A young Nigerian leaves home on the eve of conflict and lands in a cold London winter without a portfolio, a plan for the weather, or a safety net. What follows is a masterclass in perseverance: a year of work to build the portfolio he didn’t know he needed, a tough start in Bath marked by bias and small victories, and an eventual breakthrough at the Architectural Association, where he finished a year early and specialised in tropical architecture.

We walk through the moments that forged his voice: watching news footage that revealed his grandfather’s death, then returning to the studio because “there is no excuse for failure.” He unpacks how faith steadied him when money from home vanished, how missionaries and principled educators fought for a scholarship, and why he chose sympathy over anger when confronted with prejudice. Along the way, music becomes a creative engine and the AA’s unit system a sanctuary for cross-disciplinary energy, allowing him to link rhythm, climate, and form in one coherent design language.

His vision for practice was decades ahead: solar-powered homes, stabilised materials, and climatic design tuned to African contexts. Dismissed as unrealistic in the 1970s, the same ideas later guided colleagues on study tours as the region embraced sustainable architecture. We celebrate mentors like Alex Ekwueme, highlight emerging talents shaping Nigeria’s civic spaces, and honour his father’s legacy as a builder whose House of Assembly still stands. It’s a story about migration, mastery, and the institutions that bet on potential—from Bath’s hard lessons to the AA’s creative independence and a broader belief in British tolerance that once helped him cross a border after losing his passport.

If you’re passionate about architecture, resilience, and design that serves people and climate, this conversation will stay with you. Listen, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a review to help more listeners find stories that build courage and broaden the craft.

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Navigating Identity, Community, and the Transformative Power of Hip-Hop

As we catch up with the remarkable Charlie Dark MBE, prepare to be inspired by tales of creativity, community, and cultural journeys. Charlie takes us through his transformative roles—from the vibrant club scene to the joys of fatherhood with the arrival of his third child, Baby Zen. Our conversation unlocks the power of music and subcultures that shaped us, particularly hip-hop, which offered a refuge and a voice during the turbulent days of the 1980s. Charlie’s encouragement during lockdown was pivotal in my own podcasting journey, and together, we celebrate the personal growth that springs from shared experiences and passions.

Charlie's Selections

Run DUC - Sucker M.C.’s (Krush‐Groove 1)

Fela Kuti - Africa Centre of the World (feat. Roy Ayers)

Roy Ayers Ubiquity – Running Away

Richie Rich - Salsa House

Black Renaissance - Harry Whitaker

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Discover the raw and thrilling energy of 1974 New York through David's eyes. He recounts navigating the city's initial grit and discovering its vibrant opportunities, including an unforgettable Aretha Franklin concert at Radio City Music Hall. As David adjusts to his new surroundings, his connections with industry icons and attendance at a black gospel church in Harlem illustrate the profound influence of music and community on his life.

David's Selections

A Brand New Me - Aretha Franklin

Baby Hang Up the Phone - Carl Graves

Ready For This - Revelation

That's the Way of the World - Earth, Wind & Fire

Face The Music - The Dynamic Superiors

Everybody Loves the Sunshine - Roy Ayers Ubiquity

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Something is electrifying about the click of a camera shutter capturing a moment in time, and no one knows that better than Normski, the man behind the lens in the golden age of UK hip-hop. My conversation with this photographic maestro takes us from chuckles over technology's quirks in podcasting to the profound depths of personal and cultural identity. Laugh along as we transcend technical malfunction, discourse dysfunction, and life's serendipitous hilarity. Then, journey with us into nostalgic memories of family influence on Normski's craft and the dance show that shaped a cultural era.

The art of storytelling through photography is much like composing music; it's about emotion, narrative, and connection to the audience. Normski delves into the arduous yet rewarding odyssey of birthing his book, 'Man with the Golden Shutter,' a visual symphony of hip-hop's raw energy and street art's vivid stories. Experience the tug-of-war of selecting just the right images, the collaborative dance with editors, and the creative crescendo that is a published anthology of one's life's work.

Preserving men's mental health is important. We wanted to ensure we could talk freely and in our own way, leaving an example of how men can express vulnerability without shame. A change of mindset historically unavailable for many of us in our formative years. A step towards remediating the effects of toxic masculinity.

Normski's Choices
Inner City Life - Goldie
Hold No Hostage - Hijack
My Philosophy - Boogie Down Productions
I Know I Got Soul - Eric B & Rakim

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

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When the clock strikes midnight on your 39th birthday, it’s not just another year ticked off; it’s a heralding in of a new era, brimming with opportunities just waiting to be seized. And that's precisely the vibe Leenanne Adu brings to this episode of Fortified 45s. Armed with a bucket list dreams and the wisdom gleaned from personal and professional evolution through the years. Her laughter is infectious, her stories, a vibrant tapestry of a life lived with gusto, and her forward-looking mindset is a beacon for anyone at the crossroads of a new decade.

