 

Once again, Windrush Caribbean Film Festival will have over 40 screenings and talks taking place across 5 cities, a move that Artistic Director Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe says “demonstrates the festival’s intent, ambition and purpose.”  

Recognizing the significance of this 75th year, Festival co-founder Frances-Anne Solomon says, “They were our parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties. “We inherited their courage, their struggles, and their cultures of resistance. We are proud to stand on their broad shoulders and carry forward their incredible stories.”

In addition to the announcement of all the films to be screened, the historical city of Southampton was also announced as the location for the opening night of the 2023 Windrush Caribbean Film Festival. 

For the first time in the festival’s history, the city — with strong historical ties to the Windrush generation — will host film screenings from the festival on June 6 and June 21, the day before National Windrush Day.  

2023 Windrush Caribbean Film Festival host cities and partner venues  

Southampton – May Mastflower Theatre; Harbour Lights Picturehouse  

Bristol – Watershed Cinema 

Birmingham – Midlands Arts Centre 

Newport – Riverfront Cinema  

London – Rich Mix (Shoreditch); Genesis Cinema (Whitechapel – Awards ceremony);  

Rio Cinema (Dalston); Channel 4 headquarters (Westminster); Picturehouse Central (Piccadilly Circus); Ritzy Brixton.

2023 Windrush Caribbean Film Festival official selections (subject to change) 

After the Flood: The Church, Slavery and Reconciliation (Sheila Marshall) 

Asunder (Janet Marrett) 

A Very Brit(ish) Story (Jaha Browne) 

Black & White Duppy (Thomas Blackman) 

Black and Welsh (Liana Stewart) 

Buckra Maassa Pickney (Lal Davies) 

Death of England: Face to Face (Clint Dyer) 

DỌLAPỌ̀ is Fine (Ethosheia Hylton) 

Falsehood (Leo Powell) 

Grief, Loss and Bereavement (Nicola Zwadi Cross) 

Hostile (Sonita Gale) 

HunmaniTree (Urban Circle Productions) 

I am Light (Julia Schönstädt) 

I Love St. Lucia (Leee John) 

Menopause in Sisterhood, (Nicola Zwadi Cross) 

No Regrets (Krik Krak Productions)
Pattern (Ivan Madeira)  

Rea’s Men (Aaron James Robertson)  

Rushed (Nadine O’Mahony) 

Strictly Prohibited (Freddie Stewart) 

Shantaye’s World (Matherine Emmanuel) 

Small Island Stories 2 (James Batchelor, Benjamin Harrap) 

Spirits Run Deep (Gavin Porter) 

Standing Firm: Football’s Windrush Story (Theo Lee Ray) 

SUS (Robert Heath) 

The First Black Train Driver (Glenn Clarke) 

The Homemaker (Joanna N V Alexander) 

The ID Project: My Dominica Story (Richard Etienne) 

The Roll Out (Dewayne Force) 

Ultraviolence (Ken Fero) 

V.Rocket International: A Sound System Dynasty (Marcus Hall) 

When I was a Younger (Noella Mingo) 

Other selected titles:  

501 Not Out (Sam Lockyer) 

And Still We Rise (Chris Smith) 

2023 Windrush Caribbean Film Festival official partners and sponsors  

Alt A Review, Recognize Black Heritage and Culture, Shiloh PR, Integriti Capital, Caribbean Tales Media Group, Cinema Golau.

Things to Know About Kaya Fest, One of the Best South Florida Reggae Music Festivals

By
Sunny Samaroo
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Photo: @thekayafest on IG (instagram.com/p/Cc0ly8eF8AD/)

Around the time of 420 day, you’ll usually find a South Florida reggae music festival that will introduce you to some of the best reggae music worldwide: Kaya Fest. The festival is more than just a musical event, as it also seeks to raise awareness and educate attendees. 

Kaya Fest debuted in 2017 and was created by Stephen Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley, alongside his brother Ziggy Marley. The festival has many missions, one of them being to celebrate Bob Marley’s legacy and promote his message of peace, love, and unity. 

Bob Marley and the Wailers’ album “Kaya” inspired the name of Kaya Fest, and Miami was an obvious choice for the location, given the large Caribbean diaspora in South Florida.

