Audio

The People on BBC Sounds : black history month

On this October 9th episode it was a delight to have a virtual chat with Jamaican jazz pioneer Monty Alexander about his early years playing piano with the reggae and jazz pioneers. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0d1msgg

Remember to subscribe the show on BBC Sounds and share on social media.

Hope you enjoy this week's playlist.

Only Girl in the World - Rihanna

Bootylicious - Destiny's Child

Last Last - Burna Boy

I'm Not in Love - Denise Johnson

Revolution - Dennis Brown

Guns of Navarone- The Skatalites

Jamaican Alphabet- Louise Bennett

Sorry this hotel is closed - Gavin Holligan

Make The Call (Soul Fusion house remix) - MF Robots

Oops Upside Your Head -The Gap Band

Over and Over - Material/Nona Hendryx

Wonderful World  Beautiful People

Seven Nation Army - Ben L'Oncle Soul

Set it off - Beat Street Soundtrack

Be Grateful - Walter Hawkins

Lets call the whole thing off - Ella and Louis

Interview with Curtis Harding ahead of UK tour

Every kind of music you could wish for features in this week's episode of The People. Listen on BBC Sounds for the next three weeks.

There's new reggae music from Shy FX and Liam Bailey, and new sounds from Tiana Major 9, and Manchester's Mica Millar. Read the full playlist below.

Taking a step away from the music for a moment, Dr Vanessa Apea discusses the importance of going for regular smear tests. Listen in at 0:43:59 and 01:35:00.

And at 01:20:00 student and activist Ruby Williams shares her story of being discriminated against at school...because of her afro hair.

Soul singer Curtis Harding visits me for an interview ahead of his UK tour, beginning at Manchester's Gorilla on 28 March. Skip to
01:43:00 to hear the interview, and listen to I Won’t Let You Down opposite.

Remember to subscribe the show on BBC Sounds and share on social media. Hope you enjoy this week's playlist.

Lola's Theme - Shapeshifters
Sign On - Earth Wind & Fire
Come Around Slowly - Shy FX and Liam Bailey
Mary You Don't You Weep - Trinitee 5:7
Summer Luvin - Nyah Grace
Games People Play - Lady Wray
Action - Nadine Sutherland and Terror Fabulous/Marcia and Freddie McGregor - United We Stand
Still Broke - Samm Henshaw feat Keyon Harold
That Lady - Isley Brothers
Buffalo Stance- Neneh Cherry
Let Them Know - Mabel
Word Love - Rhianna (from Leeds)
2 Seater - Tiana Major 9 ft Smino
Liquid Spirit - Gregory Porter
Mica Millar - Preacher Man (stripped version)
Radio Song - Esperenza Spalding
Where Love Lives - Alison Limerick
Different Morning - Tanika Charles
I Won't Let You Down - Curtis Harding
Love of the common People - NIcky Thomas

Back to worldwide broadcasting

Now that the 2022 Winter Olympics are over the latest edition of The People is available to listen to worldwide on BBC Sounds.

On this week's The People I chat to musician, filmmaker Don Letts about life as a soul boy ahead of the release Rebel Dread, a new documentary about his life. Don is currently doing a book/film tour so catch him where you can.

We also remember the ground-breaking SBTV and music producer Jamal Edward MBE who sadly passed away on 20 February 2022.

We hear from vocal coach to the stars CeCe Sammy shares news of her new online series Hack Your Voice, and from Manchester's Bipolar Sunshine about having his song recorded by Beyonce.

During the course of the episode you will hear segments about the three officers involved in the George Floyd murder and from a Nigerian music producer based in war torn Ukraine. These segments contain distressing descriptions.

Remember to subscribe the show on BBC Sounds and share on social media. Hope you enjoy this week's playlist.

A Dreams A Dream - Soul 11 Soul
Universal Man - Harlem Spirit
System - Dave/Wizkid
Forget Me Not - Say She She
Whatcha See Is What You Get - The Dramatics
Blackbird Sing - Myles Sanko
Mission Impossible - Sly & Robbie
Pass The Dutchie - Musical Youth
Come Around Slowly - Shy FX and Liam Bailey
Holy Water (gospel version) - J P Cooper
Trippin - Kara Marni
Single ladies - Beyonce
911 - Teddy Swims
Another Chick - Em Cee
Wade In The Water - Luciano
Brown Skin Girl - Beyonce, Wizkid, Snt John
A beautiful Life - Jody Watley Alex Di Cio drum remix
All I Do - Christopher Ellis
2 Seater - Tiana Major 9
Something Inside So Strong - Labi SIffre

Interview with Samm Henshaw and new music from Say She She

There are lots of interviews on this week's edition of The People. Listen on BBC Sounds now.

One of my favourite singer/songwriters, Samm Henshaw is currently touring the UK and has just released his album Untidy Soul - it is essential listening. Listen to the first part at 49 mins in and the second at 1 hour 50 mins.

Just before the second hour of the show Sandra Griffiths discusses phase two of Synergi Collaborative Centre. Find out more about how the five year mental health collaboration will move forward on the Synergi Collaborative Centre website.

There is new music from jazz Clarinetist Arun Ghosh, a stunning new release from DRCY, and an incredible debut single from Brooklyn's Say She She (watch the embedded video).

Lastly, have you seen the stage play Queens of Sheba? It explores the experiences of black women and is back at the Soho Theatre. Go to 1 hour 19 mins to hear more.

Remember to subscribe the show on BBC Sounds and share on social media. Hope you enjoy this week's playlist.

