TURN UP: Interview with Soca Star Bunji Garlin
While we still argue about the former, the latter has simmered into an appreciation and reverence for all things Caribbean music. Admittedly, I used to be one of those "I can't stand soca!" types, but life has gotten infinitely better since I righted the wrongs of my ways - and Bunji Garlin, one of my favourite soca artists, is a major part of that turnaround.
I STAND WITH ISHAWNA: Dancehall's 'Equal Rights' Fight
Dancehall artist Ishawna recently released her new single, "Equal Rights," which explicitly details her preferences for a sexual partner who can provide her the oral satisfaction she desires. Now - dancehall enthusiasts know that discussing the merits of heterosexual sex is not off-limits in the music, and explicit lyrics ensure that the point is not misconstrued. However, dancehall's (and Jamaica's overall) patriarchal culture has normalized the permission for male dancehall artists to speak on sex as they see fit, and hypocritically clutches its pearls at a woman doing the same.
WHAT'S NEXT: Birthdays And The Promise Of New Days
My mom tells me that she laboured for a fairly long time when I was born. I finally made my grand appearance on the evening of May 10th, then caught my first sunrise on May 11th, beginning my first full day of life.
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BLACK + WOMAN: The Complications Of Courtesy, Femininity, & Taking Up Space
The creation of the construct of Blackness through slavery matched with colonialism, colourism, and pandering to the perceived fragility of White women (whether they're actually fragile or not) have greatly impacted the perception of Black women and Black femininity.
IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU: Broadening Canada's Media Landscape
It's always entertaining to watch the reactions of someone who realizes something isn't about them, when they're used to everything being about them. Similarly, it's hilarious to watch what happens when someone is forced to share, especially when it's clear that sharing is the most unnatural thing to them.
NEW MOVES: How My Side Hustle Changed The Course Of My Career
As I get older, I've come to believe that what's meant for us is truly for us. Through some of my most difficult disappointments, I've only gotten through by clutching onto the belief that the right opportunities would come along and I'd find my sweet spot.
LOVE LOST: Falling Out Of/Back In Love With My Hair
The love affair between my hair and I has hit a rough patch. Nearly a decade after growing out my relaxer and joining #TeamNatural, I've regressed in my hair adoration and I'm almost back at that insecure, "not sure what I'm doing" stage I found myself in after my big chop.
FORGIVE/FORGET: Living Through The Process Of Forgiveness
I needed a reminder that I was still a good person. You see, last week I found myself months-deep in my email inbox, looking for a document for the ever-dreaded tax season. I typed some keywords into the search bar, hit enter, and watched the results populate.
OH HELL YES: Making Space For Life To Take Shape
The work I want to do, the experiences I want to have, the goals I want to achieve - none of them will come to fruition if there isn't space for them to thrive. I took a big leap by leaving my job and taking on a new role that gives me more time for my family, my writing, and my other projects.