Kinteet and Heartbun: Recent Episodes
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In this story of the woman who gave the most precious object she ever had to a weary traveller, Kinteet and Heartbun remind us that there is nothing more precious than the desire and willingness to share what we possess with others. A beautiful heart will manifest into a beautiful year.
Kinteet and Heartbun reminds us that gratitude for what we already have is one way to ensure that we get more. Greed, however, is a sure way of ending up like the dog who lost all he had been given by fighting with himself about what he thought was the blessing of others.
Kinteet and HeartBun wish everyone the best for 2023 and offer a reminder that we get out of it what we put into it. Do not make your New Year’s resolution something that goes in one year and comes out the other.
Kinteet and Heartbun wish all men a Happy International Men’s Day. In this story, they learn to take counsel from the wise man on the hill who teaches us all how to de-escalate social tensions and give up everything which threatens peace and prosperity in the village.
The natural environment is not just beautiful, it is one of the reasons we are proud to be who we are. Kinteet and Heartbun urges us to take of it. Caring for the environment is a responsibility to the heritage.
Kinteet and Heartbun remind us that heritage is innovative and philosophical. Younger ones can access it by heeding the advice of the elders. They will not be around forever and might not be there when they are needed. Seize the time to benefit from their wisdom.
A tribute to our unique flora an fauna and also a reminder why a nuh everything yu see abraad yu fe bring come a yaad
A small spider accepted the challenge from the King of the Jungle to prove that he was worthy of having the stories called, Ananse Stories.
Friendships represent one way of knowing the world but friendships have to be guarded and friends respected if the relationship is to last. In this cautionary tale, Sister Roach faces the consequences of treating her friend, Sister Chicken, badly.
In the birth month of Miss Lou, the mother of Jamaican storytelling, Kinteet and HeartBun share one of her favourite Ananse stories.
Kinteet and Heartbun believe that Jamaica’s 9/11 is as significant as that observed in other countries. Today, they remember that September often marks the height of the hurricane season and warnings of a hurricane should be heeded even if we call upon our sense of humour to help us cope.
It is always important to remember our departed. In 1957, the Kendal crash held the record for the biggest train crash in the world. Today, we remember them and some of the cultural signifiers in our tradition that indicate that something tragic is about to happen.
Kinteet and Heartbun celebrate the attribute of perseverance and the unwillingness to be daunted by naysayers. Their motto, 'slow and steady', taken from the Aesop-inspired tale is a mantra for every endeavour in life.
A story to celebrate Jamaica's first national hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, whose birthday was August 17. It also serves as a tribute to all Jamaicans who have brought their gifts from rural Jamaica to enrich the national heritage.
In this Jamaicanisation of the fable by the Grimm Brothers, Kinteet and Heartbun reflect on the independence journey. They conclude that overcoming the obstacles along the way is akin to overcoming the seemingly impossible task of spinning straw into gold.
Happy Independence! In this remake of an Aesop fable, the frogs discover the value of ignoring the voices of doom and discouragement. No matter how daunting the challenge, they seem to embrace the I CAN in JamaICAN
In this emancipation story, Bredda Dog learns the hard way that each person has the responsibility for taking care of anything which is important to his or her own welfare. A painful lesson in how to value emancipation and our free paper.
Enjoy the summer but remember if all work and no play has consequences for Jack, all play and no work could be equally disastrous. According to Kinteet an HeartBun, in all toil there is profit but idle talk tends only to poverty.
Everyone has the right to the peaceful enjoyment of their property. Those who are unable to respect this fundamental right could end up on the outside looking in. Now we know why lightning and thunder live so far away in the sky.
Sometimes when opposites attract, love can be a scorching affair. In this case, it is a cautionary tale that if things get too hot the children could suffer. Happily, there is always the hope of reconciliation.
A whimsical weaving of Jamaican Easter traditions as a reminder that the wisdom of the ages often endures millennium empirical evidence and helps to keep us safe.
Kinteet and Heartbun explain how Monkeys developed their taste for fish. This is a cautionary tale that good intentions sometimes end up more beneficial to the do-gooder than to the supposed victims. The moral of the story is to leave well enough alone.
