The Creative Frequency Podcast

Today on The Creative Frequency Podcast, we welcome a true multi-hyphenate visionary whose career defies traditional boundaries, seamlessly bridging the worlds of high finance, commercial law, national politics, and Jamaican music culture: Mr. Mark J. Golding.While many know him as a leading Jamaican attorney, an Oxford, Norman Manley Law School, & The University of London-educated legal scholar, as well as a prominent investment banker who co-founded pioneering financial institutions like Dehring Bunting & Golding (DB&G) and Proven Investments Limited. He is also the Senior Partner of HART MUIRHEAD FATTA: one of Jamaica’s Leadership Law firms. Mr. Golding’s trajectory has always been deeply intertwined with the heartbeat of Caribbean creativity. His entry into the music business actually began during his days as a law student in the 1980s, when he stepped into the role of concert promoter, organizing a major live show featuring legendary reggae acts including Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond, and Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers.That early passion evolved into a serious creative pursuit in the late 1990s when he partnered with Ray Hitchins to form the independent music label and production house, Riverside Music. Far from a silent investor, Mr. Golding possessed a deep, wide-ranging knowledge of reggae and an immersive love for DJs and Dancehall culture. As a lyricist and producer, Mr. Golding developed a unique ability to write specifically for the voice and persona of the artists he collaborated with. His approach was built on genuine human connection—vibing with new artists, getting to know them deeply, and using that authentic interest to break the ice in the studio. This collaborative chemistry birthed award-winning music: Riverside Music went on to secure Jamaica Music Awards for both production and song arranging. Under their stewardship, the label worked with Toots Hibbert, Richie Stephens, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Brian and Tony Gold, Nadine Sutherland, Cindy Breakspeare, Buccaneer, Kris Bentley of Inner Circle, Monty Alexander, Della Manley and more.Recognizing the vulnerabilities facing local creatives, Mr. Golding leveraged his dual expertise to provide legal and financial backing, helping artists navigate the business.Beyond the studio, Mr. Golding’s legislative legacy is fundamentally tied to cultural and social transformation. As Jamaica's Minister of Justice (2012–2016), he guided 121 Acts of Parliament into law, most notably leading the historic 2015 reformation of the Dangerous Drugs Act which decriminalized marijuana—a legislative shift with profound implications for the Rastafarian community and the local creative economy. Today, as the Leader of the Opposition and the People’s National Party (PNP), he continues to champion the architects of Jamaican culture, repeatedly making headlines for his passionate advocacy in Parliament to officially confer the title of National Hero upon the legendary Bob Marley.Coupled with his ongoing commitment to his family's philanthropic legacy—serving as Chairman of the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre (formerly known as Mona Rehabilitation Foundation) to advance the welfare of persons living with disabilities, an organization pioneered by his parents Sir John Golding and Lady Patricia Golding— Mr. Golding embodies the philosophy that true leadership means serving the people, protecting the culture, and honoring the creative spirit.He joins us on The Creative Frequency Podcast to discuss his dynamic journey as a creative entrepreneur, the intersection of law and entertainment, and his vision for pushing the Caribbean's cultural industries into an empowered, category-defying future.Interviewed By Cohosts: Rachel Fenderson & Radika MyersExecutive Produced by: Rachel Ann Fenderson

We are joined by a profound visual narrator and "Conceptual Scenographer of the canvas" who has spent over two decades documenting the Caribbean’s social and historical pulse: Michael Elliott. A graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Michael has evolved into a globally recognized figure whose photorealistic paintings serve as both windows into the past and mirrors for the present. His work is a masterclass in the use of metaphor—utilizing relatable symbols like tea and watermelon to tackle heavyweight themes of migration, politics, and the enduring legacy of slavery. From his iconic 'Windrush Series', which has moved from gallery walls to public murals in Kingston and the UK, to his 'Vanilla Country' collection addressing racial injustice in the US, Michael proves that art is an essential tool for social commentary. His reach is truly international, with appearances in the National Gallery of Jamaica and a long-standing partnership with the Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator in Miami. His works are held in the permanent collections of the Bank of Jamaica, the Smithsonian, and most notably, the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Currently featured in the inaugural exhibition at the V&A East in London which is a branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum, titled ‘The Music is Black: A British Story’, Michael joins us on The Creative Frequency Podcast to discuss his trajectory as a UWI MA Cultural Studies scholar and artist, and how he uses creative symbolism to navigate the complexities of identity in the African Diaspora.Interviewed by Cohost: Radika MyersExecutive Produced by: Rachel Ann Fenderson

Part 2We are joined today by a visionary vocalist, producer, and composer who is actively redrawing the maps of Jamaican music: Romario "Runkus" Bennett. Born into a rich reggae lineage as the son of Determine, Runkus has spent his career proving that while he honors his roots, he is not bound by them. From winning talent searches at sixteen to becoming a 2-time GRAMMY-nominated Artist and a JUNO Winner, he has evolved into what many call a "sonic architect"—a creator who doesn't just make “riddims, but builds entire worlds.”His reach extends far beyond the traditional stage; he has scored films, composed for major Caribbean brands such as Red Stripe and Flow. He has collaborated on sound installations for world-renowned galleries in London and New York. Whether he is topping charts with the IN:SIDE LP or collaborating with icons like Chronixx, Toddla T, or The Marleys, Runkus maintains a fearless commitment to a sound that feels both “ancient and futuristic.” He joins us on The Creative Frequency Podcast to discuss his trajectory as an entrepreneur and artist, and how he continues to push Caribbean creative industries into bold, category-defying territory.Interviewed & Executive Produced by: Rachel Ann Fenderson

