Gems From Friends

Faith Callender has taken the Caribbean music industry by storm. For the last ten years, she has worked tirelessly cultivating her sound and talent, evolving into a charismatic performer on and off the stage. Her bold fashion style makes a head-to-toe statement, meticulously curated from striking hairstyles to artfully polished nails and flawless makeup. Faith’s career has fueled her love of trave...

As the Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds needs no introduction. Her pitch-perfect vocals have continuously enriched the genre since the 1980s and her zestful live performances can energize any fete. Her time in the iconic band Square One helped mould her as an artist and performer, working with a shared determination to bring an unforgettable experience into any studio, club, or stage they stepped on. A...

A candid conversation between Alex Jordan and Matthew of "Gems From Friends" during a season break. They reflect on the impact of a previous episode, discussing its resonance with viewers, particularly women, on topics like aging, race, and societal pressures. The discussion then broadens to critique social media's negative influence, especially on youth and body image, drawing paral...

When Last has there been a deejay, event promoter, graphic artist, and record producer all rolled into one? Jus Jay King has taken the world by storm releasing hit after hit and producing some of the biggest events in Barbados and across the globe. Always going against the grain, Jus Jay kept his Mind Off naysayers and pursued his own unique path. Dancing and singing at school pageants was the sta...

With titles like actor, singer, stylist, motivational speaker, social media star, and CEO of multiple businesses, Ahknaten Burrowes is a creative entrepreneur magnate with an unmatched confidence. He has grown his brand to be synonymous with quality and luxury by being intentional with his goals and rising above any hurdle that comes his way. And no matter what avenue Akhnaten goes down, he contin...

Dr Kevin Greenidge is an inspiration to Barbadians everywhere. His ability to dream carried him throughout his career, from starting as an intern at the bank almost 30 years ago to becoming the Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados. Nevertheless, the road to the governorship was not a smooth path. Dr. Greenidge persevered in his academic pursuits, working various jobs in between obtaining his d...

It's impossible to think of reggae in Barbados without thinking of Buggy Nhakente. Dedicated to music since childhood, he has continuously worked towards becoming the best artist he could be. Growing up influenced by Bajan legends like Lil Rick, Peter Ram, and Shakey Ranks, Buggy was able to develop a voice that captures audiences and conscious lyrics that inspire listeners. His collaborative spir...

Scratch Master is an embodiment of his name. His knowledge and understanding of music go beyond the average deejay, from expertly crafting mixes for daily enjoyment to electrifying live sets at parties worldwide. He has worked with legends in the industry such as Machel Montano, Bunji Garland, and Problem Child, engineering albums and bringing us some of our favourite songs to have on repeat. His...

Growing up surrounded by music watching his father play in the popular Bajan band 4D People, Jaicko Lawrence knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue music professionally. Learning everything he could about music and production from his dad and other local legends, Jaicko was able to hone his pen and his craft. By seventeen, he was signed to a major record label and released his first debut...

Although watching your favourite performers on stage with flashing lights and pyrotechnics is fun, a concert would be nothing without good sound. Thanks to talented sound engineers like Eliseus Joseph, audiences can enjoy shows with a clear and balanced audio experience. Consistently pursuing his goals and seeking opportunities helped pave the way for his dream job. Successfully touring with A-lis...

From the tattoos on his skin to the lyrics in his songs, Simon Pipe is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve. A quick scroll through his Instagram page will show you a life full of art, love, and peaceful beach days with his sons; a life Simon worked hard to achieve after dealing with years of substance abuse. His transparency about his addiction continues to inspire those around him, reminding...

For Shane Eastmond, the world is his canvas. His distinctive style blending abstract realism, vibrant colour, and meticulous linework creates eye-catching recognizable pieces. From intricate murals highlighting our history and culture to stunning gallery pieces, Shane’s work can be found across the island and hanging in private homes around the world. He has broken past the “starving artist” stere...