Join us as we lace up for an episode that's as much about pacing the marathon of life as it is about the strength found in numbers. We sprint through the transformative arc from hesitant jogger to proud marathoner, and we see how a good crew can be both your cheerleading squad and your anchor.

Leanne's Chosen Choons

No Limit - 2 Unlimited
No No No Pt2 -   Destiny's Child
21 Seconds - So Solid Crew
Non Stop - Hamilton Soundtrack
Alien Superstar - Beyoncé
 
Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

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It's February 2024. As I stroll under the rare azure canopy of London,  I'm here to share the enlightening continuation of my dialogue with Cyril Nri.

We dive into a reflective journey through New York's storied streets, muse on the timeless melodies of Stevie Wonder, and consider the art of becoming someone else through the lens of actors. Our conversation is a patchwork of cultural epochs and personal tales,

We bring to light the significance of representation in media, from the polished accents that perplexed the police in my neighbourhood to characters in TV police series that broke the mould. Challenging stereotypes on screen, portraying minority groups with dignity, and embracing the spectrum of human experience is an actor's courageous calling.

So, let's revel in the virtuosity of Oscar Peterson, the individuality of Grace Jones, and the activism of Gil Scott-Heron. Let's honour the diversity of our world and the power of authenticity while invoking the spirit of global citizenship. Cyril and I urge you to chase your dreams, live passionately, and never let the grace of life's symphony go unheard.

Cyril's Songs
Living For The City  -  Stevie Wonder
You  Got Me - The Roots
Mumbles - Oscar Peterson
Johannesburg -  Gil Scott-Heron

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

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As the new year unfolds, I invite you to wrap yourself in the comfort of shared stories and profound insights with our guest, the profoundly talented Cyril Nri. His journey through stage, screen, and voice acting reveals the textured layers of an artist's life, embedded with the echoes of an Igbo heritage and the resilience of a culture.

Cyril's voice has breathed life into characters in ways that defy the norm, and his tales extend beyond performance, touching the Biafran war song of his youth and an enlightening narrative that traverses from personal to universal truths.

Venture with us through the pulsating heart of the Black diaspora, where tales of education, ambition, and struggle intertwine with the intricate dance of post-colonization and self-reclamation. The pioneers' journey, including my parents' own path, reveals the courage it takes to break new ground, with music like Nina Simone's anthems guiding the way towards freedom. Delicate threads of mentorship weave through our conversation, highlighting the transformative impact of progressive institutions and the mentors shaping tomorrow's artists and activists.

Join us as we reaffirm the vitality of laughter, the necessity of mental well-being, and the boundless potential of embracing one's passion.

Cyril's Chosen Songs
Nina Simone  -   I wish I knew How It Would Feel To Be Free
Aswad - African Children

Reference Material
C L R James
George Lamming
Sam Selvon
Pan African Congress

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

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The Soulful Journey of David Nathan: Legacy and Influence

Join us on a soulful journey as we engage in a heartfelt conversation with the British Ambassador of Soul, Mr. David Nathan, fondly known as Uncle D. 

From the streets of London to the vibrant soul music scene, David Nathan, with his five-decade-long career, he brings a wealth of wisdom to our dialogue. We delve into his fascinating experiences, from witnessing racial discrimination to working in a record store, and discuss the important role of artists like Nina Simone and Earth, Wind & Fire in shaping our musical consciousness.

In this dialogue, we explore the social complexities of the 60s and 70s, the racial dynamics, and the cultural evolution that shaped the music industry. We recall our personal journeys, our self-discovery, and the impact of certain songs and artists on our lives. We reflect on the changing attitudes towards interracial relationships, the emergence of black gay culture in London, and the vibrant disco culture of the 70s. We share stories of our personal connections with music, enlightening you with our nostalgic conversations filled with insightful anecdotes of the era.

We also discuss the deep connection between the soul and soul music, leaving you with a deeper understanding of our relationship with music, culture, and personal identity.

So, tune in, listen to our vibrant conversation, and let us take you on a journey through the soulful lanes of music history, personal memories, and cultural evolution.