No Diggity - Blackstreet feat Dr Dre and Queen Pen
Another Chick - Em Cee
Essence ft Tems and Justin Bieber - Wizkid
All I Do Is Think About You - Christopher Ellis
Butterflies - DRCY
Sister Green - Arun Ghosh
They Say I'm Different - Betty Davis
It Won't Change ft Maverick Sabre - Samm Henshaw
Still Broke ft Keyon Harold - Samm Henshaw
Boogie On Reggae Woman - Stevie Wonder
I Want You Around - Snoh Aalegra
Mayana - Asa
Forget Me Not - Say She She
Deep Inside - Mary J Blige
A Beautiful Life - Jody Watley (Alex Di Ciò drum remix)
Don't Call Me ft DJ Clipps Pride remix - Tasia Sky
Chicken Wings - Samm Henshaw
Queen Majesty - U Roy and Robbie Shakespeare
Chalice in the Palace - U Roy and Robbie Shakespeare

New music and an interview with an award-winning RHS designer

On this week's edition of The People on BBC Radio Manchester there is new music from fashionista Kenyan afro-pop outfit Sauti Sol, Lalah Hathaway and Moonchild and Mica Millar. Listen to the latest episode until 21 February 2022.

I also feature a new track from the Radio Babylon release which supports Musicians Against Homelessness. Check the Rowetta (Happy Mondays) and Brinsley Forde (Aswad) track.

We celebrate Anita Baker's birthday and remember the creative genius Andre Leon Talley.

Manchester's Dawn Evans designed a garden at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show and won with her her garden, The Windrush Garden, in memory of her mum. Listen to her from about 1 hour and 13 minutes.

Remember to subscribe the show on BBC Sounds and share on social media. Hope you love this week's playlist that takes you around the world.

A Lovers Holiday - Change
Love If You Need It - Horsemeat Disco Ft Fi Mcluskey (Mousse T classic shizzle mix)
Was That All It Was - Full Flava Ft Carleen Anderson (Micky More and Andy T mix)
Brighter Days - Sauti Sol With Soweto Gospel Choir
Dont Worry 'Bout What I Do - Delvon Lamarr Trio
Mayana - Asa
Tell Him - Moonchild and Lalah Hathaway
Summer Breeze - Patti Austin
Ready Or Not - The Fugees
Back To Life - Soul 2 Soul
I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny Nash
Change Has Gotta Come - Last Of The Fallen Angels Ft Rowetta and Brinsley Forde Supporting Musicians Against Homelessness
Plenty Of Room & Fairy Lights - Anita Baker
Sweet Love - Anita Baker
Pull Up Your Pants - Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio
Children Of The Ghetto - The Real Thing

The People in 2022

Listen to the first radio show of 2022 on BBC Sounds. Thanks for supporting the show in 2021 by listening, sending in stories and for sharing your messages of support.

In this episode of The People there are not one but two interviews with film directors. The first is with Julia Ducournau who is the writer and director of Titane - the French horror tipped for an Oscar. The second with Liesl Tommy who has directed the 2021 Aretha Franklin film Respect.

As the first show was broadcasted after the new year - just - I played some of my favourite tunes from 2021 to celebrate musical memories. You may have missed new classics to take into 2022.

There's new music too from Asa, Adekunle Gold & Lucky Daye and House of EL.

Michelle Adamson reports on the week's news including the funeral of Desmond Tutu, and the knighthood awarded to filmmaker and photographer Horace Ove.

Also, did you know that Factory Records produced a reggae track produced by Denns Bovell? It was featured in the recent exhibition Use Hearing Protection.

Remember to subscribe the show on BBC Sounds and share on social media.

This week’s playlist is:

Be Thankful For What You Got - William de Vaughn
Lola's Theme - Shapeshifters
Queen Majesty, Chalice in the Palace - U Roy feat Robbie Shakespeare
Got Me - Laura Mvula
On My Radio - The Selecter
Something Special - House of EL
Dry Bones - Gregory Porter and Troy Miller
English Black Boys - X--0-DUS
Mayana - Asa
System - Dave and Wizkid
Going to the Party feat Lyrics Born - The Allergies
On the One feat Auden Allen and Renegade Brass Band - Sam Redmore
Get Back - The Beatles and Billy Preston
Upside Down / Theme from Mahogany - Diana Ross
A Case Of You - Gina Foster
If I Were A Carpenter - John Holt
Feel The Rush - Rowetta x Poolhaus
If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys
Sinner- Adekunle Gold and Lucky Daye
The Sweetest Taboo - Sade
Rise Again - Laura Rain and The Caesars

The People: Law, music, poetry and art

Listen back to the latest edition of The People radio show.

On this very wet week's edition of The People I chat to lawyer Cecilia Goodwin about the challenges facing black women practising law.

Cecilia gives a fascinating account of the challenges musicians face with the law. As the lawyer for drill artist Digga D, she has a remarkable insight dealing with the issues he faces as a musician.

A change in pace now, I hear from Ibby Ismail who decided to give poetry a go in 2021, paying tribute to his dad who worked on the railways. He has done great things for the the community of Bolton,Lancs. His poem has been literally set in stone on a platform 3 pillar at Bolton train station.

The giant puppet Little Amal arrives in Manchester on Wednesday 3 November. Ahead of the visit, I speak to a member of the refugee choir and to the lead choreographer of the outdoor event - two inspirational women!

Remember to subscribe the show on BBC Sounds and share on social media.

This week’s playlist is:

Just Be Good To Me - The SOS Band
Skate - Silk Sonic
Rompelo - Cimafunk feat Lupe Fiasco
Johnny Come Home - Fine Young Cannibals
West Indies - Koffee
Riding For A Fall - John Holt
Essence - WizKid feat Tems and Justin Bieber
Thank You - Diana Ross
I'll be Your Radio - Jarrod Lawson feat Moonchild
Freedom Street - Ken Boothe
Rihanna - Umbrella/Pon De Replay
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Children - BIlly Porter
Dont Waste My Time - Usher and Ella Mai
Be The One - Rudimental feat DIgga D and Morgan
Wanna Be With You - Secret night gang

The People On BBC Sounds

On the latest edition of The People, musician Judith Hill is in the hot seat. You may have seen her in the documentary 20 Feet From Stardom, which you can see on Netflix.

