To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the independence of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, young people created the Dub Plate to Dub Step project with Ujima Radio Station. They researched and shared stories from African Caribbean cultural heroes and music pioneers. Participants highlighted the positive contributions, cultural traditions and musical influences that shaped Bristol’s rich music scene.

Ujima Radio Station is the only urban radio station in Bristol with 22,000 listeners from diverse backgrounds. The station serves communities in St Pauls and Easton, promoting cultural understanding and dialogue, and offering training and broadcasting opportunities for disadvantaged young people.

The young people worked with a local historian and film maker to explore archives at Bristol Records Office and M Shed Museum. They explored and shared historic photographic images on Jamaican and Caribbean culture and materials by leading documenters from the past.

The participants benefited from excellent media training opportunities and the opportunity to try a range of activities. They created three heritage radio shows, which told the story of the past 50 years through oral history recordings of key community members, live interviews with music experts and examples of music genres. They also made two short films, showcased at the Watershed Independent Cinema.

The young people took part in the decision making process throughout the project. They decided on their roles, planned what sort of film they wanted to make, and identified who to interview for the radio show. 

For more information, please visit the Ujima Radio website.