Introducing Superlative – one of Manchester’s finest artists.With rhythm that’ll make you move and lyrics that pack a punch, Superlative’s talent is undeniable. This 26-year-old producer and rapper is on the fast track to greatness, and we’re here for it.
Superlative‘s artistic talents know no bounds, spanning music videos, songwriting, rapping, and performing. He’s a true jack-of-all-trades, and his success is evident from his long list of accomplishments. He’s been named Red Bull‘s Raise the Bar Winner, featured in a Manchester Evening News article, and been introduced on BBC1 & 1XTRA. His track was also chosen as BBC6 Music’s Track of the Week, he’s been on Barz in Carz, and reached No. 3 in the Amazing Music Radio Charts. This guy is the real deal.
His upcoming single ‘Deja You’ is due to drop 25th April, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for its release!
Listen back to the full show to find out more about Superlative and all that went down with Jorgy & Cheech in the studio.
Are you a music lover looking to take your creativity to the next level? Do you have a passion for radio production, social media, and creative writing? Well, have we got the workshop for you!
Introducing the Music Course – a two-week program focused on music production and creating your own radio show to showcase your original creations. Funded by the amazing Manchester Adult Education Service, this project runs from April 10th to April 21st, with a taster day on April 5th.
Get ready to rock your socks off as you learn all the ins and outs of music production and show off your talents to the world through your very own radio show. This is a great opportunity to hone your skills, unleash your creativity, and take your love for music to new heights.
Drop us an email atprojects@reformradio.co.uk to get involved in this project. Check out the flyer below for more details – we can’t wait to see you there!
Do you dream of being your own boss and running a successful business? If so, you’ll want to take advantage of our upcoming 4-day course dedicated to all things freelancing!
Creative Leadership is a comprehensive course that will teach you everything you need to know about facilitation, funding, taxes, and what it takes to be a freelancer. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this course will give you the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.
Learn how to understand your audience, navigate self-employment, and manage your taxes. You’ll also gain invaluable skills in facilitating workshops, delivering socially engaged projects, writing funding bids, working with partners, planning sessions, and evaluating success.
The course will be held on March 30th, 31st and 6th, 14th April from 10AM to 4PM, so mark your calendars and get ready to learn from the best in the business.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your freelancing game to the next level. Check out the flyer below for all the details on how to get involved, or drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.
We are Toju, Mike and Nat – participants of the latest In Focus: Content and Social Media course which just finished and we are thrilled to share some exciting insights with you! We worked on a creative brief to produce a social media strategy for a local clothing designer, Rhea Barry, who has just released her new collection.
About the Course
The In Focus: Content and Social Media was a comprehensive 7-week course designed to help individuals gain practical experience in digital content creation. Delivered by Reform Radio’s experienced Content & Marketing Team and industry experts, this programme was amazing at helping us develop our skills in marketing, video, and photography.
The course consisted of structured modules, covering topics such as social media and marketing strategies, analytics, trends, and audience development, planning and implementing a social media marketing campaign, and working from briefs to developing concepts. We also learnt the basics of filming and concept production, including creating short-form videos for different platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and editing and post-production.
Rhea B is a clothing designer and seamstress based in Cheetham Hill, Manchester. She is the one woman show behind ‘RB Funky Creations’; clothing company boasting one-of-a-kind and small-batch pieces all designed, cut, sewn and packaged by Rhea herself.
Rhea
Known for her signature ‘woodland fairy’ aesthetic, as well as her use of creative up-cycling, Rhea’s online platform has garnered an impressive following on social media platforms.
Rhea B champions the philosophy of ‘Slow Fashion’ and wastes absolutely zero fabric. She sources materials from end of line fabrics, charity shop items and eBay deadstock as well as some locally sourced new fabrics.
To mark the drop of her new collection, Reform Radio were lucky enough to host Rhea B at the station to meet her, shoot some of her clothing, and ask her some questions about her process.
Rhea handmakes new collections with drops every couple of months. They are all one of a kind or small batch pieces ranging in sizes Xs-3XL. Rhea works from her Manchester studio and designs, cuts, sews, packages and posts everything herself. She uses a mix of new fabrics, end of line and recycles old clothes to create her designs, so everything is unique.
