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Radio 1 Stories: Black History Originals

Black History Originals

26/10/2014

BBC Radio 1 - Radio 1 Stories, Black History Originals

Akala, Bella Gotti and Unique debut original pieces inspired by Black History Month.

Akala, Bella Gotti, Unique and Calvin Demba write and perform original pieces of work inspired by Black History Month.

The story of Stephen Lawrence is one of 1Xtra's 30 moments chosen to mark Black History Month and it's a story that has always been important to rapper Bella Gotti. In 'Black History Originals' she gets the chance to dig deeper into this key moment in UK race relations, including a powerful interview with Stephen's brother Stuart who shares his memories and his thoughts on Stephen's legacy. Later, Bella performs a freestyle inspired by what she has dicovered. 

Also taking part in the show is up and coming singer-songwriter Unique, who picks the release of 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' as her moment, talks to music writers and historians, as well as 1Xtra's Trevor Nelson, before performing an orginal song. 

Finally, spoken word artist Calvin Demba focuses on Muhammad Ali, speaking to boxing experts and American historians before performing a poem inspired by the great man. 

The whole programme is presented by Akala, who adds his own freestyle informed by the experiences of the participating artists and the Black History Month concept as a whole.

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