New podcast gaining momentum on social media

“The Gyaff” is one of the newest podcasts to be launched locally and is quickly gaining momentum on social media platforms. Launched by sibling content creators Alex and Victoria Arjoon it serves as a new avenue for casual face-to-face conversations.

The podcast is an audio/visual forum for open/candid conversations to share with the public and globally. This medium has become very popular among celebrities and influencers, many of whom host their own podcasts to share their own content and conduct interviews.

Alex told the Pepperpot Magazine that on ‘The Gyaff’, they invite people to share their experiences, knowledge, and opinions on Guyana and that it is a space where honesty is the hallmark and the differences of opinions are welcome.

He related that the discourse varies on topics including Guyana’s “outrage culture” which, according to him, is quite a big thing on social media. Meanwhile, Victoria stated that the podcast was birthed during the pandemic but was dormant for one and a half years. But they revamped it three months ago with the aim of continuing their open conversations with people from various sections of society.

Victoria added that they are back with “The Gyaff” with an investment of new equipment in their makeshift studio on the East Coast Demerara, where they host the forum.

“I see the podcast as a learning process for me. Engaging the guests on the audio/visual show is quite something and it is [published] on Spotify and YouTube…the feedback been good so far from the target listeners,” Alex said, adding that many young people tune into the podcast.

Victoria noted that the partnership between herself and her brother has been quite interesting. They have been brainstorming and trying to come up with ways to keep it interesting, a place where people are invited to share experiences on ‘how they are and who they are’, especially among young professionals.

Victoria added that the podcast is about sharing positive experiences, connecting with people as human beings, and empowering each other through conversations. “‘The Gyaff’ is something to ponder, something to take with you as you go about your daily life and to think about as listeners; the podcast aims to entice conversations,” Victoria said.

Alex and Victoria told Pepperpot Magazine that it is their hope that “The Gyaff” will soon be sponsored, but they will continue to press on until it comes to fruition.
“The podcast is an everyday job like most people do and we are always working but not making money, but it is what it is,” the siblings reasoned.

Originally, the sibling partnership started Reel Guyana, a leading video production and marketing company focusing on highlighting Guyana’s natural environment, rich cultures, and heritage through high-quality content.

Aside from these endeavours, the Arjoons are actively looking for full-time work and remain hopeful of getting opportunities in the public sector. In the meantime, while the search could be frustrating, they are hoping that their current ventures, like Reel Guyana will help them in their capacity to earn.

Reel Guyana is sharing perspectives of Guyana through their lenses, capturing their experiences to educate people about what’s out there.

Alex noted that Reel Guyana is a video production company that promotes awareness, documentaries, advertisements and photography. It usually has contractual employees when the need arises, but business has been slow and is still a growing small company.

The siblings are equal partners in Reel Guyana, established by Alex in 2017 and when Victoria returned to Guyana to reside in 2019, she joined.

“To earn, we have to produce and with no jobs permanently, it has been kind of slow, so we are holding on nevertheless, with the hope that will soon change, the siblings said.