DysChick
Don't Try to Divide We

The Question of the Essequibo

On December 3rd, Venezuela will hold a referendum to decide whether to formally claim Essequibo, a region long disputed with Guyana, as a Venezuelan state. Should they decide to move forward with the claim, Guyana would lose over 70% of its territory, much of which has been the source of the nation’s newfound wealth.

Don't Try to Divide We
DysChick
I Takin' A Mental Day

New Year, More Naps

Hello and Happy 2023!

I can’t believe how much happened in 2022. We came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mia Mottley secured a second 5-year term as Prime Minister of Barbados, Russia started a war with Ukraine, and Herschel Walker lost the Georgia election - but so did Stacey Abrams. You know, yin… yan.  The same was true for DysChick. Despite personal tragedies, I was able to be outside like garb – nope.  I refuse to make that a phrase.

So what’s my plan for 2023? Rest.

I Takin' A Mental Day
DysChick
Anything wey you do, dem must commentate

Tipsy in Miami

If you’ve been following DysChick, you know that I have a fear of flying; however, I have a greater fear of missing out on an epic event. Tipsy in Miami announced that it would feature the King of Soca and the King of Afrobeats and the FOMO was just too real.

Machel Montano has been making the rounds this year promoting his brand, encouraging nations to “Save the Soil,” and making sure that you know he is still the King of Soca after 40 years in the business. Burna Boy is the most popular Afrobeats artiste right now with his hit single “Last Last” reaching over 6 million streams on Spotify.

With these two heavyweights on the bill, you know DysChick had to fly to fete! Yet despite having the top artistes, the event was not E-P-I-C.

Anything wey you do, dem must commentate
DysChick
For All of the Women of the World

We Need NOW Now!

So let's recap America’s first six months of 2022:

Are we great yet? No? Okay, how about this, we just decided to revoke a woman’s right to chose when and if she wants to become a mother.

For All of the Women of the World
DysChick
It's All About the High Life

Is Machel working with a godman or a conman?

We released our second episode of Season 6 of the Rant and Rave podcast. In this episode we talk about Machel Montano and Indian super yogi Sadhguru’s campaign to “Save the Soil.” The campaign has already resulted in six Caribbean nations (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, and Barbados) signing the Memorandum of Understanding and pledging to adopt long-term policy to safeguard soil and promote ecologically-friendly initiatives. We RANT about what this means for Caribbean tourism, the economy, and what we can do to reverse the climate crisis. But who is Sadhguru?

It's All About the High Life

Money Can't Buy Love

Money Can't Buy Love

His Money vs. Her Money

Gold Diggers and Sugar Daddies are reeling at the news that Bill and Melinda Gates are getting divorced. Bill Gates is ranked #4 on Forbes’ list of the wealthiest people. His estimated net worth is $130 Billion and that has people speculating about how the money will be divided.

You know I’m all about the comments section and I’m seeing an interesting trend. While news outlets say things like “The couple did not reveal how they will divide their mega fortune,” many in the public refer to the wealth as his money. In marriages that are true partnerships, this is a flawed phrase.

For the Love of the Music

For the Love of the Music

Caribbean Music Marketing Recap

First, thank you to everyone who attended the Clubhouse Chat “Caribbean Music Marketing: Real Solutions” on January 13th where we provided Caribbean artistes actionable advice from professional Marketers on how to use social media, podcasts, Influencers, and marketing copy to take their music career to the next level.

The panel included DJ Jel, Mikelah, Melly Rose, and Deanna.

What I thought would be a one-hour chat turned into a two hour discussion with gems being dropped left and right. Since Clubhouse does not yet allow seamless recording, I’m giving you the 3 key takeaways from each panelist.

Counting My Blessings

Counting My Blessings

Holidays Hit Different in 2020

By now, we would all be amped for holiday sales and spending time with family, but 2020 changed all of that. The United States is now in the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic and there are new travel and socializing restrictions. Right now, many are struggling to get into the holiday spirit this year. Although this has been a craptastic storm of WTF, it hasn’t been all bad. Instead of complaining, I’m counting my blessings.

I Am African

I Am African

Why #ENDSARS is bigger than Nigeria

Since Oct 7th, protestors in Nigeria have been using the #ENDSARS hashtag to bring attention to the atrocities perpetrated by the country's Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). On October 23rd, I went live on Instagram with Nigerian-American influencer Glitteratie to break down the history behind the tensions, the demands of the protestors, and why the #ENDSARS movement should be a wake up call for all Black people.

The Voice Ah De People

The Voice Ah De People

Guyana - Politics and Unrest

In February, I went back to my parents’ homeland to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary. The celebration was vibrant and energetic - a true representation of the spirit of Guyanese people. However, Guyana has since had its share of turmoil. From the multiple recounts and confusion over the election in March to a Black Lives Matter movement following the death of two young men, Isaiah and Joel Henry, Guyanese say they are apprehensive about the country’s future.

Want to play mas. Teach me how to dance.

Want to play mas. Teach me how to dance.

Cultural Appreciation vs. Cultural Appropriation

Let me catch you up on what has been the talk of the soca world for the past few days. During a recent panel discussion, Caucasian dancer White Chocolate (neé Josh Butler) stated that he is paving the way for Black dancers/influencers. And that’s where everything went left.

Yo Ka Parlé, Parlé, Parlé

Yo Ka Parlé, Parlé, Parlé

Okay, but did you watch "Cuties"?

Several friends reached out to me over the past few days to ask my thoughts on the Netflix movie “Cuties".” I had not seen it, but I certainly saw all of the dialogue surrounding the provocative dancing of pubescent girls. Despite the outrage and it’s 89% Rotten Tomatoes rating, many involved in the conversation admitted that they did not actually watch the film. Well, for those of you who saw the clip of young girls dancing to Yemi Alade’s “Bum Bum,” there’s actually more nuance to the film than that.

, , , ,

Ah Fed Up!

, , , ,
Ah Fed Up!

My Feteless Summer

Brooklynites are likely still coming to grips with the summer of disappointments. Carnivals were cancelled, we were on lockdown, and Labor Day was just another holiday. While many were willing to deal with fete withdrawal, some promoters still found a way to put on events that were purported to offer reprieve from our quarantine doldrums. As a fete junkie, I found myself hesitant to purchase tickets to events that would either be sparse or possibly get shut down for not complying with city mandates. While I’m glad I saved my money after seeing what the more unscrupulous promoters offered, there were actually some events that I regret missing.