Purple Pixi Drop is a mix of tops, skirts and accessories. Running theme of the collection is a focus on trimmings, lace up detail and beaded fringing. Merging the colour purple with all the shades and textures that are made when Rhea combines lace, mesh velvet and stretch jerseys (always focused on comfort as well!). Rhea also saves all the scraps from cutting out the designs and uses these to create her patchwork gloves and panels so nothing is wasted.
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. At Reform Radio, we’re proud to join the millions of people around the world who are marking this important day by highlighting the achievements of women, both past and present, and showcasing the incredible work that women are doing in our community and beyond. From creative workshops and events to inspiring stories and interviews, here’s a look at some of the ways we’re celebrating IWD this year.
Get involved in our free up and coming creative workshops. For any questions or to register, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.
Positive Frequencies (6th – 10th March)
HERchester UP NORTH (Various Locations March – May)
Radio Gaga (Mondays for 8 weeks)
Listen to our most recent Made The Same Way podcast, A collaborative project between Reform Radio and the Wellcome funded ‘Human Developmental Biology Initiative’ (HDBI), each episode introduces one emerging artist and one knowledgeable researcher to discuss science, life, and music. The series are hosted by Manchester rapper Oneda, bringing together scientists and emerging female rappers.
Do As You Please Open Decks Event at Joshua Brooks
Our very own DJ Sessions delivery partner is hosting an open deck and open mic event in the infamous Joshua Brooks, it’s free entry, so there are no excuses not to come.
Rewind to Reform’s Women/Non-Binary Resident Shows
This January we welcomed an amazing group of young people to Reform as part of the Prince’s Trust ‘Get Started with Radio’ course. With just one week to master the skills of researching, interviewing, editing and presenting on a live radio slot, its fair to say the whole group killed it!
We hope the participants who took part had as much as fun and joy we had. To watch them so quickly bond, create and prepare for the work that they produced has been an impressive journey.
Watch the round-up video below to see highlights of the week:
Not to mention the range and quality of content they produced, smashing it live in the Reform studios and airwaves! Don’t take our word for it, check out their work below.
There is an exciting opportunity to join the Reform Radio team in Manchester, as our new Content Creator. We’re a growing community interest company and award-winning online radio station, dedicated to supporting young people to access cultural opportunities and career pathways in the creative industries. As part of our Content & Marketing Team you will be creating captivating digital content using various media forms, including video, photo, as well as writing copy for social media and our website.
Our ideal candidate will have experience of working with digital content, with a commitment to the work of Reform Radio, but we are open to considering applications from people with a range of relevant experiences. We’re committed to supporting young people from underrepresented and underserved groups within the creative industries, and therefore encourage applications from individuals from these groups.
ROLE DESCRIPTION:
The role of the Content Creator will be to;
Create captivating digital content in video and photo form, whilst adhering to Reform Radio brand aesthetic
Collaborate with Content & Marketing team members to create video and photo content that effectively drives results
Oversee planning and necessary communications to prepare for gathering footage/photography
Create marketing materials in form of flyers and graphics
Maintain consistency in content and ensure alignment with the brand history and plans
Conduct both on-site and off-site video and photo shoots
Oversee equipment upkeep and appropriate use of video/photo equipment
Write copy for social media and Reform Radio website using the company’s tone
Conduct research to learn more about current trends, developments, and perceptions about the subject matter, and then contextualizing your findings
Monitor social media and company website, respond to comments, messages and engage with our audience
Monitor social media and company website metrics
Collect data and report to the Content & Marketing Manager
Use a variety of technical skills and software to complete production, including Adobe Suite (Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom, After Effects)
To complete all necessary paperwork, and follow all systems relating to the Content Creator role on time and to a high standard.
To attend all training as requested by Reform Radio.
To comply with our policies.
To be flexible to working evenings and weekends.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential skills, knowledge and qualities required:
Experience of creating content (video/photo/written)
Strong creative skills and attention to detail
Strong writing and verbal communication skills
Analytical thinking
Understanding of social media platforms and their features (Instagram/Facebook/Twitter/Youtube/Linked In)
Excellent organisational skills
Ability to work to deadlines
A good knowledge and experience of working with Adobe Suite (Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom)
Ability to identify and drive new creative approaches to content creation
Knowledge and interest in local and international music scenes and art communities
Desirable skills, knowledge and qualities required:
Graphic design experience
Understanding of WordPress and other CMS platforms
Advanced knowledge of social media algorithms
Experience of working with young people
JOB DETAILS:
Hours: 16hrs/week – This role is generally Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, but some weekend and evening work is required.