Things to Know About Kaya Fest, One of the Best South Florida Reggae Music Festivals
Marley Brothers (left to right) Stephen, Robbie, and Ziggy in 1997.
Photo Credit: John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How Kaya Fest Is Bringing Reggae to a Wider Audience

Reggae has had a significant influence on the global music industry. Though the genre peaked in the 1970s and early 1980s, South Florida reggae music festivals like Kaya Fest are doing their part to continue pushing the genre forward and introducing it to new audiences. 

Kaya Fest not only features Caribbean artists but also South American and Latin artists. The festival welcomes a diverse line-up and sound, while still holding true to its core reggae foundation. 

Though there are a few other similar events, major South Florida reggae music festivals are few and far between. Kaya Fest definitely fills a void in the cultural and musical landscape of South Florida.

What It Means to Be a “Music and Awareness Festival”

Kaya Fest describes itself as a “Music and Awareness Festival,” but what does that really mean? In the words of Stephen Marley himself, “the mission is awareness about cannabis and the many benefits of cannabis, from industrial to medicinal to spiritual.”

Marley laments that, even among those who use the drug recreationally, not enough people know about the positive benefits marijuana can have. He hopes that Kaya Fest can help change that.

Reggae music is intrinsically tied to marijuana, as a genre proliferated by Rastafarians who use it as a religious tool. Bob Marley and his contemporaries sang about the benefits of marijuana despite the Jamaican government’s strict opposition to the drug.

Kaya Fest in 2017, One of the Best South Florida Reggae Music Festivals
The first Kaya Fest in 2017, Photo: @thekayafest on IG

Who You Can Expect to See

Despite being relatively new, Kaya Fest is one of the biggest South Florida reggae music festivals and boasts an impressive line-up of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American stars each year. Past concerts have featured the Marley Brothers (Stephen, Ziggy, Damian, Julian, and Ky-Mani), Sean Paul, Busta Rhymes, Koffee, Pitbull, Davido, Farruko, Chi Chi Ching, Third World, Kes The Band, and more. 

Maybe you’re interested in a festival that combines music and activism, or maybe you just simply love reggae. Either way, even though Kaya Fest isn’t back from post-COVID hiatus just yet, stay tuned for the next April showing in Miami!

Tips for Using a Caribbean Style in the Dining Room

By
Emma Radebaugh
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Tips for Using a Caribbean Style in the Dining Room

You can find some of the world’s best culinary experiences in the Caribbean. And with thoughtful interior design, you can dine in a Caribbean-inspired setting every day. Create a soothing, happy oasis with these tips for using a Caribbean style in the dining room.

Use Natural Materials

Use natural materials to evoke the Caribbean’s warmth, charm, and effortless beauty. Furniture made from real wood, such as teak or rosewood, has a classic look.

Rattan furniture and accessories have a handcrafted design that looks most at home in warm, tropical climates. Consider overhead rattan light fixtures if you don’t want to use woven dining chairs.

Sometimes, when every piece of furniture in a room is made from the same material, it can make the room feel uninspired or stuffy. You can mix and match your dining room chairs to create a more carefree look.

Embrace Vibrant Colors

Another tip for using a Caribbean style in the dining room is to embrace color. You can go bold and create a room awash with bright shades or use color more subtly. Rich color options are among the best ways to highlight the Caribbean aesthetic.

Use a designated color palette to guide your creative process. This palette will help you visualize which colors work best together. For example, you can create a coastal feeling by pairing creamy neutrals with jewel-toned shades of blue.

Decorate With Tropical Plants

Finally, plants add a vibrant spark to your dining room, making it more welcoming. You can decorate the room with real or well-designed faux tropical plants.

Growing tropical plants indoors can present a challenge since they prefer humid environments. Before deciding to keep a tropical plant in your home, learn about the plant’s care needs. Only use non-toxic plants in your home if you have children or pets.

Faux plants are easier to care for, and well-made faux plants can look just as beautiful as the real thing. Monstera is a popular houseplant that is loved for its heart-shaped leaves, and it’s native to the Caribbean. It can be challenging to grow this plant indoors, but you can find plenty of artificial options.

The History of 4/20 and Marijuana’s Influence on Jamaican Culture

By
Sunny Samaroo
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0

The formation of “4/20” as a US holiday and of marijuana’s movement in Jamaica have equally interesting origins. A lot of it has been fraught with challenges, yet there’s been just as much hope and cause for celebration. To gear up for 4/20 this year, let’s dive a bit deeper into what cannabis is, how it has influenced Jamaican culture, and the history of 4/20 as a holiday.

