Reels & Riddims

Send us Fan Mail In this season finale we take a deep dive into the 2012 film Home Again , a gripping Caribbean drama that explores what happens when deportees are forced to return to a country they barely know. Starring Tatyana Ali, Stephan James, and Lyriq Bent, Home Again brings to life the emotional and social challenges faced by those sent back to Jamaica from the U.S., UK, and Canada. We unp...

Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights the creative journey behind the film Sugar Dumplin , focusing on its themes of family, identity, and the impact of dementia. Tristan Barrocks and Donisha Prendergast share their insights on cultural representation and the importance of community engagement in the narrative. • Discussion on the personal motivations behind creating Sugar Dumplin • Exploration...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore two fascinating documentaries through Caribbean cultural perspectives - "Sprint" on Netflix and "Dreams of a Life" on Amazon Prime - offering unique insights on Olympic track stars and a mysterious woman who died alone in her apartment, undiscovered for three years. "Sprint" follows Olympic track stars like Noah Lyles, Sha&...

Send us Fan Mail After 22 years, we finally watch the 2003 film "One Love" starring Kymani Marley and Cherine Anderson, with a pre-fame Idris Elba playing a supporting role. This romantic drama explores forbidden love between a Rastafarian musician and a Pentecostal preacher's daughter who meet at a music competition in Jamaica.  Listen for our take on the movie.  Connect with us: ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss our spring watchlists. Shows discussed in this episode: "Swagger" (Apple TV) delivers authentic portrayal of young Black basketball players navigating social movements and showcasing Black joy "Court of Gold" (Netflix) and "I Beat the Dream Team" (HBO Max)  "Paradise" on Hulu presents an intriguing take on end-of-...

Send us Fan Mail We take a deep dive into t he 1978 film Rockers, exploring its cultural significance and impact on the Rastafarian movement through reggae music. The episode connects the dots between the film’s portrayal of community perseverance and the historical context of 1970s Jamaica. • Exploration of the film's setting in 1970s Jamaica • Discussion of the filmmakers and their approach...

Send us Fan Mail Mikey T's documentary "Jamaica Story" serves as a rich exploration of Jamaican culture, identity, and the diaspora's impact on societal growth. Through diverse perspectives, the episode addresses critical issues including migration, media representation, and the importance of community action. • Discussion on the importance of accessible projects for cultural d...

Send us Fan Mail "Get Millie Black" unearths the layers of family dynamics, ambition and crime through the lens of Jamaican culture. As Millie navigates a complex investigation, the show reveals deeper societal issues, intertwining personal traumas with broader cultural challenges.  • Exploration of familial complexities and unresolved traumas  • Representation of queerness and the LGBTQ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore our winter watchlists, diving into thrilling series and documentaries that capture our attention and reflect Caribbean cultural narratives. Our discussion of 'Cross' and 'Martha' showcases engaging storytelling. We also chat about creating a community around shared viewing experiences and share our excitement for upcoming releases. S...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss the Canadian-Jamaican drama, "Brother," a film that highlights the narratives of identity, family, and the immigrant experience within Toronto's vibrant Scarborough district. The story follows two brothers, Michael and Francis, as they grapple with the impact of familial absence and the struggles of immigrant families, uncovering themes o...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this festive episode where we dive into the magic of Christmas 🎄 movies through a Caribbean-American lens, featuring a special review of Boxing Day  (available on Amazon Prime) and share our top picks for holiday movies that blend humor, family, and tradition. Whether it’s Elf or This Christmas, our “Reels List” will give you all the cozy vibes for the season. Discover...

Send us Fan Mail What if a young rapper could rise to political prominence, transforming his life and the future of his nation? On this episode of Reels and Riddims, we take you on an extraordinary journey through the life of Moses "Shyne" Barrow. From the glitz and glamour of the rap world to the sober corridors of political power in Belize, Shyne's story is one of resilience and t...

Send us Fan Mail We've revamped our rating system with fresh categories that spotlight the magic of soundtracks and cultural settings. Originally, Reels & Riddims identified Accent, Character Development, and Storyline as essential elements to evaluate the authenticity and quality of Caribbean representation in media. Now, we’re excited to introduce a more comprehensive, five-part rating...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to season 3 of Reels and Riddims, where we bring a fresh perspective rooted in our Jamaican & Caribbean heritage and experiences in America.  In this episode we catch you up on all the shows and movies we’ve been into since Season 2 ended which includes hits like Hulu's Reasonable Doubt to Apple TV's Vince Vaughn's Bad Monkey. We also explore other capti...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on this episode of Reels and Riddims, where we discuss Candice Carty Williams' "Queenie," and its Hulu miniseries adaptation.  We dissect Queenie's tumultuous journey through her twenties, including her relationships, exploring her dating life, the influence of her family history, and the body fetishization she faces. We also try unravel the complexitie...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album managed to stay relevant across generations? Get ready to uncover the secrets behind its universal appeal as we celebrate its 40th anniversary! From our childhood memories of eagerly watching the groundbreaking "Thriller" music video to the way it continues to captivate our own children today, this episo...

Send us Fan Mail "Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell" is a Netflix documentary that pulls back the curtain, of the early life and influences of Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G.  Through never-before-seen home video footage, we witness the transformation of a Brooklyn boy into a global icon. The significance of Biggie's Jamaican heritage, his profound connection w...

Send us Fan Mail Our latest episode, features the film "Shirley," starring Regina King and directed by the visionary John Ridley. We break down the intricacies of Chisholm's presidential campaign, her indelible Barbadian-American heritage, and how her story resonates with the undercurrents of today's societal fabric. As watched the film we can't help but share a connection...

Send us Fan Mail 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"...

Send us Fan Mail 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 fam...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 platfor...

Send us Fan Mail 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 w...

Send us Fan Mail 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 islan...