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- Meet J’Nya Seymour - From Backstage to the Spotlight
Meet J’Nya Seymour - From Backstage to the Spotlight
J’Nya has always been one to follow her curiosity, but she never imagined it would lead her to center stage—both in theater and film.
From the Editor:
What Da Wybe Is? This week, we’re spotlighting Bahamian creativity. From J’Nya Winter Seymour's incredible rise in Bahamian theater and film to a deep dive into what’s trending, this issue is packed with inspiration.
J’Nya Winter Seymour is a rising star in the world of theater and film. As the 2024 president of the Freeport Players Guild’s Young Adults Regency Drama Group, her journey began behind the scenes in 2017, but her passion quickly pushed her into the spotlight. From managing the chaos backstage to owning her presence on stage, J’Nya’s evolution as a creative powerhouse has been both fast-paced and inspiring.
Her love for theater came unexpectedly. “I give credit to my English teacher in COB/UB at the time: Mrs. Carol Moss,” she recalls with a smile. “She used to partner with playwrights to get us discounted prices at shows. It was the first time I was ever exposed to the theater at all.” This first taste of the performing arts lit a spark in her, and before she knew it, J’Nya was fully immersed in the world of theater.
Her journey began backstage in 2017. “Behind the scenes at the theatre can get crazy,” she explains. “Everything works like a well-oiled machine and if one part is off, it’s very easy for the other parts to fall off too.” J’Nya’s early experiences shaped her understanding of the intricacies of theater and fueled her determination to master every aspect of it.
But her ambition didn’t stop at theater. After years working behind the curtain, she ventured into film through the Star Film Institute. “I probably got a little overly ambitious,” she laughs. “I went from not knowing a single thing about film to being called to speak to kids at schools and mentoring other upcoming film producers. All in a year. That’s crazy.”
Her first onstage performance in Romantic Fools in 2023 was a nerve-wracking experience. “I actually hated my first time on stage,” she admits. “It was totally nerve-wracking! I even told myself I’d never go back on stage again, but apparently that didn’t read through my acting.” However, the positive reception encouraged her to keep pushing her boundaries. "Live acting and improv is WAY harder than on film, but if you get out of your head, it definitely can be fun."
One of her proudest achievements to date is her work on Fate or Fortune, a short drama-thriller series that earned her Best Drama Production and People’s Choice awards. The storyline, which centers around a missing person in the mystical woods of Andros, touches on Bahamian folklore—one of J’Nya’s favorite themes.
As she looks to the future, J’Nya is excited to continue exploring new creative projects and inspiring the next generation of Bahamian artists. "We’re not all built for corporate or blue-collar jobs; some of our minds work differently," she says. And if anyone knows how to carve out their own path, it’s J’Nya Winter Seymour.
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Quote of the week
A mysterious town designed to resemble a middle American settlement imprisons everyone who enters. The residents struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy while seeking a way out of the enigmatic town. When newcomers arrive, they must help them understand their circumstances to survive, including threats from the surrounding forest that emerge at night.
In the season 3 opener, "Shatter," we find Tabitha in a hospital in Camden, Maine. As she tries to navigate her new surroundings, she uses a clue from Victor's lunch box to seek help. Meanwhile, Jim and Kenny venture into the forest to find the lighthouse Tabitha was heading to. They discover an alternate settlement with antiquated cabins where they camp for the night. As winter mysteriously arrives, the residents face rotting crops, relying solely on farm animals for food. The monsters release animals from their pens to lure residents from their talisman-protected homes. Boyd and Tian-Chen become trapped with some monsters while returning a cow to the barn. Boyd is bound, and Tian-Chen is tortured to prove he can be broken.
This episode sets the stage for an intriguing new season filled with baffling occurrences that heighten viewer tension. Fans of the show will find more questions and conspiracies to ponder, including the fate of Julie, Mari, and Randall, the monsters' knowledge of Boyd's daytime conversations, the implications of Fatima's pregnancy, and the potential for new monsters in winter.
Rated 4 out of 5 - Excellent
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On today’s foodie adventure, the Wybe team had the absolute pleasure of visiting The Seafood Hub, tucked away in the Millennium Mall (PATS Uniform Building) in downtown Freeport.
From the moment we walked in, owner Nikki greeted us with the warmest welcome. The cozy café had an inviting display of vibrant, fresh salads, and a digital menu showcasing their mouthwatering food options. Nikki personally brought our meal to the front, and when I say I was ecstatic to receive this plate, I mean it! The cracked lobster tails and grouper were deep-fried to crispy, golden perfection—tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, not dry or overcooked in the slightest. Keeping my health-conscious goals in mind, Nikki served it up with a side of garden-fresh salad, overflowing with crisp veggies and sweet, juicy fruits, along with a creamy, flavorful pasta salad.
For those looking for more, they also serve breakfast daily, and Nikki offers custom fruit baskets and meal prep services for anyone interested. The Seafood Hub is open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and stop by—and don’t forget to tell them Wybe sent ya!
Meme of the week
Meta’s Reality Labs has unveiled the prototype for Orion, its latest AR smart glasses. Combining AR, hand tracking, and AI, Orion is a step toward Meta’s vision of replacing smartphones with eyewear. These glasses project application windows onto the lenses, allowing users to interact through gestures, eye movements, and voice commands. However, Orion remains bulky and costly, priced at $10,000, and won’t be available for years. Although competitors like Snap, Google, and Apple are also working on similar devices, Meta’s early investment may give it an edge in the race to revolutionize wearable computing.
TikTok Trend
@theo_gibson I’m trying my best #theogibson #fyp #viral #bahamiantiktok #jiggy #dance
If you’ve been eyeing the Grand Bahama real estate market, you might be wondering whether now is the right moment to dive in. With transformative developments like Celebration Key on the horizon and the expansion of the Grand Bahama Shipyard, the island is poised for significant growth, making it an enticing option for potential investors.
Celebration Key is set to wrap up by summer 2025, and it promises to revitalize the local tourism scene. With new attractions and amenities on the way, this project is expected to draw more visitors and boost the local economy. More visitors typically mean increased demand for rental properties, making this a prime opportunity for real estate investment.
Additionally, the Grand Bahama Shipyard’s expansion will introduce state-of-the-art facilities, enhancing the island’s reputation as a hub for maritime services. This not only creates jobs but also invites more businesses to the area, further stimulating economic growth. As demand increases, property values are likely to follow suit.
However, while the potential for profit is enticing, it's essential to do your homework. Consulting with local real estate experts, understanding the market trends, and assessing your financial capacity are critical steps before making any investments. David Slatter, head of Group Investment at RF Bank and Trust, emphasizes the importance of being informed: “Make sure you can navigate the financial side of things to maximize your returns.”
With the exciting developments in Grand Bahama, now may indeed be a smart time to invest in real estate. But as with any investment, due diligence is key. If you’re prepared to make an informed decision, the opportunities in Grand Bahama could lead to significant rewards.
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