Episode #5
Cultural Confidence, Caribbean Storytelling, & Growing Up Grenadian | Simon Frederick
Who do you think I’m not? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Ash sits down with acclaimed Grenadian-British filmmaker, visual artist, storyteller, director, and author Simon Frederick for a thought-provoking conversation about Caribbean identity, Black storytelling, heritage, cultural confidence, creativity, and purpose. Simon shares why he identifies foremost as a storyteller, reflects on his Grenadian and Trinidadian roots, finding home in Grenada, and the importance of Black and Caribbean creators owning their narratives.From Grenada’s creative renaissance and athletic excellence, including Kirani James, to collaboration across Grenadian music with artists such as Boyzie, Muddy, Dash, Mr. Gold'n, Sabrina Francis, and V'ghn, Simon explores what happens when a culture recognizes its own creative power. He also reflects on documenting iconic cultural figures, including photographing Naomi Campbell, and the influence of legends such as Harry Belafonte. So grab your tea, coffee, or a glass of wine, and let's talk di tings! Simon Frederick's book, The Cultural Contradictions: How We Say One Thing, Do Another, and Somehow Believe Both, is available now on Amazon. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Subscribe to Let's Talk Di Tings on YouTube so you’re notified when Part 2 is released next Friday.