Salary: £10.90 per hour
Annual Leave: 11.5 days + your birthday
Pension: Nest Pension scheme
Location: This role is mainly office based, with some place based work and some flexibility to work from home when required. Address: Bonded Warehouse, 18 Lower Byrom St, Manchester, M3 4AP
To apply, please send the following to natasha@reformradio.co.uk before 5pm on 17th February 2023:
A CV (max 2 pages)
And either a cover letter (max 2 pages)
Or a video/audio file (max 2 minutes/200 words per question) telling us about:
Why you want the role
What skills and experience do you think you will bring to this role
Why you think you’re a good fit for this role
One person who you’ve made an impact on in your career so far
If you have any other access needs/requirements or if you are facing barriers in applying that we can help remove then please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.
MILA GRACE, brizzy the boss, is a talent not to be reckoned with. Fierce, commanding and assertive. Her power emulates a dark horse that has been set free to charge.
‘First – Freestyle’ has even been selected as track of the week on BBC Manchester and BBC Music Introducing with Roesh. Mila’s capabilities are highlighted by these notable mentions. It’s obvious that this is only the beginning for this talent. Confirming her status and path in her freestyle she spits, “Don’t mind me, I speak on bangers”. MILA’s future aspirations and focus are as sharp as her acrylic nails, and we can’t wait to see it in full flow.
Listen back to the full show to find out more about MILA GRACE and all that went down with Daisy in the studio.
We have collaborated with the Science and Industry Museum, where a group of young people created soundscapes inspired by the industrial sounds of Manchester. They listened to the sounds of historic machinery, in the Textiles Gallery, which once filled Manchester’s factories. Then they recorded sounds from the city’s current and developing industries. Creating the soundscapes you can listen to below:
Soundscape A
Modern Manchester by Dale, 2022
The sounds of a workers commute in the present day.
Listen to the weekend walk to work along John Dalton Street in central Manchester. The streets are alive with shoppers, the roads busy with buses and commuters.
Soundscape B
Footsteps of Change by Zuri, 2022
This recording was inspired by the Industrial Revolution. It was the first time human behaviour began significantly changing the landscape and ultimately beginning the climate crisis we now live in.
The story begins with sounds reminiscent of the nature Manchester was once home to. Then the ominous footsteps of humans signals the start of the Industrial Revolution.
Soundscape C
Manchester’s Music Industry by Jaden, 2022
Inspired by the sounds of creatives repurposing derelict industrial buildings to create the now renowned Manchester music industry.
Listen out for throwbacks to Manchester’s musical past and discover the sounds of its future.
Soundscape D
We are still losing our hearing by Jesús, 2022
Curious about the impact of noise on workers’ health and their rights during the Industrial Revolution. This knowledge drew parallels to problems experienced in present times.
This recording highlights workplace caused hearing loss. It’s a problem which occurred in the Industrial Revolution and persists as an issue for workers in the music industry today.
Soundscape E
Wheels of Change by Omar, 2022
Focusing on the transport workers used to get to work.
Starting with the sounds of trains in the Industrial Revolution and progressing to the sounds of commuters moving across Manchester in present times.
Soundscape F
Machine Made by Ffion, 2022
Interested in the evolution of technological innovations the workers of Manchester have experienced.
Discover the sounds of what would have been cutting edge in the mills. Then progress to some familiar sounds of the technology which fills our workplaces and homes.
Every month we spotlight our lovely residents’ events. Here are a few ways to get into the new year groove this January.
SIZZLERS AT BORING FESTIVAL
Boring is a vibrant music, theatre and art festival set across multiple unique venues in Haarlem, Netherlands. Curating the Friday night line-up at Schuur, Sizzlers host INA will be joined behind the decks by the Bristol-based producer and dj Cowper.
The holiday season is in full swing and to celebrate Christmas and the fast approaching 2k23, our hosts Yelena Lashimba and Dan Owens-Cooper (who also happens to be our lovely Well-being Manager) have prepared something special for you.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? … well, not exactly. For many, the holiday season can present challenges to emotional well-being – a fact that is often drowned out by seasonal greetings, festive tunes, and incorrect assumptions that ’tis the season to be jolly (…regardless of how we might actually feel!). On Xmas Eve at 2PM Dan is bringing you‘A ‘Mental’ Year’, a show offering an important professional take on mental health and the holiday period, season survival tips, and a helpful reminder of how we covered mental health at Reform Radio in 2022.