A young boy learns that the right choice will also bring the greatest good to the community. Moreover, the size of a package is not always a measure of its worth.
Sometimes when conflicts escalate to dangerous levels, we forget how they started. Sometimes, even those who initiate war forget the role they played and sit around watching it happen. This story asks us to consider what we are willing to give up for the sake of peace.
To close out Black History Month we share the story of King Gilgamesh and the Sumerians who having created so much of what benefits mankind. Unfortunately, they forgot their history, forgot their greatness “and so they died.”
For those who missed celebrating Valentine’s Day, this cautionary tale tells us how easy it is to lose your love if you are too concerned with protecting your own image.
We give thanks to Ananse for inventing the drum so central to reggae music. Enjoy this remake of a Ghanaian tale in honour of Reggae Month and Black History Month
Kinteet an Heartbun begin the new year by resolving to spread the word that 'all for one and one for all' is the surest way to face any challenge.
In this story they remind us of three brothers who individually believed that their own skill was not worth much. However, when they pooled their talents to help one person the result was that they helped themselves and added value to an entire village.
From the South African oral tradition comes this tale of the value of gratitude especially for Boxing Day, a time to remember others and celebrate our good fortune.
That must-have Jamaican Christmas drink is chock-full of health benefits. Bet you didn’t know that we owe it all to Ananse’s ingenuity.
If you have ever wondered why snake nuh have teet, Kinteet an Heartbun have the answer. They also know where Christmas presents came from before Santa bawn.
In this remake of the tale King's Feast from Senegal, Kinteet and Heartbun reminds us of how we spoil a good thing when everyone decides to cut corners or cheat, falsely believing that a single act of compromise will not be noticed while depending on others to demonstrate integrity.
Kinteet and Heartbun send the frog and the crab to remind us of the value of good parental examples and the need to facilitate our children to live up to their best potential.
Mother Moon comforts her daughter, Likkle Miss Moon, who leaves the class party early to escape the unkind remarks of her peers. In the process, Mother Moon comes to accept how much she is alike her daughter and how foolish it is for them to try to be something which they are not.
In this Indian version of the West African story of the same name, a lazy and nosy neighbour meets his comeuppance for casting aspersions on the means by which his diligent neighbour acquires his wealth.
In the retelling of this Nigerian tale, Thunder and her son Lightning are banished by the King to live by themselves as punishment for failing to respect the rights, of their neighbours, to quiet enjoyment of the valley in which they live.
An adaptation of an Aesop fable that reminds us to always take the best care of that which is valuable to us.
Kinteet and Heartbun indulge in laughter about some of the contractions in the new-age age approach to vegetarianism.
An adaptation of a story from the USA that reminds us of our power to overcome any obstacle and find true freedom.
Kinteet and Heartbun are amused at the fact that major celebrations happen around food and meat; and reveal the secret of an uncomfortable truth between two of our favourite meat producers, pig and cow.
A celebration of how special we all are and an affirmation that Jamaicans are “a good idea” with the ability to accomplish great things, echoing the sentiments of first National Hero, Marcus Garvey.
Kinteet and Heartbun reminisce on the journey of success and tribulation in the era of information technology.
In this story about how Ananse found success, we pay tribute to late Jamaican musical prodigy Lee 'Scratch' Perry.
A remembrance of Kendal Crash and the penchant of Jamaicans to see “signs” and take action.
Kinteet and Heartbun know from experience that we get out of life what we put into it. And now so do the people who believed that they could turn water into palm wine.
In this remake of a traditional Haitian story, we meet Bouki and Ti Malice, central characters in Haitian folklore. The Barber is a cautionary tale of trust and deception on the 230th anniversary of the beginning of the final fight against slavery in Haiti.
If you ever wondered about some of the possible influences on the life of a young boy which facilitated his development into a National Hero then Baby Marcus is a story you should not miss. Kinteet and Heartbun salute his mother, father, god father and the role of books on his life.
Johnny learns that food security and interdependence are important to the notion of independence. Caring about each other and ensuring that each person has the basic necessities for life are critical to the way we value and enjoy independence.
