Portobello Radio has been invited to join presenter Kim Davis on BBC Radio London as she embraces the sounds from community stations around London.
For four Tuesdays starting 5 August, Portobello Radio’s Zakiya Amlak and Debra ‘Pan Diva’ Romain will co-host Sounds of the City and bring the authentic voice of Ladbroke Grove to BBC Radio London. They join presenter Kim Davis in the run-up to Notting Hill Carnival and at a time that the community is preparing for the taking down of Grenfell Tower.
Cultural ambassadors Romain and Amlak introduce guests ranging from community leaders and carnival stalwarts to activists and commentators to provide a snapshot of the diverse talent within their West London community.
Confirmed guests include Anthea Hudson, member of the official organising team behind Notting HIll Carnival, Gaz Mayall whose Rockin Blues Corner has been a carnival staple since 1989 and SunDivas, rising stars on the global soca scene. Grassroots contributions come from cultural theorist Kayne Kawasaki and phtographer Sam Shervington who amplify stories of people, places and spirit of Notting Hill beyond the movie and influencer trails, as well as examples of women entrepreneurship and Portobello Nights Vegan Market as a space for healing, connection and belonging.
Who better to tell the story of Portobello Radio itself than Piers Thompson and Greg Weir who co-founded the community station ten years ago. Entirely volunteer-run the nomadic station has broadcast live from galleries and cultural centres, theatres and social clubs, theatres, pubs and mosques, and onboard a red double-decker bus. With more than 500 shows under their belt, they have welcomed more than 1,200 guests, from Charlie Phillips OBE and Carnival founding father Leslie Palmer, Neneh Cherry and Lowkey to the many unsung local heroes that define this unique corner of London.
