"Make Some Noise for Fela Sowande!"

The Singing Cultures podcast is inspired by African Composers and their message for a ‘common humanity’.
Hosted by Bilkis Malek, creator and producer of Singing Cultures, Series 1 is created in collaboration with St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Deptford, London. In each episode children narrate the achievements and legacy of one African composer.
In this episode the Year 6 class of 2023/24 at St. Joseph’s School, narrate the story of Nigerian Composer Fela Sowande.
The children journey with Fela Sowande from his days as a choirboy and student of organ at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos - to becoming an in demand pianist in London, collaborating with the likes of Adelaide Hall, Paul Robeson and Vera Lynn - through to his last years in the United States as a Professor of Music. Throughout, Fela Sowande is unwavering in his commitment to challenge the superior status of classical music under colonialism, and illuminate its potential to symbolise ‘a common humanity’. The result is some very SWEET sounding music.
At key moments of Fela Sowande’s life the children reflect on their own lives. Their sensory reactions transition from thoughts of “marching in army boots to regimented trumpet and drum beats … to slipping into softer footwear tapping to the warm silk tones of the harp and flute.”
We plan to grow this podcast series with annual episodes. If you send us your email address to: [e-mail], we'll send a reminder.
Make Some Noise for Fela Sowande! Make Some Noise for Year 6!
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Episode Credits:
Script - Bilkis Malek with Year 6 Class 2023/24, St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Deptford, London
Production and Editing - Bilkis Malek
Sound Editing - Mike Danks
Artwork - Kevin, Year 6 Pupil 2023/24, St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School
The episode was created from a series of workshops with the children:
Workshop Content and Activities - Bilkis Malek
Co-facilitators - Deborah Aloba & Bilkis Malek
Workshop Assistants - Blossom Cole, Patricia James, Remi Abati and Kevin Elam
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Louise Blyde Headteacher at St. Joseph’s School for embracing the Singing Cultures Project and its learning opportunities for the students. And to Leah Butler, Year 6 Class Teacher, for energetically guiding the children to complete activities in between workshops.
Deep gratitude to Heritage Fund UK for funding this phase of the project to create Episode 1.
Warm thanks to Guy Pernetti and David Moore for generously sharing Fela Sowande’s archives, and personal stories like his encounter with Lord Mountbatten.