I believe she is flying the flag for black female musicians in rock and blues music.

This Sunday's guest Emeli Sande - there is a story behind the name. plus hear about the new Bob Marley musical. from music writer Chris Salewicz

Listen the episode again.

11-year-old drummer Geneva London brings the child's perspective on Black History Month. She performs her drum cover of Soul II Soul's Back To Life and picks her favourite music and books for Black History Month. Watch the video on her YouTube channel. 

 Geneva is also part of the 24 hour Children in Need Drumathon  

New music this week comes from Acantha Lang, The Allergies,  Full Flava, and music from the vault includes two from Manchester’s Sweet Sensation & Marcel King - a proper back in the day throwback .

Remember to subscribe the show on BBC Sounds and share on social media.

This week’s playlist is:

Shackles - Mary Mary
More Of You - Emeli Sande, Nana Rogues, Stonebwoy
Roses - St John Imanbek Remix
Bad Habit - Full Flava feat Kelli Sae
Blackbird Sing - Myles Sanko (Mo Horizons remix)
Free - Ultra Nate
Sun Is Shining - Finlay Quaye
Are We Just People - United State of Mind
I Wish I l Knew How It Feels To Be Free - Acantha Lang
I Did it to myself - Dakota Jones
Uptown Top Ranking - Dub Colossus
Come Over - Jorja Smith & Popcaan
Purely By Coincidence - Sweet Sensation
Reach For Love - Marcel King Fac92
Americana, Miss Cecile Jones - Judith Hill
Raspberry Beret - Prince
Essence, Wizkid feat Tems and Justin Bieber
System Addict - Five Star

The People On BBC Sounds

In case you missed this week’s edition of The People, listen to it on BBC Sounds for the next month.

I chat to Nick Laird Clowes who composed the soundtrack of the new NIck Broomfield film The Last Man Standing soundtrack. The documentary looks at the killings of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls.

Nona Hendryx of Labelle speaks about the cultural impact of the iconic band The 2 from back in the day mix celebrates the reunion of The Fugees

Remember to subscribe the show on BBC Sounds and share on social media.

This week’s playlist is:

Treat You Like A Queen - Rahsaan Patterson
Sweetback's Theme - Melvin Van Peebles
Sugar Woman - Acantha Lang
Money - Tom Misch & Michael Kiwanuka
Full Flava feat Chantay Savage - Get Down Saturday Night
Labelle - Lady Marmalade
Vintage Love - Harleighblu-
How long, (Michelle Chavarin remix) - Jarrod Lawson
Jamming - Bob Marley And The Wailers
Ready Or Not & Killing Me Softly - the Fugees
Let’s Get It Together - Southern Avenue
Go Down Deh - Spice, Shaggy and Sean Paul
Caught Up In The Rapture - Anita Baker
Afro Puffs- Lady of Rage
For The Likes - HarleighBlu from the Crown EP
Come And Take This Candy From Your Baby - Sarah Dash

First show of Autumn 2021

Hope you are having a lovely September weekend folks. Listen to last week's show of The People wherever you are in the world on BBC Sounds.

I chat to playwright Ros Norford about her forthcoming play Aleiah's Adventure, which celebrates three black women in Manchester's past and present.

Then Norman Goodwin talks about the You Can Adopt national recruitment launch. Read the You Can Adopt information page if you are considering adoption or interested in finding out more.

I play an interview from the BBC archive of Mrs Christian after she passed away last week. She came to Manchester from Jamaica in 1949. Hear the interview from 42 minutes.

As well as all that, there is new music from New Orleans singer Acantha Lang and Silk Sonic, and tunes from the vault.

Remember to subscribe the show on BBC Sounds and share on social media.

This week’s playlist is:

A Deeper Love - Aretha Franklin
Never Give Up - Chaka Demus
The Lost Chord - Gorillaz feat Leee John
Skate - Silk Sonic
Get Yourself Together - The young disciples
Empire State Of Mind - Alicia Keys
I wish I knew How It Feels To Be Free - Acantha Lang (EP of the night)
On Broadway - George Benson
Tell Me - Ione
My Prerogative - Bobby Brown
Lean On Me - Jose James
All That Matters- The Techniques
To Be In Love feat India and Work - Masters At Work
Risk It All - Ella Henderson and House Gospel Choir
Sugar Woman - Acantha Lang
Giving Up, Giving In - The Three Degrees
Wake The Town - Randy Valentine

In memory of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry

what a sad week: we lost Brian Travers of UB40, Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones, original Simply Red member Fritz McIntyre and the mighty Lee 'Scratch' Perry.

I was travelling in to host my weekly show on BBC Manchester when the news of Scratch's passing broke. So, of course, I had to make a last minute change to the show and honour the grand master, playing some of an interview I did with him about 5 years ago. Where would reggae and live music be without him? Listen to the show and interview on BBC Sounds from 27 minutes in.

Watch him star in a series of Guinness ads from 2001 in the video opposite- it will make you smile.

I pay tribute to Fritz McIntyre, too, playing some of his music that highlights his musicianship.

Also in the show, I chat to one of the lead stars, Fala Chen, from Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings - the first of Marvel’s suite to feature an Asian superhero, which is so overdue. Watch the trailer for the film on YouTube.