Likkle Miss Monkey accepts gifts from Brer Alligator and accepts his invitation to enjoy the reopening of entertainment activities by dancing at a party far away from her home. She is oblivious of the need to take precautions until she realises that she is in danger. On this occasion, quick thinking helps her to save the most precious gift she has, which is her life.
Sister Goose learns the hard way that getting justice is not always easy. Like many living creatures, Sister Goose believes in the idea of community property.
When she tries to swim in the village pond, however, she is challenged by Brer Fox and they end up in Court. Sister Goose finds herself all alone in a court full of foxes.
In this story, Ananse reveals the protocol for serving and sharing meals. He takes credit for how handwashing came into the world.
A story about the courage to face yourself regardless of what faults might be revealed. The Village Chief sets up a mirror in the square to help him choose a wife for his son. The choice will be based on what the mirror reflects of those who have the courage to look into it.
A rare story of Ananse in his role as a father providing for his children and teaching them the importance of family bonding, in celebration of Father’s Day. A han pan han mek han clap.
June is the favoured month for weddings in Jamaica. The ring is a symbol of marriage but did you know that in some cultures, rings hold special powers and different rings are thought to perform different functions.
In this story, a ring functions to reveal people of integrity and honesty.
In order to take care of the environment we should know something of the legend of iconic cultural spots in Jamaica. Today we share one of the legends about Yallahs Pond in St. Thomas, Jamaica.
At the end of a long day of labouring, Ananse must also overcome many obstacles in order to get home and get fancy to attend the after-work party.
Join the journey through some of the Jamaican districts with the most unusual names in the search of the longest story of all time. You might just discover how much we enjoy eating.
In her desire to touch the stars, one little girl learns that to touch the stars, you need to be focused, persistent and patient. These are the star qualities of motherhood, and just a few of the reasons that we enjoy saying, Happy Mothers Day!
Everyone likes to have a best friend. Everyone needs a best friend, but to keep them depends on how we treat them. If only Sister Roach knew she would be best friends with Sister Chicken forever. An she kean blame Ananse.
In this Jamaicanised Nigerian tale, we are reminded by the Sky God of our obligation to take care of the Earth or face the inevitable consequences.
Kinteet and HeartBun wish you a responsible Earth Day on April 22
An insight into why we eat fish at Easter and the usefulness of every part of the fish, down to the last bone.
For everyone who ever wondered why we sometimes see the sun and the moon together in the sky.
A reminder that every mother has what it takes to bring out the best in their children.
A story of justice as hot as fire. Discover how a poor woman from the country and a wise old man defeated the rich man who condemned her to freeze in the cold.
This week, storyteller Amina Blackwood Meeks tells the story of the Song of the Rabbit. Peace and love we leave with you!
On Valentine's Day, storyteller Amina Blackwood Meeks tells the story of Ananse and Fire!
It's the tale of Ananse and the girl who set his soul a blaze.
It's powerful what the mind can do and how it can set you apart!
Storyteller Amina Blackwood Meeks details the riveting story of the eagle who thought it was a chicken. Enjoy!
Today, storyteller Amina Blackwood Meeks talks wisdom. She details the importance of being able to cut through the noise and confusion to make decisions that may be of benefit to an individual and his community.
Storyteller Amina Blackwood Meeks highlights the importance of individual contributions to eventual success. She explains how simple tasks may turn out to be critical in large missions.
This week, host Amina Blackwood Meeks delves into the Jamaican folklore with her story of the Hummingbird. Also, called the Doctor Bird, it is the national bird of Jamaica and is the only bird that can fly backwards.
Today, storyteller Amina Blackwood Meeks tells the tales of the challenges people face when they are making advancements in their personal lives.
January 3, 2021: Today, host Amina Blackwood Meeks tackles the issue of how we treat each other though the exciting story of Ananse's Costume Contest. Do enjoy!
Renowned Jamaican storyteller Amina Blackwood Meeks chronicles cultural norms and practices through 'Kinteet and Heartbun'. In fact, 'kinteet' and 'heartburn' are elements of a Jamaican proverb that essentially encourages one to smile even in the most difficult circumstances. She aims to highlight sound morals through the storytelling of Jamaican fiction.