Greater Govanhill Presents 'Sound of Refugee Voices' Radio Show
As part of Refugee Festival Scotland on Wednesday 22nd June, Radio Buena Vida will be airing the show as a culmination of a number of workshops with those with experience of the asylum system.
This evening, a new radio show produced by people with lived experience of the asylum system is airing for the first time on online community station, Radio Buena Vida. The show has been facilitated by Greater Govanhill CIC.
Over the past couple of months, participants have learned audio production skills, led by freelance journalist and radio producer Robbie Armstrong. The workshops have included training in interviewing techniques, editing and DJ production.
Each participant was given their own mic to go out and record and produce the stories they wanted to tell. Segments you will hear on include one about shisha traditions, another about Afrobeat in Glasgow, conversations around food and an intro to Unity Sisters, an organisation that supports women asylum seekers. The participants will be introducing these stories LIVE on Wednesday evening while spinning tracks they have selected.
The show’s creation has been part-funded by the Scottish Refugee Council as a part of their Scottish Refugee Festival. The theme of this year’s festival is storytelling, and over 100 events are happening right across Scotland between 17-26 June. Greater Govanhill was recently awarded Runner Up in the Local Media category of the festivals media awards.
We asked participants how they found the experience...
Arij, originally from Syria said: "Through my experiences with the workshops, I learned not to underestimate my abilities because everyone has a creative side to share. I also learned about vinyl records during my visit to the Buena Vida station in the Some Great Reward record store – and that there is a different world that I have never seen before, which made it even more interesting. We would never have been so creative if the workshop team weren't so supportive throughout. I hope everyone finds the programme as enjoyable to listen to as we found it to make!
Ibrahim, from Sierra Leone, said: “I have learnt a lot of new skills from our trainers which makes me feel confident and excited for the radio show going live!”
Virginie said: “I learnt what good audio is and how to record it using different tools. I also learned how to edit an audio using an app. Getting to practice hosting an episode was an exciting moment for me, while at the same time I was anxious. Learning how to DJ was fascinating! Practicing how to use CDJs and vinyl skills, combining it with being a presenter was a chance to gain additional skills.”
Catch the show on Radio Buena Vida's website at 6-8pm on Wednesday 22nd June or on their SoundCloud page if you can’t catch it live.