This week’s playlist is:

Everybody - Anthony Hamilton
Money's Too Tight to Mention - Simply Red
Feet Don't Fail Me - Joy Crookes
War In A Babylon - Max Romeo
Dancing Shoes - Charlie Ace and Lee 'Scratch' Perry
Feel The Rush - Rowetta and Poolhaus
Let Me Live - Rudimental/Major Lazer/ Anne Marie/Mr Eazi
Something Got Me Started - Simply Red
Goin Out Of My Head - Luther Vandross
It's A Good Day To Fight The System - Shungudzo
Oh No No - Next feat Red Rat and Renee Neufville
Always There - Incognito feat Jocelyn Brown
Rock The Boat - Aaliyah
Wavy Baby - Tush
210 West - Tania Maria
Police And Thieves - Junior Murvin
His Eye Is On The Sparrow - Frank McComb
A Case Of You - Gina Foster
State Of Independence - Donna Summer
The Bottle - Gil Scott Heron

The first show of August 2021

Happy August! Before I let you know about last week's show I urge you to go watch Summer Of Soul (…or when the revolution could not be televised) while it’s still being shown in the cinema. It's incredible - watch the trailer. The film documents the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival and features lots of the performances on the day, such as Mavis Staples, Mahalia Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Ray Baretto, Fifth Dimension.

On last Sunday's edition of The People I spoke to Stanter Kandola about a course in Manchester that is available for those living with chronic pain or disability. The course with Disabled Living and Breathworks gives tips and techniques for managing pain using mindfulness. (1 hr 41)

Listen and share with those who may find this course useful. It will be available from summer 2021, and they are happy to run the course outside of Manchester, contact them for more details. More information is available on their PDF flyer.

It is one year on from the anniversary of the beautiful and gifted songstress Denise Johnson's passing. On Saturday, the Remembering Denise event took place on her birthday. Listen to the tribute to Denise which features a tribute to the much loved Fifth of Heaven track Just A Little More, with words from Derrick Johnson (Swing out Sister, 52nd Street), Chantelle Charlemagne, Kym Mazelle - the 1st lady of House, Johnny Jay and DJ's Mark Dean and Fluid Irie. (go to 47 mins in)

Also, ahead of Crystal Waters appearance with Hacienda Classical at Blackpool Cricket Club on August 29th, Crystal shares her thoughts on Prince's music in the vault. (32 mins)

The album of the night is Welcome 2 America, a new release from Prince, and there is much more. The full playlist is here.

Superfreak - Rick James
Word Up - cameo
Steal Me Easy - Denise johnson
Where Do I Go - Jorja Smith feat Popcaan
Welcome 2 America - Prince
100 per cent - Crystal Waters
I Adore You - Caron Wheeler
Just A Little More - FIfth Of Heaven
You Make Me So Very Happy - Alton Ellis
Go Down Deh - Spice x Shaggy x Sean Paul
It's A Love Thing - The Whispers
Single and Searching - Yemi Alade ft Falz
Stop This Flame - Celeste
Pass It On - Bunny Wailer
Passin Me By - Pharcyde
Stand Up and B Strong- Prince
Close To You - Maxi Priest
Wavy Baby - Tush

Racism in English football

This week’s episode is being uploaded a week late because I was at the defaced Marcus Rashford mural, located 2 minutes from my old house.

Listen on BBC Sounds and find out more about The People on its webpage.

A couple of this week’s contributors foresaw the trouble that unfolded after the Euro 2020 final match kick off. Producer and songwriter Aniff Akinola talked football and racism and electronica artist Afrodeutsche had issue with the use of the English flag in football. Afrodeutchse also spoke about a forthcoming collaboration with Phillip Glass (listen from an hour in).

Then we hear from Manchester teacher Sandra Smith Brown and LA musician Rasheed Ali who declare their love for England striker Raheem Sterling.

Country blues singer Lauren Housely shares the story behind her heartfelt track Bless His Soul.

Returning to race and representation, academic Michael Bankole discusses race in football and we hear from Amanda Foster, Britain's first black stuntwoman. Her roles include Cruella and Fast and Furious 9.

This week’s playlist includes:

Take That To The Bank - Shalamar
Love if You Need It - Horsemeat Disco feat Fi McCLuskey (Mousse T. remix)
Baddest Ruffest - - Backyard Dog
Stop That Flame - Celeste
We Are One - Raheem DeVaughn
Holy Water - JP Cooper (gospel version)
Crown - Stormzy
CONFIDENCE - Candi Staton
Got To Be Tough - Toots and The Maytals
Go Down Deh - Spice, feat Shaggy and Sean Paul
Phase 2 - Afrodeutsche
World In Motion - New order
Slow Slow (Run Run) - Ayo
MIA - Ray BLK feat Kaasha Page
No Love Song - Children of Zeus
Single and Searching - Yemi Alade feat Falz
Happy Feelings - Ledisi
Free - Ultra Nate
Bless his soul - Lauren Housely

Hope you enjoy the show.

Celebrating Manchester events 2021: MIF & Trans Vegas

This week on The People,  you can hear me in conversation with Dele Sosimi, a giant of afrobeat who performs with Young Identity at Cerys Matthews' Catch A Fire event this Friday at Manchester International Festival (MIF). I chatted to Jova and the Wave of Young Identity about his Latin American influences.

Keep a look out for Kym and Emani across Greater Manchester this week. Kym and Emani are Jamaican Transgender models who have their fabulous portraits displayed on over 30 bus stops and billboards across the city as part of the Trans Vegas festival that is on from next week. Their series of portraits is called Our Presence Is Our Resilience.

Justin Lin is the director of the latest Fast & Furious film F9 and he shares with me on the show what music has got him through lockdown. His choices may surprise you. Listen from 34 minutes in.

This week’s show is filled with new music from Manchester, including Children of Zeus, a super scorcher from Spice feat Shaggy and Sean Paul, and also new music from Shungudzo. There are some classic tunes from China Black, Roy Ayers and Fela Kuti and Steve Winwood .

I hope you can listen in, share on your socials and subscribe to the show.

MIF 2021 starts tomorrow, have a look at the schedule here.