Xmas Day will see the special edition of Reform’s first ever daily morning show The Get Up, hosted by yours truly Yelena Lashimba. In the final Get Up of 2022, Yelena will be going through Reform’s highlights of the year, plus playing some of her all time favourite tunes. A perfect soundtrack to opening your presents whilst munching on those Brussels sprouts.
The last Podcasting Course of 2022 has just wrapped up and what an amazing 2 weeks it has been. For those not familiar with this programme, it’s a 2-week course in which participants learn the ins and outs of podcasting, focusing on audio, scriptwriting and recording, ultimately working towards creating their own live radio show. We caught up with 2 participants Dani and Astrid to chat about their journey at Reform and their future plans!
ASTRID
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Dani: Informative, efficient, and quiet.
Astrid: Dedicated, adaptable, friendly.
Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What are your interests? What are your hobbies?
Dani: I am a multi hobbyist myself. I like to learn new things whenever I can. Keeps my brain active. I am fascinated with audio, character design, mixology, writing, video production, especially films and everything about fashion.
Astrid: I just graduated in English Literature from University of Manchester. I’m interested in Film, TV and want to break into this industry. Ideally, I’d eventually write but I am happy to do research now and learn behind the scenes. Maybe even factual shows. So yeah, this is part of the reason I started this course.
When and how did you realise that you want to be in media?
Dani: I started wanting to make media back in year one. Year two, when my school sort of introduced me to the idea of acting and stage performing, it hooked me immediately. It was then that I spent the rest of my life working either in some form or another with media creation. Growing up alongside YouTube from a young age, that sort of opened the doors for the whole idea of media creation and it all just branched out into many media formats. It’s interesting to me, specifically voice sightings really interest me. I want to get back on the camera whenever I can, live broadcast, stage shows etc.
DANI
How did you hear about Reform & the Podcasting Course? What prompted you to get involved?
Dani: I heard about Reform through my work coach at a Job Centre and they all said: “Hey, we saw you were a creative mind. And there’s this radio taster session happening in September. Would you like us to sign you up for it?” And it’s during this, I heard about Podcasting Course and thought, yes, this is more me and aligns better with my interests.
Astrid: I actually found out about this course through a Facebook runners group CV page. Upon reviewing other people’s CVs and seeing their experience etc, I noticed Reform listed as a creative course. Once I looked into it, I was like, this is perfect for me to get started. Not only can I learn creative skills, but also for free as well. I was excited to get started.
What were you working on in particular for these past 2 weeks?
Dani: We’ve spent a lot of time preparing for our live radio show. My segment focuses on the culture and history of drinks, mixology. I think it’s important to respect this.
Astrid: My project is a bit of a weird one! I decided I would do a word a day but change it, so I would do a dialect a day. I wanted it to be fun, light hearted and not too serious. And yeah, looking at how people know about it, relate to it or feel about it.
Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?
Dani: I came in and expected to be a lot more quiet than I’ve been because normally in a lot of temporary education settings, there’s very little for someone like myself to really be outspoken. But since the course, I have made a couple mates and we’re going for a drink tomorrow after the course. I have gelled well with the participants and everyone else and this is rare for me. Socialising can be hard for me, but in a weird cosmic twist it has really worked out!
Astrid: To start with, we didn’t get into the content making part as we were learning theory, which now, makes so much sense because everything has fell into place. It’s nice to have someone over my shoulder as I create because the pointers are helpful. I’ve enjoyed being creative in Reform. It feels like a very safe environment. I’ve struggled with anxiety around my own creativity. I am working my way through this though and finding ways to feel comfortable and confident in my own work.
What is one thing you have learnt from the course that you will take home with you?
Dani: I can’t expect to be so quiet all the time. It’s important to vibe with what is in the room, and most of the time, it will vibe back.
Astrid: I have learnt how easy it can be to make your own podcast. And software required to do this, is free! And has reminded me how possible things are even on a smaller scale. Like, I can make a podcast with just an iPhone and my own laptop.
What are your goals after the project?
Dani: Find a job. Mostly to keep up studies in different fields, keep in contact with people on this course and make a podcast, maybe even just for myself.