Hayley Matthews’ life has always been immersed in cricket. Growing up watching her dad play sparked a love for the sport and by ten years old, she had the dream to play for the West Indies team. Hayley’s determination to be the best player she could be led her to become captain of the under-13 boys team at school while continuously dominating tournaments across the Caribbean. Before long, her hard...

We couldn’t think of anyone better to close off our fourth season than Barbados’ very own Shontelle Layne. As a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and platinum artist, she has worked with legends in the music industry including Nicholas Brancker, Alison Hinds, Akon, Beyonce, and Rihanna (just to name a few). Whether recording hit records with the industry’s top producers or touring around the worl...

If you’re looking to start a fitness journey in order to transform your life, Doddy Dodson is the man to talk to. Fueled by his in-depth knowledge and genuine passion for the science behind fitness, Doddy is able to craft truly unique programs that cater to any person’s goals, regardless of where they’re starting from. Combining Doddy’s detailed nutrition plans with his diverse bootcamps and train...

Danielle Moore is the embodiment of turning a hobby into a successful business. Following YouTube videos to improve her flexibility sparked a passion that led her to become a yoga instructor. Her business, DemiYoga Fitness, has since continued to grow, offering specialized classes, providing yoga gear, and will soon be opening its own studio space. Danielle believes that yoga is for everyone and p...

When it comes to comedy in Barbados, nobody takes it more seriously than Simon Alleyne. Affectionately known as Koke of the comedic duo, Rum and Koke, every skit and standup act becomes a platform for Simon to showcase Bajan comedy. Fueled by laughter and camaraderie, Simon's monthly standup show, Cocktails and Comedy, uplifts the comedic community by giving local comedians a stage to hone the...

DJ Ras lives to entertain people. His vibrant energy is contagious and can brighten anyone’s day, whether it’s via TV, radio, or partying on a cruise. He believes that interacting with people allows you to understand their experiences from a new perspective. Above all, Ras enjoys connecting with people, a true extrovert who flourishes when surrounded by his community. But Ras is the first to admit...

Few people have a drive comparable to Shelly Williams when it comes to building a business. From starting a luxury concierge service from scratch to taking on the monumental task of being chairman of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., she continues to work tirelessly on any entrepreneurial venture she takes. Shelly embraces new possibilities, constantly learning and adapting to the ever-changing lan...

With her effortless poise and on-screen charisma, it's hard to believe Belle Holder didn't always envision a career in broadcasting. Her accomplishments in multimedia broadcasting go beyond her natural talent. Belle’s inherent curiosity has driven her to explore and experience new things, gaining knowledge and skills that have become invaluable assets in her field. Through the use of visua...

As a seasoned deejay playing on various radio stations over the years, DJ Tami is no stranger to our ears. She has thrived in a male-dominated industry, bringing valuable female perspectives to the airwaves. Through her authenticity and on-air openness, she has the unique skill of connecting with listeners beyond the broadcast booth simply by being unapologetically Tami. And her natural understand...

Dr. Crystal Haynes is a powerhouse of a woman. Beyond her notable service in the Senate, Dr. Haynes is a renowned physician and philanthropist making a significant impact in our communities, particularly for women and girls. She demonstrates inspiring strength and dedication, balancing the multifaceted demands of her work while prioritizing her role as a loving wife and mother.  However, we all kn...

Phil Archer has turned himself into an army knife with the roles and skills he's developed over the years. Musician, recording engineer, drone operator, fixer - if it's creative and related to production, he can get it done. Phil's openness to learning and being prepared for new opportunities has led him to jobs he never could have imagined - including helping Netflix produce one of th...

In this episode, we dive headfirst into conversation with renowned musician and producer Nicholas Brancker. With 45 years in the music and entertainment industry, Brancker shares his unfiltered perspective around balancing creative expression and business while staying true to your philosophies. We discuss the challenges of managing creativity as a means of work while trying to evolve artistically...

Before you get to watching, we're telling you from the jump: do not watch this episode while hungry. The way Chef Creig Greenidge speaks about food will leave you craving for something delectable. As one of Barbados' top chefs, he has won countless awards around the world, giving people a literal taste of Bajan culture. In this episode, we discuss finding balance between family and work, t...