Wunmi Mosaku talks Marvel on Midsummer

Happy Midsummer's day to you. Forget what was meant to be Freedom Day with summer tunes, a touch of history and news from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Listen to the midsummer edition of The People on BBC Radio Manchester.

This week's  show includes a catch up with poet, author and Chancellor of University of Manchester Lemn Sissay. We hear about his MBE and the Tell Me Something About Family project.

Have you ever wondered about the representation of Black people in Tudor England? The thought occurred to me after news of the new Channel 5 Anne Boleyn drama series. Dr Miranda Kaufman gives great insight into race and Tudor society at 1 hour and 17 minutes in. She is running a Future Learn course on the Black Tudors from July 12. Follow the link to book for free.

The illuminating Michelle Adamson gives this week’s news update at 12 minutes, including the controversy surrounding In the Heights.

An interview with Manchester's Wunmi Mosaku was on my 2021 wishlist after viewers raved about her performance in Lovecraft Country. She is now starring opposite Tom Hiddleston in the new Marvel series Loki, now streaming on Disney+.

Wunmi reminisced about her drama club in Chorlton, Manchester, and her dream role in a Marvel series.  

See the playlist below and please subscribe, share on your social media.

Everyday People - Sly & the Family Stone

What you won't do for love - Bobby Caldwell

September - Full Flava feat Chantay Savage (remix)

Still Royal (Toddla T remix) - Popcaan, Protoje and Pa Salieu

My People - Cha Wa

We are Family - Sister Sledge

LIsa Everson feat Alvin S - Le Freak

Still Broke - Samm Henshaw feat Keyon Harold

Love if you need it  (Mousse T Shizzle remix) - Horse Meat Disco feat Fi Mcluskey

Don't stop the train - Cindy and the playmates

Motorbike - Leon Bridges

Everything - Mary  J Blige

Love is in your heart - Cha Wa feat Angelika Jelly Joseph

Saturday Love - KeKe Wyatt feat Reuben Studdard

Holy - Justin Bieber feat Chance the Rapper

Missing you - Robert Cotter

United State of Mind - Robin Trower, Maxi Priest, Livingstone Brown

Freedom is you - Myles Sanko

Karen Gabay on being ‘Karen’ and 12 months on from the murder of George Floyd

Happy sunshine day to you!

I kicked this week’s BBC Radio Manchester's The People off with a nod to Hacienda Classical, who gave a spectacular performance on Friday night. Listen to the show here.

One of the topics up for discussion this Sunday was why it's tough being called Karen and being black in Manchester. I’m joined virtually by another Karen - the singer known on stage as Kahreign - to voice out how our names have become a tad problematic over the last 12 months.

In the second hour of the show, I catch up with Arun Saldhana to reflect a year on from George Floyd's murder. Arun is a geography professor at the University of Minnesota and he is also a scholar of Prince and lives close to the site where George lost his life. We chat about the impact and what changes have occurred since.

The episode inclues an interview with Manchester's newest signing to Giles Peterson's label. The jazz/soul outfit SNG ( Secret Night Gang) members Callum and Kemani join me on air in the second hour.

As always, Michelle Adamson reports on the week's latest news, including a fascinating revelation about Johnny Cash's first wife, Vivian Liberto (16 mins in).

There are classic cuts from Digital Underground in memory of Shock G in this week’s playlist, as well as reggae from Stranger Cole plus a cool eclectic selection of new music. See the full list below and please subscribe, share on your social media.

Ain't No Love- Sub Sub, feat Melanie Williams
Bad Girls - Donna Summer
Hear My Voice - Celeste
Motorbikes - Leon Bridges
Man Next Door- Santigold & U-Roy
Baby I'm Hollywood - Judith Hill
Is What It Is - Kahreign
Be your radio, feat Moonchild - Jarrod Lawson
Shame - Evelyn Champagne King
Creep (remix) - George Duke
Damage - H.E.R
My Forbidden Lover - Chic
Don't Waste My time - Usher, feat Ella Mai
Digital Underground - Doowuchyalike/Kiss you Back
Lessons In Love - Level 42
Journey - SNG, aka Secret Night Gang
Rough and Tough - Stranger Cole
Cherish The Day - Robert Glasper, feat Lalah Hathaway
Mary Don't You Weep - Prince
Alphabet Street - Prince

What’s Going On at 50

The warm weather is in sight, just in time for the weekend. But, this week is about reflection, and on the latest edition of The People we commemorate the legacy of Marvin Gaye What's Going On album 50 years on. 

New York activist, poet and writer Kevin Powell, Leee John of Imagination and Manchester Metropolitan University senior lecturer Dr Patrick Williams give their point of view on the music and the record’s effect.

Michelle Adamson reports on this week's world news. Then there’s a preview of new BBC Radio 4 podcast Sneakernomics.

In the final half hour of the show we hear from Dr Patrick Williams again. This time he talks about the latest report from Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity (CoDE), A Collision of Crises: Racism, Policing and the COVID-19 Pandemic, and we discuss this research in relation to  communities of colour. 

This week's playlist features new music from Myles Sanko, Santigold, Manchester's  J P Cooper  & classic cuts from Terry Callier, Marvin Gaye and Run DMC. See the full list below and please subscribe, share on your social media — or old school word of mouth.

Escapade - Janet Jackson
Arlo Parks - Caroline
Inner Shade - Are you with me feat Chris Ballin
Mercy Mercy me - Marvin Gaye
Man Next Door - Santigold feat U-Roy
Black Parade - Beyoncé
Blackbird sing - Myles Sanko (MC horizons remix)
My Adidas - Run DMC
Thank You - BeBe Winans
What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
Inner City - Big Fun
Dream Come True - Shinehead
Are we just people - United State of Mind
What's going on- Marvin Gaye
Holy Water - JP Cooper
All Night Long (Hustlers Convention Mix) - Jones Girls
Jump into the light - Kathy Sledge
I'm A Wonderful Thing Baby - Kid Creole and the Coconuts
Natty Dread - Jesse Royal
Something Inside so strong - Mica Paris
Keep your heart right - Terry Callier

Jazz, house and blues

on this week's show, singer Myles Sanko chats to me about his new album Memories Of Love. In the second hour of the show, Myles plays a stripped back version of Streams of Time. Hear the exclusive recorded performance at 01.28.00.

