Odessa Chambers Entertainment Executive

Catching up with entertainment executive Odessa Chambers is akin to trying to hop onto a bullet train. She’s just wrapped a successful AfroBeat event and has a TV programme to direct. Her current focus, she swears, is that of pushing the o-access JAMAICA podcast Reasonings With Odessa , and declares that she has stepped back into the world of hosting and that the best way to do this in the new age of digital media is podcasting. Indeed, Reasonings With Odessa covers all things Jamaican and Caribbean pop culture.

“I am known for being blunt, fun and quirky and this podcast is just that and will give you a real insight into my guests by asking the questions you always wanted to ask but are afraid to ask, while having drinks! It’s really relaxed and fun. I do encourage all to sip a cocktail while doing it, “ That’s our cue to pull up a chair, enjoy a cocktail and hear more…

What’s your beverage of choice?

Gosh, it’s really wine and rum. I love Rosé, Riesling and Malbec, but nothing beats good old white rum and Ting.

How would you describe Odessa?

I am fun, direct, honest, loyal, down-to-earth and true to myself.

You are the product of two confident black icons. How much pressure does that place on you?

No pressure at all. My parents have always encouraged me to be the best person I can be and they love my free spirit.

Why have you chosen Jamaica as your primary place of residence?

I was born in London, England and raised between the UK and New York. But there was something about this island of Jamaica that made me say at age 11 that I am moving there when I turn 21. I think it is the spirit of the island. It is very mystical.

You have worked with quite a few local and global productions. Which one/s impacted you the most, and why?

All productions I work on have had some impact on me in some way, whether it be House Hunters International, King of the Dancehall movie with Nick Cannon, In The Dance TV show and D aytime LIVE! which I am currently producing for Television Jamaica. Each and every one has taught me how to be much more patient, learn the art of how to negotiate, be amazed at what you can do with a lack of sleep, and how to work best with different personalities and treat them equally.

Why is brand Jamaica so strong and yet not felt in the pockets of most Jamaicans?

Brand Jamaica is so strong because of the people. We are so amazing, unique, stylish, raw but yet pure. But we are so quick to sell out our brand to others for a quick buck, instead of working with our own to develop and grow together.

What are five things that might surprise people about Odessa?

Wow, that’s hard as I am pretty much a what-you-see-is-what-you-get type. I am really the same person via social media as I am in real life. But here are a few: I don’t mind doing things by myself such as movies, dinner, etc, I love cat videos. I just started to eat oxtail three years ago. I don’t smoke.

LBD or jeans?

Neither. I rather leggings … comfort wins!

Heels or flats?

Trainers. Been wearing them with everything before the fad came in.

5:00 am or 5:00 pm?

5:00 am because it’s peaceful and still.

A thriller or comedy?

Most definitely comedy … laughter is good for the soul.

Jazz or rock?

Rock … it’s the Brit in me!

Oxtail and rice and peas or surf and turf?

Oxtail with rice and peas.

Were you planning a summer concert series, which five musicians would be rostered to perform, and why?

Most of my musicians I love have passed away but:

Burma Boy because he is my favourite African/Afrobeats artist of this generation.

Kendrick Lamar. I didn’t know any of his songs when I first saw him perform and he instantly had me hooked.

Stevie Wonder does no wrong … NO WRONG!

Buju Banton. Just looking forward to seeing my friend perform again. Still one of the best reggae live acts

Beyoncé … duh!