Chronicles of Black Joy

Episode 7 - Bittersweet by AKS

Bittersweet explores joy explored through the lens of an elder statesman talking to the youth encouragingly and exploring the disparity between their generations and the life moments navigated with the gift of experience. The spoken word piece highlights that a major part of black joy is another’s joy that we adopt as our own. And that there’s something special in that. But it also distinctly captures the neighbouring and opposing feelings that also co-opt many of our moments of joy and the duality that it presents. In this episode, creative producer Rennae Walker and featured artist, AKS, explore the concept of black joy, dissecting its nuance and complexities other than favourable feelings of elation. They explore the role and sometimes necessity of pain in birthing experiences of joy in its truest and purest form. The Chronicles of Black Joy podcast is supported and distributed by LU Arts (Loughborough University's art centre) in celebration of Black History Month. Creative Producer - Rennae Walker Technical Producer - Reece Ferreira Graphic Designer - Vuyo Ngwenya

Episode 6 - Royal Radiance by George Taylor

Royal Radiance is a narrative of four individuals who have not been blessed with the greatest of circumstances with each verse covering a glimpse of their journey. Despite their battles, their joy is their weapon as they represent just a few examples of changing the narrative of black culture. The short story was written and performed by producer/rapper George Taylor aka meka who sought to reveal that society may view these people in a certain way but their royal radiance has the power to shine through any stereotype they get labeled with. Royal Radiance presents some of the battles we as a community may face with the system but inspires community and unification as a people. As part of our bitesize episode segment we invite students of Loughborough University to share a short story. The Chronicles of Black Joy podcast is supported and distributed by LU Arts (Loughborough University's art centre) in celebration of Black History Month. Creative Producer - Rennae Walker Technical Producer - Reece Ferreira Graphic Designer - Vuyo Ngwenya

Episode 5 - Tulia by Musumba

Tulia translates to “Be still” in Swahili; exploring the shifts in how we have been structured to view ourselves. The short story was written, produced and performed by an exciting and much acclaimed voice in the underground music scene, Musumba, who presents a simply beautiful story piece that shadows the theme of being “still” throughout the chaos and celebrating our joys within and around us as black people. Tulia features two very important figures in Musumba’s life, her mother and dear friend Ethan Asante. In this episode, creative producer Rennae Walker and featured artist, Musumba, explore the concept of black joy through a more spiritual and introspective lense. They explore the importance of looking back as a gateway to move forward and reap the fruits of healing and joy in Jesus. The Chronicles of Black Joy podcast is supported and distributed by LU Arts (Loughborough University's art centre) in celebration of Black History Month. Creative Producer - Rennae Walker Technical Producer - Reece Ferreira Graphic Designer - Vuyo Ngwenya

Episode 4 - Come As You Are by Yasmin Nwofor

Come As You Are speaks to each of us who have only ever been taught to conform. Learning to express ourselves freely can be a life-long lesson but there is great joy to be found on the way! The short story was written and performed by twiced-published poet and current Loughborough student,  Yasmin Nwofor who challenges the idea of seeking the “big” joys, the landmark events, often forgetting the casual magic and understated joy in our every day. Come As You Are is a reminder of this. As part of our bitesize episode segment we invite students of Loughborough University to share a short story. The Chronicles of Black Joy podcast is supported and distributed by LU Arts (Loughborough University's art centre) in celebration of Black History Month. Creative Producer - Rennae Walker Technical Producer - Reece Ferreira Graphic Designer - Vuyo Ngwenya

Episode 3: Furaha Ya Watoto by Magero

Furaha Ya Watoto (The Joy of Children) is a nostalgic musical journey into black joy through the lens of Magero’s childhood. Written and performed by poet Magero, the short story portrays elements of Black British culture as well as his Kenyan roots and upbringing. It is a comical fusion of storytelling and poetry accompanied by afro sounds and melodies created by music producer FazeOne. In this episode, creative producer Rennae Walker and guest artist Magero reflect on the profound innocence of childhood, the beauty of family and preserving imagination, all  through the lens of black joy. The Chronicles of Black Joy podcast is supported and distributed by LU Arts (Loughborough University's art centre) in celebration of Black History Month. Story/Music Producer - FazeOne Creative Producer - Rennae Walker Technical Producer - Reece Ferreira Graphic Designer - Vuyo Ngwenya