The Jacksons, Kym Mazelle and Deniece Williams were honoured in their home town of Gary, Indiana this week. Mazelle shares memories of her early career in 90s Manchester - which coincided with the the early days of house music. She also shares her experience with youth work in the city (01.11.00). And yes, I should have played Missing You.

Bluesman Tom Seals drops in to talk about his new celebrity and music chat show on Sky Arts, Tom Seals Presents.

This week’s playlist includes United States of Mind with Maxi Priest on vocals, Grace Jones - celebrating her 73rd birthday this week - and Bob Marley who passed away 40 years ago. Watch When Bob Marley Came to Britain on BBC iPlayer if you haven't already.

Grace Jones - Pull Up To The Bumper

Silk Sonic - Leave The Door Open

United State of Mind - United State of Mind

Mamma Freedom - Use Me (lockdown session)

The Jacksons - Walk Right Now

Myles Sanko - Broken

Natty Dread- Jesse Royal

Be the Change - Jarrod Lawson

Solomon Burke - Down in the Valley

Adeva - I thank you

Nyah Grace - Sooner or Later (remix)

Kym Mazelle - Got to Get you Back

Soul II Soul  - Get A Life

Leon Bridges - Motorbike

Myles Sanko- Streams of Time

Myles Sanko - Blackbird Sing

Bob Marley and The Wailers - Natural Mystic

Lauryn Hill - Forgive Them Father

Ruby Turner and Jonathan Butler - if you are ready

Yellow Bird - edward II

Lady of The House, The Money Maker, New writers project

Listen to the latest episode of The People on BBC Sounds.

I chatted with Laila McKenzie about her kickstarter campaign with Ian ‘Snowy’ Snowball called Lady Of The House - a new book of images and interviews - celebrating women in dance and house music, including those behind the scenes.

The Money Maker, aka Eric Collins, whose new Channel 4 show started this week dropped in to talk about his visit to Manchester company Prymo.

Then, Johnny Wright shares news of a new online platform for black and East Asian writers called Writers Mosaic.

The playlist for this week's show is available until June 8. I recognise the best of 90s R&B girl groups with a SWV/Xscape mini mix.

Groove is in the Heart - Dee- Lite
Showing Out - Mel and Kim
Was That All it Was - Full Flava feat Carleen Anderson (Micky More & Andy Tee Edit)
Stagger Lee - Lloyd Price
Leave The Door Open - Silk Sonic
Solitude - Lila Ike
Future in our Hands: Marcus Hercules
Ini Kamoze -Here Comes The Hotstepper
Evangeline Denise Johnson
Behind The Groove Teena Marie
If I Can Help Somebody - Mahalia Jackson
Freedom Is You - Myles Sanko
Do You Know - Xscape
Why (Human Nature Mix) - SWV:
Is My Living In Vain - Xscape
Blow The Horns -: The Soul Rebels
Burst Like A Bubble- Nxdia
Bless His Soul -: Lauren Housely
Gabriel - House Gospel Choir

A very busy edition of The People

On this week's The People I feature 2 hours of uplifting music and interviews. It is online for the next 2 weeks on BBC Sounds. 

Can you believe it has been 25 years since the release of Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite. Maxwell took our breath away with that afro and truly impeccable soul album, so to celebrate the anniversary his music is included in this week’s show playlist.

Then, Jamaican and adopted Mancunian Greta Shaw recalls the night she and four friends cooked dinner for Otis Redding after his gig at The Palace Theatre. 

Black Lives In Music is a new organisation for budding classical and jazz black musicians. I chat to musicians Julian Joseph and co-founder Roger Wilson to find out more.

Also appearing in this week’s show is George Amponsah discussing his documentary on the black power movement in England and I chat to Roxanne of the Dutch band The Tibbs who have recorded 2 acoustic tracks especially for the show - a gorgeous lockdown session.

The album of the night is  Judith HIll’s Baby I’m Hollywood.

Please support the show, the music, the creators by sharing and subscribing to the show on BBC Sounds.

This week’s playlist.

Stomp - The Brothers Johnson

Ascension- Don't Ever Wonder (The tribute cut) - Maxwell

Baby I'm Hollywood - Judith Hill

So Emotional - Lalah Hathaway & Miles Davis

Good Thing Going - Sugar Minott

Hard to Handle - Otis Redding

Tramp - Otis Redding and Carla Thomas

I can't get no satisfaction - Otis Redding Live in London

Shining Star - Earth Wind and Fire

It's a disco night - The Isley Brothers

Sign on - Earth Wind and Fire

Only to be with you - Roachford

The Other Side of Town - Julian Joseph feat Sharon Musgrave

Silence - Judith Hill

Another Shot fired - The Tibbs

Get us through the night - The Tibbs (Acoustic)

The Main Course - The Tibbs (Acoustic)

Celebrating International Women’s Week: Poly Styrene

There is no one more suited than punk musician Poly Styrene who personifies International Women’s Week.

Sky Arts is showing the documentary Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché, which is dedicated to her and led by her daughter Celeste Bell. Celeste shares her memories of her mother and discovers the legacy of Poly Styrene.

Listen to Celeste talk about the documentary on The People from 01:43.

Introduce the kids to Poly Styrene here - I requested she be included in a BBC children's animation for a music campaign I worked on in 2020.

The week's news from Nigeria, Jackson USA, and Manchester and reviewed with Michelle Adamson.