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a genus of plant with hundreds of different strains. The plant has three main uses:

  • One of the varieties, hemp, is used to make clothing, rope, and other materials.
  • Cannabis can be used medically to treat symptoms such as anxiety and pain. 
  • Cannabis can also be used recreationally for enjoyment, to alleviate stress, and to inspire one’s creativity.

Cannabis goes by many different names. marijuana, weed, pot, ganja, mary jane, kush, hash, dope, spliff, herb, grass, and so much more!

“Marijuana” specifically refers to strains of cannabis that have THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in them. This compound is psychoactive — it gives a “high.” There is another compound in various cannabis strains, including marijuana, called CBD (cannabidiol). It is non-psychoactive and is the most important compound in terms of medical usage.

Medical Marijuana

How Cannabis Made Its Way to Jamaica

The cannabis plant is believed to be native to Asia, but how did it get to the land that it is now most closely associated with?

After slavery was abolished in Jamaica, plantation owners had to look for labor elsewhere. They sought out indentured servants from India, who began arriving on the island in the 1840s. These laborers brought several plants with them, including cannabis.

This origin becomes clear when you look at the etymology of the most common word used for marijuana in Jamaica. “Ganja” is a Hindi word that translates to “hemp.”

Marijuana’s Influence on Jamaican Culture

It didn’t take too long for ganja to become widespread in Jamaican culture. This can be evidenced by the 1913 Ganja Law — the beginning of a long history of oppression people would face due to their usage of marijuana. The drug was primarily used in lower-class black communities.

Rastafarians were the worst affected by anti-marijuana laws and often faced violence from law enforcement. Cannabis is used extensively by Rastafarians. It is a tool for meditation, soul-searching, connecting with Jah (God), and “reasoning” with other Rastas. 

Marijuana’s Influence on Jamaican Culture - Rastafarian culture

Despite oppression, marijuana usage continued to permeate Jamaican culture. The reggae genre spoke boldly about marijuana and Rastafarian culture, changing the public perception not only locally but also globally through acts such as Bob Marley. Artists blended creativity with activism, like Peter Tosh in his 1976 hit “Legalize It” (which is often misattributed to Bob Marley).

The History of 4/20

In the 1970s, a group of high school friends in California agreed to meet up at 4:20 after school to search for an abandoned cannabis patch that one of them had heard of. They never found it, but “420” remained in their lexicon as a code word for marijuana.

The phrase spread slowly and modestly among their social circle. However, it wasn’t until in the early 1990s that the phrase became what it is today, when High Times magazine published a flier they had received for a 4/20 meet-up. It’s unknown who created the flier.

The History of 4/20

Since then, 4/20 celebrations have taken various forms — from block parties to city-wide extravaganzas. Though they’re primarily US celebrations, it’s not uncommon for these events to intertwine elements of Jamaican ganja culture, particularly with Jamaican reggae songs that extol the benefits of marijuana. 

In the reggae era, Jamaica became synonymous with marijuana. This association endures to this day, though it wasn’t until 2015 that personal possession of up to 2 ounces was decriminalized. Jamaica still has a complicated relationship with ganja, but the impact it has had on Jamaican culture can’t be ignored. Leaps and bounds have been made in terms of legality and public acceptance, and activists continue to work towards a better perception of marijuana in Jamaica.

9 Ways You Can Show Appreciation for Mother Nature this Earth Day

By
Sunny Samaroo
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Earth Day 2023

Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has become one of the biggest secular observances in the world.

If you’ll be spending Earth Day in the Caribbean, you’re especially lucky. The Caribbean is a biodiversity hotspot that is renowned for its rich ecosystem. Sadly, the Caribbean’s abundance is in great danger due to issues such as climate change and overfishing.

As these issues continue to rear their ugly heads worldwide, April 22 becomes an even more important date with each passing year. To truly appreciate and connect with nature on Earth Day 2023, here are nine things you can do.

Go on a hike or nature walk

9 Ways You Can Show Appreciation for Mother Nature this Earth Day

Whether you’re at home or on vacation, a hike or nature walk is a simple but meaningful way to observe Earth Day. It can be anything from a stroll through a park to a multi-day trekking excursion!