Part 1We are joined today by a visionary vocalist, producer, and composer who is actively redrawing the maps of Jamaican music: Romario "Runkus" Bennett. Born into a rich reggae lineage as the son of Determine, Runkus has spent his career proving that while he honors his roots, he is not bound by them. From winning talent searches at sixteen to becoming a 2-time GRAMMY-nominated Artist and a JUNO Winner, he has evolved into what many call a "sonic architect"—a creator who doesn't just make “riddims, but builds entire worlds.”His reach extends far beyond the traditional stage; he has scored films, composed for major Caribbean brands such as Red Stripe and Flow. He has collaborated on sound installations for world-renowned galleries in London and New York. Whether he is topping charts with the IN:SIDE LP or collaborating with icons like Chronixx, Toddla T, or The Marleys, Runkus maintains a fearless commitment to a sound that feels both “ancient and futuristic.” He joins us on The Creative Frequency Podcast to discuss his trajectory as an entrepreneur and artist, and how he continues to push Caribbean creative industries into bold, category-defying territory.Interviewed & Executive Produced by: Rachel Ann Fenderson

Today we welcome Edwin Bruce, the visionary Perfumier and founder of Prince D'Bruce, a high-end niche fragrance house based in Kingston City. His journey is a true Caribbean narrative: after years of honing his craft and developing his first fragrance, Chosen, at a perfumery in Colombia, he felt a powerful calling to return home to Jamaica. Since launching Prince D'Bruce in 2019 and opening his official storefront in 2021, Edwin has specialized in custom scents, including his locally inspired Blue Mountain fragrance, turning memory and passion into signature perfumes.Interviewed by Cohost: Radika MyersExecutive Produced by: Rachel Ann Fenderson

We are joined by a distinguished Culinary Entrepreneur who has turned a vision of bespoke dining into a successful business: Chef Candace Carr. As the force behind her gourmet private catering company, Chef Carr’s philosophy is captured perfectly by her promise: "You dream it. I'll make it." Her commitment to personalization results in impressive menus, from elegant appetizers like Crab Spring Rolls to perfectly executed main courses such as Seared Tuna with Sautéed Vegetables. This week, she’s taking that entrepreneurial drive and skill to the ultimate test as she competes on Maggie Food Court Caribbean, showcasing the ingenuity of Jamaican food service to the wider Caribbean.Interviewed by Cohost: Rachel FendersonExecutive Produced by: Rachel Fenderson

Joining us is Damion Johnson, the Director of Technology and Community Engagement at (S.E.T.A.S Limited), a company built on the power of practical problem-solving. From its start in Kingston, S.E.T.A.S pioneered a mobile approach to technology and automotive repair, recognizing the need to meet customers—like working mothers or elderly caregivers—right where they are. Beyond business, Damion is a dedicated advocate for education, donating services to schools like FreeHill Primary and George Headley Primary and featuring on TVJ for the company’s community assistance. We'll be discussing how this commitment to social responsibility and the company’s mobile on-the-spot services, especially in the area of computer and laptop, hardware and software repair, has become the core driving forces behind this successful Jamaican enterprise.Interviewed by Cohost: Radika MyersExecutive Produced by: Rachel Fenderson

We welcome a rising star in Caribbean media today, the Model and Actor Dane Jones. His career began with an unconventional challenge: being told by a major agency that he was too muscular—a directive he deliberately refused to follow. Instead, he took an entrepreneurial path, landing his first commercial with One Spot Media and quickly securing roles in key regional campaigns like the BPM Financial advertisement. Now, having worked on everything from UWI student living commercials to a forthcoming Netflix series, Dane embodies the self-made professional spirit emerging from Kingston and Portmore. He’s here to discuss how creative professionals can redefine industry standards on their own terms.Interviewed by Cohost: Rachel FendersonExecutive Produced by: Rachel Fenderson

Welcome to THE CREATIVE FREQUENCY PODCAST, the definitive heartbeat of Jamaican culture and its global reach. Hosted by the dynamic duo of RACHEL ANN FENDERSON, an MPhil/PhD Scholar, and RADIKA MYERS, a CCI Scholar, this podcast—produced in collaboration with the UWI Institute of Caribbean Studies—dives deep into the pulse of the cultural and creative industries. From the streets of Kingston to the diaspora abroad, our trailer invites you to join the conversation as we explore the rhythms, innovations, and stories that define our artistic identity.We aren't just talking about the culture; we're measuring its pulse. Tune into feel the vibration of the Caribbean like never before: 1st Episode drops on Thursday, March 19th.Executive Produced by: Rachel Fenderson