Actress and Playwright Dominique Fishback is the star of the incredible film Judas And The Black Messiah, based on the true story of Fred Hampton, in which Dominique plays Hampton’s wife, Deborah Johnson. I speak to her and she picks a track from the music vault. Go to 00:33 mins to hear her track.

Also, at 01:11 hear reggae singer Winston Reedy pay tribute to Bunny Wailer. 

This week’s playlist includes new music from Aaron Taylor and classy cuts from Miriam Makeba and Lady T.

I’m every woman - Whitney Houston

When you get right down to it - Phyllis Hyman

Hear my Voice - Celeste - Trial of the Chicago 7

DreamLand - Bunny Wailer

FKA Twigs x Headie x Fred Again - Don't Judge Me

Evangeline - Denise Johnson

Just Like A Woman - Nina Simone

Walls Come Tumbling Down - The Style Council

The Sheddington - Kindred & The Family Soul

Since Day One - Teena Marie

What A Confusion- Dave Barker - Bunny Wailer

Concrete Jungle - Bob Marley & The Wailers

Aaron Taylor - Flowers

Better As a Memory – Lalah Hathaway

Germ Free Adolescents - X-Ray Spex

The Click Song - Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks

Mad About the Boy - Dinah Washington

Remembering Mary Wilson

In celebration in Reggae Month, this week’s The People featured an interview with photographer Dennis Morris. His life changed when he bunked off school to see The Wailers in the early 70s, which led to a personal invite from Bob Marley to join the UK tour and take photographs of the band. Hear the fascinating transatlantic chat with Dennis on BBC Sounds.

I appeared as a guest on the podcast series We Built This City podcast, hosted by Lisa Morton. Back for a second series, We Built This City is a floor for Mancunians, born or adopted by the city to chat and share their experience of the city. Listen to it here.

In light of the sad news of the Supremes founding member Mary Wilson passing, I paid tribute to her on BBC Radio Manchester’s Drive Time show with Phil Tow. I share my fun memories of such a friendly and inspirational musician at 2 hours, 13 minutes in.

Lastly, I am delighted to announce that every fortnight you will be able to hear me on Saturday mornings with Mark Dean on Northampton’s Inspiration FM. Listen digitally by bookmarking the Mark Dean’s profile page.

February is Reggae Month

February was officially made Reggae Month by the Jamaican government in 2008. Celebrate it here on The People.

On the last day of January, Simba Tongogara of Misty In Roots spoke to me about the much loved reggae band. They were adored by the student population of the UK back in the 80s, as well as conscious reggae music fans. Now partners with one of the Sugar Hill Gang, he talks about their work with Ken Boothe and his early reggae roots.

Then, Kerry McCarthy of Runners World shares some valuable tips about how to get into running and how not to fall out of love with running.

Ed Accura also appears with a fascinating life experience around swimming, which leads on to discussing his film Blacks Can't Swim. This conversation carries on next week when we will also hear about people's varying experiences of swimming. 

This week’s playlist is inspired by Netflix's Lupin soundtrack and so I give you two songs from Labi Siffre, There is new music from Manchester artist Luke Smith feat Roy Ayers also, as well as FKA Twigs and  UK Motown signing and Grammy nominee Tiana Major9.

Enjoy, subscribe, share on socials and whatsapp. Coming up in future weeks will be tributes to reggae legends, Prince talk and interviews with emerging artists.

The People radio show in 2021

The first show of The People in 2021 went out on 3 January, but can be listened to on BBC Sounds.

Amongst the music and latest news bulletins, the two hour show features two disparate interviews.

The first is with soul singer Alexander O’Neal who talks about his fundraising single for the homeless in Manchester. Hear O’Neal’s interview from 01:21.

Then, from 01:49, director Sheila Nortley discusses her latest short film I am Mary, a retelling of the Jesus’ mother Mary set in the 21st century.

Watch the 12 minute film opposite after listening to the interview with Nortley.

This episode’s playlist:

• MFSB & The Three Degrees - TSOP

• Aretha Franklin - Play That Song For Me

• MF Doom - Oranges Blossoms

• Richie Spice - Together We Stand

• Sault - Wildfires

• The Skatalites - Walk With Me

• H.E.R. - Damage

• Various Artists from Manchester – Together We Are Strong

• Gershom Jackson – Hands Together

• Janet Jackson - What Have You Done For Me Lately

• The Bee Gees - Nights On Broadway

• Nana Rogues x Emeli Sande x Stonebwoy - More of You

• Alexander o’ Neal - What a Wonderful World

• Liam Bailey - Cold and Clear

• Alfa Anderson - Perfectly Chic

• Cindy and the Playmates – Stop That Train

• Eric Benet ft. Artur Sandeval – Run To Me

Last show of 2020 tribute to Denise Johnson

Listen to the last show of the The People in 2020 on BBC Sounds which is a tribute to Manchester singer Denise Johnson who died earlier this year in July.

Denise had the ability to sing any genre of music, so she worked with many musicians from many scenes. On this show Karen speaks to people who knew who her from her school days, living up in Hulme and during her long music career. Play this edition of The People in tribute to her!

Hear from Yvonne Shelton, Clive Hunte, Derrick Johnson, Shirley May, Sylvia Tella, Mike Garry, Farrah Storm, Lucy O'Brien as they share memories of Denise. Plus, an interview with Denise from Manchester District Archive.

Also in the show, there's a chance to hear the trailer for the new Pixar movie Soul accompanied with a chat with the film’s producer Dana Murray.

In conversation with James Erskine, director of Billie

Karen Gabay speaks to Stockport film director James Erskine about his new documentary Billie, which looks at Jazz singer Billie Holiday's life.

The film features unheard interviews from late journalist Linda Lipnack Kuehl and unheard recordings from BIllie.

Listen to the film’s soundtrack here and watch the film’s trailer on YouTube.

