Hail to the Caribbean – a paradise on earth with a unique combination of culture, music, and delectable cuisine. It’s a place where people come to enjoy the sun, sandy beaches, beautiful waters, and diverse culture, and it’s no wonder that one man had this vision to turn this paradise into a global phenomenon.
Frederick A. Morton, Jr., the founder of TEMPO Networks, is the driving force behind this cultural movement. He now serves as an ambassador for Caribbean culture worldwide, and TEMPO Networks, his media company, is one of the most popular ones both within and outside of the Caribbean.
In an exclusive interview, Frederick explained what compelled him to launch a platform dedicated to Caribbean culture and how he went about doing so. He further discussed his observations about the Caribbean lifestyle and his goals for TEMPO Networks.
Q: Tell us something about your entrepreneurial journey.
A: I started my career as an attorney at renowned international law firms in New York, including Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, representing top Fortune 500 companies. I eventually landed at Johnson & Johnson as a senior corporate counsel. After that, I served as Chief Litigation Officer at Viacom Inc. When I was offered a position at MTV Networks, a Viacom subsidiary, I saw it as an opportunity to possibly further connect my passion for law and entertainment. Through the years, while pursuing my legal career, I nurtured my passion for all things Caribbean, producing several high profile events, owning a popular night-club called Visions and eventually pitching the idea to MTV that would become TEMPO Networks.
Q: Frederick, you are known as a cultural ambassador for the Caribbean. How did you come up with the idea for TEMPO Networks?
A: Growing up in St. Croix, I was always fascinated by Caribbean culture and lifestyle, but I was also aware of the Caribbean’s lack of representation in mainstream media. I felt a strong desire to create an outlet for the promotion of Caribbean culture that would be seen around the world. My goal was to create a platform to celebrate and promote all things Caribbean, from food to music to lifestyle! All things Caribbean in one place.
Q: Your network is now one of the most watched in the region. What have been your biggest accomplishments since founding TEMPO Networks?
A: We’ve created an amazing platform that celebrates the Caribbean, its amazing destinations, culture and talent with global reach. We have assisted in launching and supporting the careers of numerous talent and marketed and promoted our destinations in grand style. We’ve recently launched our streaming app, TEMPO+, which will allow us to reach an even broader audience, worldwide. The Mission has been accomplished and there is so much more ahead!
Q: What have been some of your most fascinating observations about Caribbean culture throughout your journey?
A: The incredible vibe that diversity fosters. Each island has its own unique flavor, including its cultural expression, dialect, cuisine, music and overall vibe. There’s a great variety of flavors, colors, and sounds that make up this magnetic region. It’s also fascinating to explore how different cultures have found common ground in their shared historical experiences and love for all things Caribbean.
Q: What are your goals for TEMPO Networks moving forward?
A: I continue to aspire to disseminate the Caribbean’s rich cultural traditions and aesthetics to the rest of the world – To continue to increase visibility to the region’s amazing destinations, rich culture and talent,. Additionally, we plan to leverage the streaming app, TEMPO+, so that more people, worldwide, can access the content wherever they are. Ultimately, we want to continue to be a positive driver of Caribbean’s growth and development.
We thank Frederick A. Morton Jr. for sharing his story with us and giving us a glimpse into his journey in creating TEMPO Networks. As he continues to blaze a trail and make his mark on the world, we wish him all the best!
Frederick A. Morton, Jr. ‘s ambition and vision for TEMPO Networks have given new life to Caribbean culture. His journey has been inspiring, taking him from lawyer to entrepreneur and global ambassador of the region’s cultural legacy. With his energy and commitment, we can look forward to seeing TEMPO Networks reach even more audiences worldwide. It’s an exciting time for Caribbean culture!
For more information, visit TEMPO Networks.