For years now, non conventional artists in The Bahamas have been without an avenue to showcase their talents. For some time it seemed like their cries were ignored. But Nadine Thomas- Brown heeded this call and as a result Roots and Culture, which is an entertainment show highlighting these performers, was born. “The Bahamas is a hot bed of untapped talent which has previously, had little to no exposure on the air or on television, except for a select few with contacts,” says the beautiful and talented mother of two. So without any capital or backing, Nadine, joined by her co-host Chris, embarked on an exciting journey as they sought to shine the light on all the talent the Bahamas has to offer. Although the journey proved to be difficult, the sacrifice was worth it as Roots and Culture is well into its second season and has lived up to its promise to showcase the talent of people throughout the Caribbean but especially in The Bahamas. Through insightful interviews, live performances and music videos, Roots and Culture has helped to boost the careers of many artists such as Tada, Bodine “Be” Johnson, Levin Wilson, Tessane Chin, Allison Hinds Rita Marley and a host of others who have all appeared on the show.
NADINE
eLIFE242: What got you interested in producing this TV show ?
Nadine(NB): The fact that Bahamians always say Bahamians don’t support their own. As a reporter I saw that the media does not support the artist. Mainly because in their ignorance they foolishly believe that people only want to hear about food and furniture- even housewives are interested in the entertainment industry …lol . How can people know and support something they never hear or see? Big ups to people like Randy C, Island Rhapsody, Artovation etc and ELife as well as BE TV and of Course Roots and Culture people can now get a taste of the flavors cooking in the 242 kitchen.
eLIFE242: You have been helping to promote local talent, hows that make you feel ?
NB: Helping to promote local talent is an unbelievable feeling, performers need a stage and with the help of people such as Meeting Place, Island Club, The HUB and now HardRock Cafe we’ve been able to do that, I get to network as well as meet all these fabulous talented people through whom I live vicariously.
eLIFE242: What has been your favorite episode so far ?
NB: My favorite episode was the anniversary top ten countdown show. It ran for one hour and I felt pleased that through all the challenges we’ve faced we’ve managed to bring the show this far.
eLIFE242: Well we know you also are a talented poet … how has that helped with the show ?
NB: I am a writer and a writer writes (lol ). I am not only a poet, I have modeled, I played the violin for over 20 years and I also sing [a bit] and dance, being artistically inclined helps with the shows because I know the struggles the artistes face and the joy that comes from being able to create something order soma people like.
eLIFE242: Where do you see Roots and Culture in the next 5 years ?
NB: I have so much hopes for the Industry it would boggle your mind. I hope cause so many people’s dreams are tied up in this industry. I am hoping that a breathrough will come and that Bahamian artists can rise up and show the world that it is small but not in talent. As far as Roots and Culture is concerned it is what it is, my hope is that it can remain relevant and change with the times and be of help to all the rising stars out there.
CHRIS
eLIFE242: How did you connect with Nadine ?
ChrisAdderley(CA): It was actually by fate I guess, I was a part of a FaceBook group that she was also in and she wrote a message to everyone in the group saying that she was lookin for someone to host an open mic show, I had only had stage experience from Da S.P.O.T but I sent her a message immediately and the following Wed. I was on stage at the Hub hosting express yourself. That was October of last year.
eLIFE242: What flavor do you bring to the show ?
CA: I think I bring that young, “everyone can now relate to us” vibe to the show. We are both serious artists but I think I represent and can relate better to the younger up and coming artists while Nadine is like the root of the whole operation keeping us grounded and appealing to artists that have been at this for a while and are also just waiting to see the day when Bahamian art and artists are given the appreciation and respect they deserve.
eLIFE242: Since working on the show, what has been your favorite moment ?
CA: My favourite moment since working on the show, anyone still remember Andre? LoL, For those that don’t know Andre he is extremely eloquent and can demand the attention of almost any crowd with very little work. Andre came in to the Hub to perform on one particular evening and in a crowded room of about 55 people for about 10 minutes, I’m almost sure that you would have been able to hear a pin drop on carpet because of how quiet the room went just to listen to this man speak. The audience was really hanging off of every word. For ten minutes, that got me right there.
eLIFE242: Where do you want to see the local entertainment and music industry in the next 5 years ?
CA: I feel like we’re really close man, it’s definitely comin.The next 5 years though, I see us as an entertainment capital. Its slowly becoming known that we actually have all this talent here and its only gonna take that one person to get to the position where they have the opportunity to show the world exactly just how much untapped talent we have in this archipelago of islands and how the new talks go now… Bam bam bam.. Dat one ova… LoL
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www.tvrootsnculture.com