Intro Song
Yes We Can Can - The Pointer Sisters

David's Choices
Walk On By  - Dionne Warwick
I Put A Spell On You - Nina Simone
I Have Never Loved a Man (The Way  Love You) - Aretha Franklin
Walking Up a One Way Street - Willie Tee
Armed & Extremely Dangerous - First Choice
Fantasy  - Earth, Wind & Fire

External Links
David Nathan.com

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

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Join me,  along with my special guest, Zak Polanski, the Deputy Leader of the Green Party, as we have a heart-to-heart conversation; we unlock the stories behind Zak's surname changes, our shared nightclub experiences, and the intriguing intersections of identity and politics.

But that's not all. We also delve into the pressing issues of climate crisis, equality, and identity. Uncover the ties between green issues, racism, and economic justice, and understand the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on communities of colour and working-class communities. From discussing the political undertones in rap music to exploring the challenges of owning a space in a society yet to achieve true equality, this conversation promises to be a riveting journey of insight and discovery.

Buckle up for an episode that promises a rollercoaster ride of topics, from understanding the intricacies of your identity to a deep dive into the world of music, theatre, climate crisis and much more. We challenge you to question the status quo, provoke thought, and inspire change. Join me on this exciting journey that promises to be an insightful, entertaining and thought-provoking experience.

Zak's Choice Cuts
Let the Groove Get In  - Justin Timberlake
What's Going On? - Marvin Gaye
Woman - Little Simz
Cruel Intentions -JMSN
If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out - Cat  Stevens

Literature/Books
Pleasure Activism - Adrienne Maree Brown (Author)

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

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Pierre is in conversation with one of the most exciting and influential  DJs of the 90s, Martin Green.  Martin founded the club Smashing, the epicentre of the 90's Britpop scene.

Martin is an avid music collector, unearthing a nutritious bounty of lost gems and compiling them on many albums for major and independent record companies, kickstarting the popular lounge revival of the mid-90s. He became features editor of Beige magazine, interviewing various cult figures, artists and actors whose work he admires. In addition, he reviews plays, shows and events for the publication.

As if that isn't enough, he combines these varied occupations, co-curating exhibitions as part of Duovision, producing gallery events and contributing a suitable musical score to the art presented.

Intro Song
I like London in the Rain - Blossom Dearie

Martin's Cuddly Curation
The Black Queens Beads - The Young Lovers
E.V.A  - Jean Jacques Perrey
Black Rite - Mandingo
This is Hardcore - Pulp ( 4Hero Remix)
For What It is Worth - Sergio Mendes
Cherrystones - Eugene McDaniels

Referenced Tracks
Just to Get a Rep - Gangstarr

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

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Pierre is joined by the actor Shaun Parkes. They discuss growing up together,  faith,  and his role in the film Human Traffic. All of this is fuelled by a few glasses of champagne. Things get bubbly!!

Intro Song
Chase The Devil - Max Romeo

Shaun's Choices
Dat - Pluto Shervington
Heaven Help Us  All - Stevie Wonder
Dear Mama - 2Pac
Nobody Knows  - Reverend T.L Barrett
Waiting All Night (feat Ella Eyre) -  Rudimental
Change is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s Website
Mista Pierre's Instagram

Pierre is joined by  Horse Meat Disco DJ Luke Howard to discuss DJ life our relationship with music and our early musical discoveries in our formative years. Also the emergence of Horse Meat Disco and the future.

Intro Song
Take Me I'm Yours- Mary Clark

Lukes's Choices
Just Us -  Two Tons Of Fun
You Are My Friend - Sylvester (Live)
Over and Over  - Sylvester
Lonely People - Lil Louis & the World
The Love I Lost - Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
Rio Babilonia - Jorge Ben Jor
Uptown Top Rankin - Althea & Donna

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

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Pierre talks with the  British author, keynote speaker and IT Director in the Home Office  Nurjahan Khatun.

Nujahan talks about early home life, homelessness, and re-invention.  She shares the songs that gave her strength through adversity and how she keeps inspired.

Podcast artwork by John Dyer

RELATED LINKS

Nurjahan Khatun's Song Choices

Nazar Ke Samne - Anuradha Paudwal
https://open.spotify.com/track/56Ne0akGQ4GHPxS9MOL57G?si=dd647855167a4e1a

One  Sweet Day - Mariah Carey & Boyz to Men
https://open.spotify.com/track/7ySbfLwdCwl1EM0zNCJZ38?si=cf96ec27f5df4035

'Till I Collapse - Eminem
https://open.spotify.com/track/4xkOaSrkexMciUUogZKVTS?si=f831a44858844f78

Tum Hi Ho  - Arijit Singh
https://open.spotify.com/track/56zZ48jdyY2oDXHVnwg5Di?si=5ec9469097264597

Books, Literature & Media

Hook Of Hope by Nurjahan Khatun
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/163730420X/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_AYSHJGE755B7EZT4AMAK via @AmazonUK 

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s Website
Mista Pierre's Instagram

Part 2  of the conversation with the BBC foreign correspondent Lebo Diseko.