To encourage yourself to make this a habit even after Earth Day 2023, consider getting an annual pass for National and/or State Parks.

Participate in a local clean-up

Clean-up initiatives happen all year round but you’ll especially find them going on during Earth Day. If there are no organized efforts near you, even just rallying together a small group of friends makes a difference.

Alternatively, consider combining this idea with the above one. You can carry a trash bag with you on your hike/walk to pick up any trash that you see.

Go kayaking

Just as the land is lush, the Caribbean Sea is teeming with diverse ecosystems, from mangroves to coral reefs.

Rather than going on a cruise or motorboat, go kayaking when you’re spending Earth Day in the Caribbean. Without emissions or loud motors, it’s a very eco-friendly and unobtrusive way to explore the sea. 

9 Ways You Can Show Appreciation for Mother Nature this Earth Day

Walk, bike, or catch the bus

If you usually drive, another way to cut down on emissions on Earth Day is to walk, bike, or catch the bus. Walking and biking are especially great choices, as no emissions are involved at all. They also give you a better chance to slow down and connect with nature.

Plant a tree

Planting trees in public spaces is a popular activity done by environmental organizations, especially on Earth Day. 

You can also plant a tree in your own yard. Fruit should make up a substantial part of your diet, so consider planting a fruit tree. This is especially a great idea in tropical climates like in the Caribbean.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving

Snorkeling and scuba diving can get you up close and personal with the stunning wildlife of the Caribbean Sea. It should be noted, however, that snorkeling and scuba diving can potentially be harmful to marine ecosystems. It’s important to follow good snorkeling and scuba practices, especially when exploring coral reefs.

Visit a local farmers’ market

Do you often default to buying your produce at the grocery store? Use Earth Day 2023 to start a habit of visiting your local farmers’ market, instead.

If you’re spending Earth Day in the Caribbean on vacation, go to a local farmers’ market and try fruits and vegetables that don’t grow where you live, and indulge in regional specialties!

Start a garden

9 Ways You Can Show Appreciation for Mother Nature this Earth Day

Make Earth Day 2023 the day that you finally start the garden you’ve always wanted to! It can be a vegetable garden, herb garden, flower garden, or all of the above. Even if you have little to no outdoor space, you can start a small garden indoors using plant pots or containers.

Go on a picnic

Rounding off the list with a fun activity that anyone can do on Earth Day, go on a picnic! Make it a date or gather up your friends and family. Pack a lunch that’s as low-effort or extravagant as you want, and head over to a local park. Relax and simply enjoy the company of Mother Nature and your loved ones. Bonus points if you keep your phone turned off!

America’s Only Caribbean Heritage Museum, Island SPACE, Reopens Bigger and Better in 2023

By
Calibe Thompson
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The founders of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum at the ribbon cutting // Photo: Eric Greaves

The vibrant colors of Caribbean culture were on full display, Saturday, April 8th at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum.

Guests of all ages from the Caribbean region, and from far beyond — nearly 600 people over the course of the day — passed through the facility’s new location. They explored the archive and the Women Warriors-themed exhibition of art and Caribbean sheroes that were on display. 

America’s Only Caribbean Heritage Museum, Island SPACE, Reopens Bigger and Better in 2023
America’s Only Caribbean Heritage Museum, Island SPACE, Reopens Bigger and Better in 2023
America’s Only Caribbean Heritage Museum, Island SPACE, Reopens Bigger and Better in 2023
America’s Only Caribbean Heritage Museum, Island SPACE, Reopens Bigger and Better in 2023
America’s Only Caribbean Heritage Museum, Island SPACE, Reopens Bigger and Better in 2023
America’s Only Caribbean Heritage Museum, Island SPACE, Reopens Bigger and Better in 2023

Day Time Celebration

The day started with a performance by the Winston Park Elementary Steel Band, followed by a ribbon cutting by Island SPACE board president, Calibe Thompson, executive director, Steven Meza, and past president David I. Muir. Muir and Thompson are co-founders of the museum. 

The first 50 guests received welcome packages, including promotional swag from some of the museum’s partners, including FPL and The Bahamas. 

The children thrilled the crowd with their renditions of songs like “Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot,” and enjoyed a bit of Kumina-inspired cultural Jamaican dancing led by “Queen” Maxine Osborne. 