Billie is available to view at cinemas virtually.

Susan Wokoma on new series Truth Seekers

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have created a new yet familiar comedy-horror about an telecoms engineer by day and a paranormal investigator by night. If you enjoyed previous Pegg and Frost works then you will enjoy this new addition. It is available to stream on Amazon Prime.

Susan Wokoma plays the role of Helen, the agoraphobic housebound sister of Samson Kayo’s character Elton John. She talks about how she loved being part of a collaborative project and how comedy is more demanding than a straight drama performance.

Resurfacing my interview with Steve McQueen

An interview with Steve McQueen has been uploaded to Soundcloud in light of the BBC broadcasting the British Director’s Small Axe collection.

It was recorded in 2011 after the release of Shame and before 12 Years A Slave was in production.

In the interview, the Academy Award winner McQueen gives his opinion on Shame being rated NC17 - equivalent to an X rating in the UK - and criticises the decision making process when deciding what themes in films are adult, and those which are not.

Watch the first of the Small Axe collection on BBC iPlayer.

A chat with JoJo & Gran writer and producer Laura Henry-Allain and Tom Cousins

In this quick interview, Karen talks to the creator and series producer of a new CBeebies animation series JoJo & Gran Gran.

The animated series is arguably the first children’s TV show in Britain to tell the story of a young black British girl. Producer Tom Cousins set out to represent the unrepresented when making the TV adaptation of the much beloved children’s book in respect to heritage and age. He said that “it was really about bringing as many people on board to try and create as authentic story as possible”.

The book, which the TV animation series is based on, is an autobiographical piece in which writer Laura Henry-Allain shares her memories with her own Gran.

JoJo & Gran Gran can be viewed on CBeebies on weekdays or can be watched now on BBC iPlayer.

Focusing on the ethnicity of black children misses the point of adoption

On this recent episode of The People Karen celebrates National Adoption Week with 2 guests who are friends & adoptive parents Jenny and Fran, they share their experiences of adopting a black child in Greater Manchester.

Listen to complete episode with interview at 33 mins on BBC Sounds.

Both parents have had completely different experiences; Fran is a single parent who had to deal with the challenges of wanting to adopt a child she was fostering & Jenny who had to rethink her outlook around the perfect match. However, Jenny and Fran agree that potential parents shouldn’t go into the process “blinkered” by being hung up on skin colour and ethnicity, which ultimately misses the point of investing in a child.

Fran said, “I think the challenge is that some element to the process is a little bit of black fright. People are trying to be so politically correct that they are getting it all wrong and missing the point. It’s not about us as the parents, it’s about the children.”

Another aspect both women agree on is the need for a strong support network consisting of family and official specialists to answer the specific questions.

This episode is definitely worth listening to if you are thinking about fostering or adopting.

The 75th anniversary of the Pan-African Congress

Karen talks with Manchester Metropolitan University Professor of Architecture Ola Uduku on The People about the gravitas of the fifth meeting of the Pan-African Congress.

Listen to the interview on BBC Sounds from 1:31:45.

In October 1945, representatives from Africa and Asia met in Manchester for the fifth time to address the issues facing Africa. This meeting is arguably the most significant because it took place months after the Second World War, when most colonial African, Asian and West Indians felt betrayed for the false promises made by the British and French.

In this piece, Ola explains why Manchester was chosen to host the event and how to get involved with the online celebration of the Pan-African Congress.

Interview with the creative team behind Rocks

Rocks is the story of a group of young females dealing with growing up in London. Amongst the seven main roles, Bukky Bakray plays the lead; a teenager abandoned by her mother who must take care of her younger brother.

Karen speaks to Rocks Director Sarah Gavron (Suffragette, Brick Lane) and writers Claire Wilson and Theresa Ikoko about the motivation behind the film and how the team found newcomers Bakray and Koser Ali.

Listen to the interview opposite.

Rocks is now showing at Manchester’s HOME.

Tribute to Denise Johnson

This week’s radio show was solely dedicated to Denise Johnson, the late Manchester singer and musician. Take a moment to listen to Denise’s voice on Just A Little More.

Denise Johnson was a stellar vocalist performing with some of the biggest names in music, including George Clinton, New Order, Primal Scream.

Denise performed in The Passion for the BBC and was about to finally release her long awaited album.

The radio piece features moving tributes from Farrah Storr, editor of Elle Magazine, the writer Lucy O’Brien, and singers P.P. Arnold and Sylvia Tella.

Listen to the full piece on BBC Sounds.

The tributes will continue into next week’s show of The People on August 23.

This program features a selection of tracks that were made great by Denise. She will be sorely missed.

The days following the killing of George Floyd

Karen Gabay hears from US singer PP Arnold, and other creatives from Manchester and Minneapolis following the Black Lives Matter protests mixed in with music.

Hear more episodes from BBC Radio Manchester’s The People show, featuring Karen Gabay.

Harper Collins opens new publishing division in Manchester

Publishing Director Genevieve Pegg of HarperNorth talks to Karen about one of big five publishing houses moving part of its operation out of London to Northern England — a first in history.

The publisher has established a small editorial team assigned to collect new writers. Listen to find out more.

John Boyega on researching for leading role in 2017 film Detroit

John Boyega shares his interest in all the testimonies and statistics from the 1967 Detroit riots in preparation for his role.

He said that the facts made him “aware of how slow the world is at adjusting to the cohabitation of different people”.

Listen to how the London based producer and actor prepared for the film and maintains a grounded lifestyle.

Speaking with filmmaker Ava DuVernay

Karen speaks with filmmaker Ava DuVernay about her 2014 film, Selma - a historical drama set around Martin Luther King Jr and the 1965 civil rights movement marches from Selma to Montgomery.

DuVernay shares her view on how Hollywood should reflect the diverse world as it really is and how Selma is part of that conversation.