Astrid: Leave my waitressing job and get working creatively. I want to sit down, when I have time, and write either a film or play, I’m unsure what it will be yet, but it’s been a goal for a long time so I will begin that soon.
You can listen to the full project show below!
If you would like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.
Every month we spotlight our lovely residents’ events. Here are a few ways to get into the festive spirits in Manchester this December.
GOOD CUSTARD X RAMONA TAKEOVER
Good Custard are back this month, taking over Ramona with all resident line up. The entry is free, however the spaces are limited, so come down early, to make sure you don’t miss out.
NOT BAD FOR A GIRL
On Saturday 3rd of December catch our residents Not Bad For A Girl at Old Abbey Taphouse w/ Syntax, Kisa + more…
ANDREA TROUT
Sundays just got much better… On the 18th of December Band On The Wall welcomes our resident Andrea Trout for Soulful Sundays session alongside Ruby Swallow.
BUILDING:BRIDGES
Real cowboys never run….. …..they just ride away….
Buckle up buckaroos, looks like we got ourselves a hoedown. The notorious Semi Peppered & Building:Bridges Outlaw Federation is pardnerin’ up with one of the baddest bronco posses, She Will Provide. Together, this hair-triggered triarchy is running the hardest barn dance this wild wild North West desert ever did see. 🤠
First up on the rodeo roster is no stranger to knee-high boots and a buccaneering attitude, it’s Ambient Babestation Meltdown. The London-based DJ and producer has spent the last few years cooking up gunslingin’ EBM, techno & electroclash topped with trademark sultry spoken word, culminating this year in her debut release on Optimo – a 4 tracker tighter than Yosemite Sam’s keks. 💥
Up next is absolutely NO yeller belly, up on that there saddle is Mama Char. One of the quickest draws in the county! She’ll be bringing the percussive pressure to our saloon stick up, guaranteed to get your booties square dancing til the devil bitin’ your ass. 👹
Together, we’ll be kicking down the barn doors of Lurid Ultra Hybrid – a lawless landscape in the Islington Mill desert, where cowboys, townsfolk, bandits and do-gooders forget the day’s toils, swig moonshine and make merry ‘til high noon
Raised in Mancunian streets of Newton Heath, MOWAVEY graces Reform’s airwaves with a slick freestyle on the latest instalment of The Daisy Adams Show.
MOWAVEY is a versatile artist; both a vocalist and rapper. His art reflects on his diverse upbringing and channels his musical narratives through his Nigerian & German background. His track ‘Gyal‘ featured on BBC Radio last year and has proven itself to be a nightlife favourite.
His freestyle performance showcases a natural rhythmic ability that is paced, flows well and takes the listener alongside on his sonic journey. Check out the video below to catch the magic for yourself.
Listen back to the full show to find out more about MOWAVEY and all that went down with Daisy in the studio.
We attended the Manchester Culture Awards on the 24th November for a night of fabulous food, awards and fun with other local creative organisations. The event was held at the Vermilion restaurant and featured the highest number of nominations since the awards first began in 2018, with 466 nominations across 13 categories.
The evening was hosted by Nazia Mogra alongside three young hosts Hans Wiener, Ahtasham Akhtar and Kao Hove. We were nominated in 2 categories: ‘Promotion of Health and Well-being’ & ‘Promotion of Culture and Education’ – the first was awarded to The Edge and the latter to MADE.
Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees! You can check out the full list of winners below.
Full list of winners.
Best Business Partnership: Barry Bennett Ltd and Venture Arts
Best Event: HOME – HOMEground
Best Exhibition: Science and Industry Museum – Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope
Best Performance: Manchester International Festival – When The Birds Land
Independent Creative of the Year: Sharon Raymond
Made in Manchester: Manchester Young Carers Music Project
Promotion of Culture & Education: MADE
Promotion of Environmental Sustainability: Roots and Branches
Promotion of Equality & Social Justice: Uncertain Futures
Promotion of Health & Wellbeing: The Edge
Promotion of Talent & Leadership: Brighter Sound Leadership Programme
Young Creative of the Year: Yandass Ndlovu
The Manchester People’s Culture Award: Ed Wellard
Special Recognition Awards
Dave Moutrey OBE
Lemn Sissay OBE
Kate Day
The work being done by those in our community continues to amaze and inspire us. What a fulfilling event, to come together in one place and celebrate each other’s achievements, hard work and missions to better our city and our culture.
