Young Broadcasters Capture Spirit of Windrush Homecoming

Future On Air broadcasters bring the voices, music and stories of Love Camden’s Windrush Homecoming Festival to Itch Radio.

For Michaela Kay and Baby Cey, the Windrush Homecoming Festival was much more than a day behind the DJ decks. Organised by Love Camden, the festival gave the two young broadcasters the opportunity to perform on the main stage before stepping into the role of community reporters. As part of the Itch Radio “Future On Air” Broadcasting Workshops, they spent the day interviewing performers, musicians, community organisations and festival goers, capturing the voices that made the celebration so memorable.

The result was a one hour Windrush Homecoming Special on Itch Radio, bringing together music, interviews and personal reflections from a day that celebrated heritage, culture and community.

Giving the Community a Voice

Festival goers shared why remembering the Windrush generation still matters today.

One of the most powerful parts of the programme came from conversations with members of the public attending the Festival.

Michaela Kay and Baby Cey asked a simple question: “What does the Windrush Generation mean to you?”

The responses reflected both pride and gratitude. Some spoke about parents and grandparents who travelled to Britain to help rebuild the country after the Second World War. Others reflected on the importance of remembering those sacrifices while ensuring younger generations understand their history.

“Learn from past mistakes and do better.”

The conversations reminded listeners that the Windrush story is not only about the past. It continues to shape communities today.

Music That Connects Generations

Live performances celebrated the culture and musical heritage of the Caribbean community.

One of the standout performances came from jazz collective New Establishment, who spoke about the importance of celebrating the music and culture that Caribbean communities have shared with Britain.

The band explained how carefully they build their performances, balancing familiar classics with newer arrangements while making sure audiences of every age feel included.

Events like the Windrush Homecoming Festival create opportunities to celebrate not only music but also identity, belonging and community.

Wookie on London’s Cultural Influence

The UK Garage pioneer reflected on diversity, creativity and the importance of celebrating Windrush.

UK Garage legend Wookie shared his thoughts on growing up in London’s multicultural communities and how those experiences helped shape both his music and his outlook.

Reflecting on the festival, he explained that events like these help keep the stories of the Windrush generation alive, particularly for younger people who may not fully understand the challenges their elders faced.

He also described London’s cultural diversity as one of the greatest influences behind UK Garage, calling it music that could only have come from a city like London.

Keeping Sound System Culture Alive

Dig It Sound System highlighted the lasting importance of confidence and community.

Dan from Dig It Sound System spoke about the role sound systems continue to play within Caribbean culture.

Although music has evolved over the years, he explained that the purpose remains the same bringing communities together through great music and shared experiences.

When asked what advice he would give to young DJs, his answer was simple.

“Believe in yourself. If you know it’s a great record, play it.”

Learning from Those Who Came Before

Broadcaster Matt White encouraged young people to keep family stories alive.

Broadcaster and DJ Matt White reflected on the importance of preserving Caribbean culture by listening to parents, grandparents and elders.

“Talk to the elders. Listen to their stories.”

His message echoed one of the strongest themes running throughout the programme every story deserves to be heard and preserved.

Paulette Tajah on Resilience

The Lovers Rock singer shared an inspiring message for future generations.

Legendary Lovers Rock artist Paulette Tajah reflected on her family’s journey and the lasting legacy of the Windrush generation.

Although much progress has been made, she believes there is still work to do in creating equal opportunities for everyone.

“No, means next opportunity.”

Her words of resilience perfectly captured the spirit and the optimism shared by so many people throughout the festival.

More Than a Festival

The Windrush Homecoming Festival became a real broadcasting opportunity for the next generation.

Love Camden organised Windrush Homecoming Festival which celebrated music, heritage and community, creating conversation opportunities about identity, culture and belonging.

For Michaela Kay and Baby Cey, it was also an opportunity to put their broadcasting skills into practice beyond the studio. From DJing on the main stage to interviewing artists, musicians and members of the public, they documented a day that deserved to be remembered.

Their Windrush Homecoming Special demonstrated how community radio can preserve local stories while giving young broadcasters valuable real world experience.

Looking Ahead

A celebration that honoured the past while inspiring the future.

Thanks to Love Camden, performers, organisations and local residents that came together to celebrate the lasting contribution of the Windrush generation.

Meanwhile, Michaela Kay and Baby Cey showed what can happen when young people are given the opportunity to learn through real broadcasting experiences. They didn’t simply attend the festival they documented and helped preserve its stories for listeners across Camden and beyond.

The Itch Radio “Future On Air” Broadcasting Workshops were courtesy of Young Camden Foundation

Listen back to the Windrush Homecoming Festival Podcast below.