America’s Only Caribbean Heritage Museum, Island SPACE, Reopens Bigger and Better in 2023
Island SPACE former President, David I. Muir, leads a tour throughout the new space.

For the remainder of the day, Muir led group tours through the archive, ending in the gallery area, affectionately known as “The Verandah.” There, on display, was artwork by Michelle Drummond and Krystle Sabdul of Jamaica, and Sonya Sanchez-Arias of Trinidad and Tobago — part of the “Earth, Water and Skin: Caribbean Women in Art” exhibit, and information panels as part of the “Caribbean Sheroes” cultural exhibit supported by the Community Foundation of Broward.

In the Caribbean heritage museum’s bonus room, guests enjoyed snacks of bun and cheese, as well as patties donated by a local Golden Krust restaurant, and drink refreshments provided by museum partner Grace Foods. In the bonus room, guests also enjoyed games of dominoes and Ludo — traditional Caribbean pastimes.

Museum partners, The Bahamas and the Jamaica Tourist Board, had a presence, greeting guests with authentic island vibes.

Private Reception

At the conclusion of the public portion of the day, the room was reset to receive a gathering of select community partners and leaders for a private reception.

Muir expressed to the packed room the importance of Caribbean culture and the Caribbean community, particularly in the South Florida landscape. “One in four South Floridians was born in the Caribbean,” he shared. “So representation matters.”

VIPs in attendance included Angelica Rosas of funding organization the Community Foundation of Broward, Camila Clark and Neki Mohan from Visit Lauderdale, Broward County’s tourism marketing agency, and Dr. Solanges Vivens, sponsor of the museum’s spectacular new entry signage.

America’s Only Caribbean Heritage Museum, Island SPACE, Reopens Bigger and Better in 2023
Island SPACE President, Calibe Thompson (left), pictured with Dr. Vivens (right) in front of the sign she generously sponsored for the museum.

The evening’s program was hosted by Lasana Smith, founder of GAROI Media and a board member at Island SPACE, and Commissioner Winston Barnes of the City of Miramar and WAVS Radio. Queen Maxine did a final cultural presentation for the evening, and Thompson closed the evening with a speech appealing to the audience for their support, partnership and contributions.

“When people walk in,” she said of the new location, “they feel like they have a connection to the region. People walk by and they stare, or they ask whether they can come in, or they’re fascinated by the idea of a place that represents them; that represents the culture that they left behind when they chose America.”

Guests enjoyed ice cream from Mr. Flavors, coffee from Xaymaca Coffee Traders, welcome punch presented by Barbados, in support of their upcoming Food and Rum festival, and delicious hors d’oeuvres provided by Sarita Martine Bistro.

Guests left, invigorated and inspired, looking forward to the many and varied programming activities on the museum’s upcoming calendar.

Donate at islandspacefl.org/donate.

Learn about upcoming events at islandspacefl.org/events.

Visit islandspacefl.org to learn more. 

Jamaican Scotch Boyz Sauces are Coming to Target Stores Near You

By
Hannah Gulics
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All founders at SIAL in 2019

In the summer of 2012, four friends in their mid-twenties entered a BBQ competition together to see if they could capture and share the grill master crown. Their key ingredient was Jamaican scotch bonnet pepper, and they appropriately named their team “Scotch Boyz.” The Boyz won the competition with the recipe that would become their Island BBQ Sauce, and quickly became highly sought-after for their signature flavor. Seeing the opportunity clearly in front of them, they began to bottle the condiment for sale, and, in 2015, Scotch Boyz was born.

Jamaican Scotch Boyz Sauces are Coming to Target Stores Near You
Neil Hudson and Drew Gray at the BBQ Competition representing Scotch Boyz.

What happened between that grill master competition in 2012 and your 2015 relaunch and what made you decide to take it beyond friends and family to the mass market?

After we won the BBQ competition, friends, acquaintances and people who had attended the BBQ competition kept coming up to us to ask where they could get the sauces. When one of our cheapest friends offered to pay for the sauce, we knew we had something special. Based on the overwhelming response, we decided to launch the Scotch Boyz as a brand and we haven’t looked back since. 

It seems the four Scotch Boyz work together from far and wide. Who are the members of your team and what does each of you do?