We thank everyone who helped put together such a special evening.
We are so excited to launch a series of new programmes in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority – ‘In Focus’ in Radio, Content & Social Media, Mind & Planet.
Independently focusing on audio, content creation, Carbon Literacy and well-being, all delivered by industry experts. The course is fully funded and has been made possible with the Skills for Growth & European Social Fund. Get in touch at projects@reformradio.co.uk to find out more.
The courses were designed through consultation across the creative sector with freelancers, artists, organisations and employees, to meet current demands and skill gaps.
Individuals will learn a variety of skills ranging from music production to podcasting, social media and marketing strategies to filming and concept production. There will also be bespoke Carbon Literacy training, stress management and tailored well-being workshops.
In Focus: Radio
A 7-week course to learn all the skills required for music radio production. Led by Reform’s award-winning Podcasting Team with experience in national BBC strands, independent production companies, online radio and music related podcasts. During this course you will learn about audio production, presenting, music sequencing, research and interview skills, recording, editing & sound design, industry advice and knowledge on BBC systems.
In Focus: Content and Social Media
A 7-week course delivered by Reform’s experienced Content & Marketing Team, featuring exciting guests from the creative industry. In this programme you will learn the ins and outs of digital content creation with hands-on experience in video & photography. You will develop a social media strategy and deliver a live event, all whilst gaining knowledge about pre & post production.
Covering the following topics, as well as looking at tailored content for you or your team: Communicating without conflict, Overcoming Impostor Syndrome, Active Listening and Coaching Skills, Confidence Building, Improving Motivation, Stress Management & Avoiding Burnout, Facing your Fear of Failure, and many more.
Part 2 – Planet
Carbon Literacy Training developed and delivered by award-winning Head of Production and sustainability expert, Dan Jackson, this programme will provide a deep-understanding of the science of climate change and how our everyday activities contribute to it.
Through group learning, discussion and practical workshops, individuals will learn how to develop creative strategies to maximise their influence and minimise their negative impacts on the climate. With bespoke content specifically tailored to production companies, digital content producers, gamers, designers and the media industry.
The programmes are free to attend and eligibility for these courses are those 16+, who live or work within Greater Manchester, and are employed or self employed. If you would like to get involved in any of these courses, please email projects@reformradio.co.uk.
Meet Farwa who is Reform Radio’s Operations Coordinator and Women’s Safety Lead, as appointed by ‘Women’s Night-time Safety Charter’ programme. We caught up with her to take a look at her journey from day one at Reform to her elevation into her current position.
Please introduce yourself and tell us one fun fact about yourself?
Hi, my name is Farwa, I’m Operations Coordinator at Reform Radio & I love making fresh flower jewellery and balancing that out by training Muay Thai.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Upbeat, grounded and straightforward.
How did you get involved with Reform?
Funnily enough, during an old job my manager told me all about Reform. I saw that they had a few courses that could really help me develop my skills and confidence over lockdown so I just dived in.
What were you up to before joining Reform?
Before I joined Reform, I was studying Literature at a university and was a Culture Editor of the Arts & Humanities magazine ‘aAh!’ – A big focus for me during this time was diversifying the content by writing reviews & interviewing zine-makers from across the world about their passions and inspirations.
How did you get into literature and what are your inspirations for the future?
I actually got into literature because I thought it would be a good stepping stone into traditional journalism. Since then, I’ve been exposed to so many different ways of sharing stories, through audio as well as writing, so I’m excited to see what’s next for me creatively.
You’ve been appointed Reform’s ‘Women’s Safety Champion’ – can you tell us a bit more about this?
I put myself forward for this position because I wanted to make sure we’re prioritising the safety of all women, creating safe spaces and encouraging organisations and people to become active bystanders, and stepping in in the case of any unwanted advances or harassment.
Why is the topic of women’s safety important to you?
The topic of women’s safety is really important to me because unfortunately women have become used to identifying potential threats or attempts of intimidation, and now sort of expect it when out, and I’d like to help be a force for change when it comes to women feeling safe at work and otherwise. While we hope that we wouldn’t have to monitor our safety, it seems there are some unwritten rules that we all live by; like faking a call in a taxi or crossing the road at night when around big groups.
Manchester City Council held an open information and training session detailing what the ‘Women’s Night-time Safety Charter’ programme is, what’s on offer and what businesses can do. We chatted to Candi Wallace, who is part of the Safety Team at Manchester City Council.
