Too often the narratives of the Black British experience perpetuated in the media and popular culture is one tainted with trauma and struggle. While these experiences should not be negated, it can leave little room for Black stories of joy; and there is so much joy in being Black that is seldom expressed.
The Chronicles of Black Joy invites a collective of dynamic storytellers to use their art to express what black joy looks, feels and sounds like to them. Between now and January 2022, newly commissioned works by Loughborough University students and emerging and established artists will be added to the platform each month. These works will mix up storytelling, poetry and sound art to present innovative audio experiences.
The platform has launched today with two initial releases created by Loughborough postgraduate student Ngozi ‘N/A’ Oparah and poet and playwright Lanaire Aderemi.
You can stream the content from the platform itself but the podcast is also available on Spotify and will be added to other mainstream streaming services.
Drama and English graduate Esther-Rennae Walker is the Creative Producer behind this project. She helped shape the artists brief as well as commissioning and curating the content. Since graduating from Loughborough, Esther-Rennae has been developing her career as a storyteller and creative producer, committed to exposing the unheard stories that sweep the streets of London and beyond. Her most recent written work includes 56 Black Men (2020) and Places of Me (2021).
The rest of the creative team is made up of Technical Producer, Reece Ferreira and Graphic Designer Vuyo Ngwenya. Since leaving Loughborough, Reece has been working with young people as well as continuing to foster his love for and proficiency in sound and music. Vuyo was the media rep for the Afro-Caribbean Society during his time at Loughborough. Since graduating, he has focused on his freelance practice (V1 Visuals) which includes photography as well as graphic design.
Find out more and listen to the Chronicles of Black Joy podcast.