We all grew up together as childhood friends. There’s Neil Hudson, who leads our sales efforts. Neil is currently based in Atlanta. Drew Gray manages our manufacturing operations. He has over 10 years of experience in the agro-processing industry. He is based in Westmoreland, Jamaica. Matthew Wallace drives our brand strategy and has over 10 years experience in the hospitality industry. Matthew is also located in Westmoreland, Jamaica. Kemar Swaby is our Creative Director, based in New York. If you like the Scotch Boyz branding, then you can thank Kemar!

Jamaican Scotch Boyz Sauces are Coming to Target Stores Near You
Neil, Drew and Kemar

How much can you share about the secret in your secret sauce, and which varieties are your favorites?

Drew actually perfected the sauce based on a recipe his grandfather had created in Portland, Jamaica over 70 years ago. For us, it’s extremely important that we’re using the freshest ingredients in our sauces. They help to create the vibrant flavors that our customers love and keep coming back to. 

Each of us has a favorite, with the Island BBQ sauce and the Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce in a tie for first place. The Island BBQ is extremely versatile and can be used as a marinade or directly on meals. It packs some unbelievable flavor. The Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce has a unique and distinctive flavor. The heat slowly creeps up on you and leaves you with a tingling sensation. It’s really a feast for the senses. 

Jamaican Scotch Boyz Sauces
Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce
Jamaican Scotch Boyz Sauces
Island BBQ Sauce

Explain the ethos behind the Scotch Boyz brand.

Scotch Boyz believes in the power of a tiny seed to transform communities. As a brand, our goal is to have a positive impact on our local community while growing our business. It’s very important to us that our success also means success for the local farming community in Jamaica. 

Small farmers are the heartbeat of our local community. Outside of their own families they also supply residents with food and support the other local industries. We all grew up in rural Jamaica, where we saw how the economic insecurity of the farmers directly affected the viability of the other residents in the community. As products of this region, we have a passion for our home and a desire to see the area develop and the residents succeed. Paying a premium for the ingredients we source locally seemed like the best way to give back, as we seek to create a more sustainable network.

The Give Back Tracker concept was born out of our desire to highlight the significant contribution of small farmers. Once developed, customers will be able to scan a QR code on their bottle, which will then link that particular sauce to a specific farm in Jamaica. Customers can then track the progress of the farms associated with their purchases and watch as they grow. 

As of April 2023, your products are available at Target stores around the United States. Congrats on that amazing accomplishment and making Jamaica proud! How did you get to this point and what thoughts did you have when you learned about that win for your brand?

When we launched in Jamaica, we had such a positive response to our products, but we knew we wanted to take the business global. Along our journey, we partnered with the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), a government body dedicated to promoting export and investment opportunities in Jamaica and abroad. JAMPRO helped to open the doors for us, as we were part of a trade mission in 2019 to SIAL Canada, the largest food trade show in North America.

Since then, we’ve had new opportunities to put our brand on the map, including a partnership with TJ Maxx to place our products on the shelves in the UK and Europe, and finding a home in over 30 stores across Canada. However, most notably, in 2022 we were honored by the New Voices Foundation and Shea Moisture as one of the winners of the Next Black Millionaire Fund, an amazing opportunity that has helped to push our brand forward as we try to break into the US market. 

What are some of the notable differences in the scope of your business from the time you first started Scotch Boyz until now?

We are much more mature in our business practices and scale. The brand started in Jamaica where we were doing a few cases a month and in March 2023 we imported a full container to America. The brand also found success in Europe where we launched in 600 stores across the United Kingdom, Germany and Poland. We have twice weekly meetings where we run through our dashboards for sales, marketing, inventory, and supply chain. When we first started we ran the entire business solely on WhatsApp messages. It’s been a process to put these systems in place but they have helped us scale and plan and not be purely reactive. 

Jamaican Scotch Boyz Sauces are Coming to Target Stores Near You
The Scotch Boyz founders.

What has been the best part of this journey for you all so far?

It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you’re creating something with your friends. As the brand has grown, we’ve been able to celebrate the wins together as a team and honestly, there’s nothing better than that. On the bad days, it’s a comfort to know that your friends have your back and we can support each other through the disappointments. We are also showing the world that four Black men can build and scale a successful business while investing in the local community. 

What is the most important piece of advice you would give to other Caribbean entrepreneurs who also want to reach a national platform?