Please introduce yourself?
My name is Candi Wallace. I work for the Safety Team at Manchester City Council and I’m the Violence Against Women and Girls Lead for the City Council. I’ve been leading on various initiatives that we’ve launched over the last few months for women’s and girls’ safety across the city.
Can you tell us a bit more about the training sessions?
The training is a free offer for all organisations that pledge up to the Women’s Night-time Safety Charter. The Night-time Safety Charter was launched officially about four weeks ago. It’s based on the London model, which we have adapted to suit Manchester.
The training is just part of it, it’s really around raising awareness of what sexual assault and harassment is, across all of our sectors. It’s an offer to those who pledge to try and upskill staff, give them a bit more time to understand how to respond better to situations or scenarios they may enter and even consider their own policies.
When you say ‘women’, is this inclusive of non-binary & trans people?
We are including all women, LGBT community. Absolutely. We have specialist services to the LGBT community. We’re very fortunate in Manchester that we have got a really wide range of services that represent all our communities. If we have men who are victims, we have services that can pick that up and can refer, signpost or support them too.
What are the future goals for this programme?
We are really just trying to make sure we skill up as many people as possible from across all of our organisations so that they can help their own staff and customers. We are trying to create awareness for everyone, which we hope will create more safe spaces across the city. Giving people the ability to help identify what sexual assault and harassment is. We all have a lot to learn from each other. Over the next few months we hope to only upscale our efforts and to reach everyone.
Mancunian artists Mimi & Kay Rico team up for a live performance of their recent R&B single ‘Replaceable’ on the latest instalment of Jorgy & Cheech show.
Mimi exudes a calming and assured presence throughout her performance in the music video for Replaceable. This is then contrasted with lyrics like “If you disrespecting me, then I’ll be disrespecting you” to remind audiences she’s not to be played with.
Kay Rico, ‘Rap Game UK’ alumni, features on the track, bringing his own original flow and personality to the song and video.
Listen back to the full show down below to find out more about Mimi & Kay’s new track and all of the behind the scenes action on the shoot.
We’re extremely honoured to be announced as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation today – since the early days of broadcasting from the basement in Manchester, we are so proud of what Reform Radio has achieved.
We understand however that today will be extremely tough for arts organisations doing important work across the country and we stand with you in solidarity. We hope our resources can also be of benefit to others, as we continue to abide by our values; community, creativity and collaboration.
We are extremely thankful to the Arts Council and all our funders, young people, supporters, DJs, artists, colleagues, friends and listeners who have contributed so richly to this achievement. You make this community the incredible cultural force and agent for change that it is.
Congratulations to all who have received good news today, we are proud to stand with you ❤️
Launch: Saturday 29th October 2022, 12.00-13.00 Bound Art Book Fair, The Whitworth, Manchester, M15 6ER
Created by global majority and marginalised communities,SEEN was conceived in 2021 with a bold anti-racist manifesto to counter the London-centric narrative that often dominates music journalism. Celebrating unheard voices, it hopes communities can narrate their own stories and heritage, while connecting with global scenes linked to Britain’s colonial history.
SEEN was founded by three music industry professionals living in Manchester with funding from Arts Council England and Manchester Music City.
The SEEN founders are: Tunde Adekoya, the Artistic Director of Big People Music and Big People Community CIC, who is of Nigerian – British – English – London – Mancunian descent.
Kamila Rymajdo, a journalist and academic, predominantly writing about music, the creative industries and popular culture, who was born in Poland but grew up in the UK.
Balraj Samrai, a musician, facilitator and co-founder of Swing Ting from the Midlands, UK, who has been based in Manchester for over 15 years, working in both the music and education sectors.
HMD shot by Daniel Oyegade
The first issue celebrates Manchester music, spotlighting the migration journey of Somalia hailing musician HMD who’s settled in Moss Side via Denmark and DJ Paulette, who’s written about the need to unionise DJing. The magazine also explores musical scenes such as the feeling of belonging and joy that Manchester’s fledgling amapiano movement has provided for the city’s South African community and a reflective account of the UK’s South Asian undergrounds.
DJ Paulette shot by Daniel Oyegade
For Bound Art Book Fair SEEN present a panel discussion with the founders and writers Tayyab Amin and Santina Robinson, whose work features in Issue One.
