The amazing life stories of social housing tenants are being celebrated in a new podcast series launched by Notting Hill Genesis, one of the UK’s largest housing associations.
Every Kinda People, created in partnership with Digital Works, features a resident who used to work as a carer for legendary singer Nina Simone, a special Olympics gold medallist and one who relives the hardship of wartime Britain.
Inspired by BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs and Inheritance Tracks, the shows invite you to connect with fascinating people and the music that has influence their lives.
Notting Hill Genesis’ volunteering programme joined forces with arts and educational charity Digital Works over months to create this amazing piece of living history.
Mandy Worster, volunteer manager for Notting Hill Genesis, said: “It was an amazing privilege to be able to work with these fascinating residents and hear their stories. The stories and music ebb and flow from pride and celebration to sadness and vulnerability and we are sure no-one will be disappointed.”
Matthew Rosenberg, projects coordinator at Digital Works, added: “For over 30 years we have been recording and sharing oral histories in London and we know the power of giving people the opportunity to speak about their lives. We also know that each person has important and fascinating stories to tell.
“This wonderful project demonstrates all of this and more as people share the funny, moving, sad and happy stories of their lives through music. It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of this.”
All 10 episodes are available to stream now on Mixcloud.
The episodes are:
Jenny - Growing up in Hammersmith, punk and reggae from the 80s, Dolly Parton ringtones and the cultural mix of Goldbourne Road.
Sebastian - From Harley Street to Lagos, coming out to a Nigerian parent, seeing Britney in Vegas, strutting down the dancefloor and gaining a doctorate.
Paul - Listening to Top of the Pops, life before "care in the community", running competitively and gold medals in the special Olympics.
Janet - A family of trained accomplished musicians, singing with Odyssey, music therapy sessions and caring for Nina Simone in Marseille.
Francisco - From Brazil to Lake Como, To Sir With Love, learning to meditate and Ibiza in 1996.
Hollis - Life as an overseas engineer, Latin and calypso music, West Indian parties of the 70s, singing and evenings at the Tottenham Court Road Dominion.
Keith - Acoustic guitars, all-nighters at Les Cousins, watching live folk music and running his own record distribution company.
Margaret - The Belfast Bombings, Sunday Service at the Presbyterian Church, life in the swinging 60s, radical feminist collectives and Japanese Buddhism.