Shout out to the West Indies

Feb 17, 202Five

A Day of Music, Yoga, and Finding My Way Back (With a Side of Jamaican Food)

There are some days that feel like they have a rhythm of their own—a kind of perfect flow that gently pulls you through the hours. Today was one of those days, and it all started with the soothing sounds of Bob Marley's Exodus spinning on my record player. The warmth of vinyl, mixed with the timeless melodies of one of the greatest, set the tone for what turned out to be a beautiful, grounding experience.

After that, I pulled out my yoga mat, rolled it out in front of the TV, and before I knew it, I was lost in a sea of music videos. The sounds of Koffee, YG Marley, Skip Marley, and Protoje filled the space around me. There’s something so comforting about sitting on a yoga mat, stretching, and allowing music to be the anchor that keeps you connected to the present. It’s like grounding yourself in the rhythm of life. You can’t help but feel a deep sense of peace and calm, like you’re floating in the moment.

Lately, I’ve been feeling a little lost. Not just in my life, but also with my art. I know it’s okay to not have everything figured out, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to admit when you feel uncertain or stuck. That feeling of being adrift, unsure of the next step, is natural. And today, music was the bridge that helped me reconnect to myself. It reminded me that it’s okay to feel lost sometimes—it’s part of the process of figuring things out.

As the day went on, the music took me on a journey back to simpler times, to those quarantine days when all I did was yoga and listen to music, day in and day out. Now look, don’t look at me crazy. I know quarantine was shitty, but shit - I had a ball locked up in my 2 bedroom apt in Philly doing nothing but smoking, yoga-ing, walking miles around the city, connecting with music, and chilling with a few close friends.

Okay now listen, West Indies by Koffee was on REPEAT—10s to cousin Koffee from over yonder. The stunning visuals of Black people, the vibrant colors, and the joy that Koffee exuded, and of course the song, kept me captivated. I was almost ready to book a trip to Negril just to be closer to that energy. The song, the colors, the vibe—it all just pulled me in. And of course, that color-block two-piece Koffee was wearing? I need one in my life. Note to self: Listen to the "Gifted" album in its entirety.

Protoje’s Like Royalty was also on heavy rotation today. It’s one of those songs that feels like it belongs in your soul. I’m even starting to think I might need to start rocking a Rasta crown, but with a little west coast spin on it—why not? It’s all about merging influences and creating something that feels true to who you are, right?

And of course, Skip Marley had to make an appearance on the shuffle. "Close" is such a vibe.“TREEEE AM PON THE LATE NIGHT!!” blared through the speakers. It’s those little moments of joy, like singing along to that line with all the energy you’ve got, that make it all feel a little more okay.

Now, here's where things took a turn—I started craving Jamaican food. IYKYMFK!! The music had me feeling all the island vibes, and I could feel the plantain whispering in my ear like the Ying Yang Twins. You see, back during quarantine, I lived dangerously close to two Jamaican restaurants in Philly, just a short walk away from my place. If one was out of something, I’d simply hit up the other. It was a strategic operation that kept my cravings satisfied!

I found out about a new Jamaican spot that had just opened up two weeks ago, so naturally, I hopped in the car to see what they were about. The moment I stepped in, I knew this was a place I’d be returning to.

Let me tell you—the beef patties? Beef pattying! Flaky, savory, and perfectly spiced. The oxtails? Oh weee—fall-off-the-bone tender, with that rich, savory sauce that made every bite feel like a celebration. And the plantains? Oh so sweet and oh so MF delicioso. Honestly, I could’ve eaten just that and been set for the rest of the week. I’m definitely going back.

The best part? The owners were from both the Bahamas and Jamaica—two cultures blending together, and they were such great people. It's the kind of place where you feel like family the moment you walk in. I’ll be back for sure—no question.

It’s funny how a day like today can remind you of who you are and where you’re meant to be, even when the future feels unclear. Sometimes, all it takes is a record spinning, a yoga mat, some good music, and of course, some amazing food, to bring everything back into focus. So here’s to more days like this, where I let go of the pressure to know it all and simply enjoy the rhythm of life.

I think the best part about days like these is realizing that you don't have to have everything figured out. Just like the music, life moves with its own beat. Sometimes, you just have to sit back and listen—and maybe snack on some Jamaican food along the way.