Being an entrepreneur requires resilience and creativity, two traits that are in abundance among Caribbean people. There are so many challenges on the road to partnering with a major national retailer but don’t be discouraged, we often think that we have to do everything on our own but it’s important to also rely on others in your journey.  

What is the hardest part of being an entrepreneur?

The hardest part of being an entrepreneur is that you have to become immune to the word “no” and keep going. 

Scotch Boyz Jamaican Sauces
Scotch Boyz sauces.

Where do you see your business in the next five or ten years?

We have so many plans for the Scotch Boyz brand. We’re hoping to continue to expand the brand across the US and appear in other major retail chains in the near future. Within the next five years we hope to release new sauces and optimize the current line of sauces. All of our sauces except the Honey Scotch are vegan friendly and we will launch a vegan “honey” line of sauces using plant based sweeteners. We also plan to open a restaurant, featuring our sauces, first in Jamaica and then the United States. It’s only up from here. 

What does it mean to you all to represent Jamaica in this way, and how are you using your platform to celebrate or positively impact the community?

It means so much to us, truly an indescribable feeling. We take such pride in being Jamaican-made and Jamaican-owned. Jamaica has had such a large cultural and culinary impact on the world and it’s a privilege to contribute to the tradition.  We don’t take it lightly that we are cultural ambassadors for the brand.  In fact Neil, one of our co-founders had to get permission from the Prime Minister of Jamaica’s office to even place the Jamaican flag on our labels. 

Jamaican Scotch Boyz Sauces are Coming to Target Stores Near You
Drew and Matthew giving back at a local school.

As our business has grown, we’ve been sure to re-invest in our local community through our partnership with over 200 small farmers and local schools. Besides paying a premium for their ingredients, we have also made an effort to help train the farmers on more sustainable and effective farming practices, which would help them to improve their yields and shore up the supply chain. We have also participated in projects to improve the infrastructure and supplies at local schools. Our most recent project has been in collaboration with a construction firm to build a walkway connecting the main school building to the restrooms so that students can easily access that area when it rains. 

All images courtesy of Scotch Boyz

Ways To Incorporate Luxury Decor in Your Beach House

By
Emma Radebaugh
-
0
Ways To Incorporate Luxury Decor in Your Beach House

Whether it’s a forever home or a vacation home, living by the beach is a luxury. You get a view that many people only dream of having and can enjoy the sound of waves any time of the day. When furnishing your beach home, it can be hard to define what aesthetic you want to go for. Finding the perfect balance between luxury and tropical will help you create the perfect space.

Here are a few ways to incorporate luxury decor in your beach house to help you on your journey to excellent interior design.

Adorn the Walls With Unique Artwork

Mounting art pieces can enhance your space and make your house feel like a home. Add artwork to your entrance, living room, bedroom, hallways, and anywhere with a naked wall.

You can also incorporate the environment’s culture into your home. Purchasing artwork from local artists will make your space more unique and personal. You can also adorn one of your bigger walls with a mural painting or mirror for a unique look.

Install Statement Light Fixtures

Lighting is one of the most important elements in your home. It can make or break a space, and by adding a statement fixture, you can make your space feel luxurious—even the bathroom. If your bathroom lacks windows or proper lighting, you can spruce up the space with decorative and functional lighting. You can even add a dimmer to the light switch to create your desired ambience.

Focus on Tropical Neutrals

Another way to incorporate luxury decor into your beach home is by focusing on tropical neutrals. Think white, beige, light blue, and muted greens. By starting with a neutral canvas, you can add more colors with decorative pieces. However, it’s best to keep the walls white or beige so that your beach home stays tranquil.

Have a Variety of Textures Throughout Your Home

One of the best ways to decorate your home is by mixing and matching textures. The key to establishing the proper contrast of patterns and colors is by using different textures throughout your home. Begin with your flooring and furniture and create central points in your rooms. For example, you can make your darker wall pop with brighter furniture pieces and contrasting art pieces. Adding textured pillows on a smoother couch or adding different patterned accessories to a plainer room can also work great.

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ISLAND ORIGINS MAGAZINE is a lifestyle brand that reflects the Caribbean American community. It celebrates the accomplishments and seeks the advice of our high achievers, explores the complex social issues that affect us and our neighbors, and enjoys the frivolities of design, fashion and entertainment inspired by our colorful cultures.

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