Episode 53: Shingai

Explicit content warning

01/06/21 • 60 min

This Episode is dedicated to my dear friend Alex Horsford whom the world lost tragically in 2016. We’ll always love you and we’ll never forget you bro. #AlexForever.

In 2009 I picked up a gig as a morning DJ at a radio station on the Caribbean island of Anguilla. My daily sidekick was Alex Horsford. Alex was a little over 10 years younger than I was. However he had an interest in photography, film.. really all things media. He was also the younger brother of one of my best friends. Alex had just finished high school and was awaiting answers from job applications. He decided to join me on air every morning. We had tons of fun and really added something new to the airwaves on the island.

On an island whose radio stations played primarily soca, calypso and reggae, we decided to cater to the persons who wanted something different in their mornings. We played soft rock, pop, zouk, groovy soca, commercial dancehall, 80s and pop music. Generally, I would pick the playlists. One day Alex told me that there was a song that he wanted me to play on air. This was a rare request from him. He said that a friend of his in the UK had introduced him to the song. We didn’t have the record, so I looked it up on youtube, ran the computer’s audio through the system and played it on air. The song was “Never forget you” by a group called the Noisettes.

I had never heard of the Noisettes. However, from the moment I discovered them, I indeed would never forget them. I was smitten. From that day we played that song over and over on air.

With Alex’s passing, the song came to mean even more to me. Over the years, I continued to follow the band’s lead singer, Shingai Shinowa, and her work. It was always a dream to interview her. I added her to my wish list for this podcast. I had no connections to her within my network. The likelihood of an interview was near zero. One night I took the chance. Why not I said to myself.... And so I began... Hello Shingai. I trust that this message greets you well...

To my surprise she responded directing me to the appropriate email address and even added that she was looking forward to my invitation for the interview. Needless to say, I was ecstatic!

Shingai Shinowa has a voice that you indeed can never forget. She was born and raised in London. Her parents are from Zimbabwe. She carries her family’s roots, culture and legacy boldly, proudly and most importantly unapologetically.

No matter what she has accomplished, she remains down to earth and as centered as ever. With undeniable talent, striking beauty and an incredible work ethic Shingai continues to win. She recently released her debut album, “Too Bold”. A wonderful collection of sounds that in my estimation encompass the many parts that make up Shingai and her extraordinary journey through life. I had the pleasure of speaking with her

This is the story... Thus far... Of Shingai Shoniwa.

This Episode is dedicated to my dear friend Alex Horsford whom the world lost tragically in 2016. We’ll always love you and we’ll never forget you bro. #AlexForever.

I had never heard of the Noisettes. However, from the moment I discovered them, I indeed would never forget them. I was smitten. From that day we played that song over and over on air.

To my surprise she responded directing me to the appropriate email address and even added that she was looking forward to my invitation for the interview. Needless to say, I was ecstatic!

This is the story... Thus far... Of Shingai Shoniwa.

Previous Episode

Episode 52: Jerome Willock

Jerome Willock is the definition of determination. After moving from his native Montserrat to Anguilla, Jerome continued to learn about his childhood passion. Flying. What began as a dream and quite frankly what seemed far-fetched, became his reality.

As luck would have it, his family moved into a house right next to the airport. Jerome would sit and watch planes land and take off at Anguilla’s airport, dreaming about flying one of the aircraft one day. After high school he worked for a telecommunications company. While many his age were partying and spending frivolously, Jerome was saving and focusing soley on his dream. He eventually gained employment at a local aviation company. This motivated him even more. With a stroke of luck, seemingly straight out of a movie, he was able to go to flight school and become a pilot.

Although flying smaller aircraft was a huge accomplishment, Jerome wanted more. He traveled through many hills and valleys, had several ups and downs. But today, Jerome has a mass of experience and is a pilot for one of Dubai's top airlines. He flies throughout the Middle East Europe and Africa. He is living his dream. Jerome’s story is certainly a testament to discipline hard work and never allowing your dreams to disappear. This is the tale of a little boy from a tiny island who has accomplished exactly what he set out to.

This is a story... thus far... of Jerome Willock.

Next Episode

Episode 54: Alwyn "Daddy Jones" Baptiste

Alwyn “Daddy Jones” Baptiste is a master craftsman. To music lovers in the Virgin and Leeward islands, he is not only a legend but a pop culture fixture. The master keyboardist, arranger and beat maker has been in the business of creating Soca hits for decades. There are very few producers that can match his creativity r his record of hits! Daddy Jones has produced for aritsts and bands and several islands and his productions include artists from several islands.

Growing up in St. Croix Daddy Jones was encouraged and inspired by his father, Alwyn Baptiste Sr. He remembers literally sitting at his father’s side observing his prowess, not only as a composer but as a musician. He marveled at his ability and the respect his dad had among fellow musicians. Through his teens Jones tried his hand at different sports. He was a high-level performer academically and at one point thought seriously about going to law school. As disciplined a person as he is, he more than likely would have succeeded. However, as he indicates, he had no choice. Music had a hold of him since childhood and it would not let go.

At carnival time, Alwyn Baptiste puts on his cape and transforms into Daddy Jones, the musical superhero that has inspired legions of keyboardists and rhythm programmers across the Caribbean. He has produced for some of the Caribbean’s best including the late “Daddy Friday”. Daddy Jones has won coveted Road March titles in an unprecedented 6 countries.

As much as he has accomplished, Daddy Jones is not yet done. He has his eyes set on taking his brand of Soca production into the rest of the world. He is determined to make the would bounce to a Daddy Jones Riddim.

This is the story... thus far... of Alwyn “Daddy Jones” Baptiste.