Lebo talks about her harrowing experience, being locked in the Capitol Building for her safety during the 2021 insurrection in Washington, and her love for South African House music.

Podcast artwork by John Dyer  -   paulwindledesign.co.uk

Lebo Diseko's Song Choices

Soul II Soul - Move Me No Mountain
https://open.spotify.com/track/4gE2AMTeLxuE3n90AblFr9?si=260d9227bc104b63

Leviticus - The Burial
https://open.spotify.com/track/0BIAlQguOM4MSEDUjqOqkc?si=70e3019d29cd4593

Wookie - Battle
https://open.spotify.com/track/1Y8R1CKdai0oycCf6K0sjh?si=0eee5c33f4bd41e8

Black Motion - It's You
https://open.spotify.com/track/7wNIzYbPVysxJswTNSogBh?si=427d8542779b4ee1

Earful Soul -It's Alright
https://open.spotify.com/track/6A2oCFqEuMDjsBovTy1woX?si=a3cde7c5f16f4c39

Links, Books, Literature & Media

BBC Trainee Scheme
https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships/work-experience?fbclid=IwAR1pjdQdFgxfS0YZDqFX-WBjHltHFRS8N4h6ZYNJdeg_iALFJ3ckUTivL2E

Mista Pierre's Run Dem Radio Shows
https://www.mixcloud.com/mistapierre/mista-pierres-turntable-torque-show-ep3/

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s Website
Mista Pierre's Instagram

Mista Pierre thIs in conversation with the BBC foreign correspondent Lebo Diseko.

Lebo talks about her formative years in Oxford, being a child of political exiles, and the influence of Jazz in South Africa.

Podcast artwork by John Dyer  -   paulwindledesign.co.uk

Lebo Diseko's Song Choices

Andile Yenana - Tembisa
https://open.spotify.com/track/5gzMJ3ETdDZLG7gj0O9jKB?si=db8cdaac34374be9

Aretha Franklin - Hooked On Your Love
https://open.spotify.com/track/6uB4MGYZ13amzHD0MDeUug?si=a038a22bd8c747be

Whitney Houston - How Will I know
https://open.spotify.com/track/5tdKaKLnC4SgtDZ6RlWeal?si=004f612cb8654cb3

Mary J Blige - Real Love
https://open.spotify.com/track/3z0HBYkS1Nnt3ORqIU1vjr?si=8453491d56774b15

Soul II Soul - Move Me No Mountain
https://open.spotify.com/track/4gE2AMTeLxuE3n90AblFr9?si=260d9227bc104b63

Leviticus - The Burial
https://open.spotify.com/track/0BIAlQguOM4MSEDUjqOqkc?si=70e3019d29cd4593

Wookie - Battle
https://open.spotify.com/track/1Y8R1CKdai0oycCf6K0sjh?si=0eee5c33f4bd41e8

Black Motion - It's You
https://open.spotify.com/track/7wNIzYbPVysxJswTNSogBh?si=427d8542779b4ee1

Earful Soul -It's Alright
https://open.spotify.com/track/6A2oCFqEuMDjsBovTy1woX?si=a3cde7c5f16f4c39

Links, Books, Literature & Media

BBC Trainee Scheme
https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships/work-experience?fbclid=IwAR1pjdQdFgxfS0YZDqFX-WBjHltHFRS8N4h6ZYNJdeg_iALFJ3ckUTivL2E

Mista Pierre's Run Dem Radio Shows
https://www.mixcloud.com/mistapierre/mista-pierres-turntable-torque-show-ep3/

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s Website
Mista Pierre's Instagram

Mista Pierre talks with the  British singer,  essayist, and art historian David McAlmont

David talks about his childhood and his formative years in Guyana. He discusses fame and self-reinvention., as well as some music that has contributed to the soundtrack to his inspired life.

Podcast artwork by John Dyer

David McAlmont's Song Choices

Pet Shop Boys - My October Symphony
https://open.spotify.com/track/4iiSJceq72BfoQuRb3gDim?si=a26d3ea01df04d23

The Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes For You
https://open.spotify.com/track/3YdKJzcoMZMacISlpY4QoP?si=6e7667140a404030

Do-Re-Mi - Julie Andrews
https://open.spotify.com/track/6aNMGfwdGyELNGCuqs5ldU?si=cb3a692665d04ea0

Iggy Pop - Fall in Love With Me
https://open.spotify.com/track/6YQjQdymVA9tvE0Ygnpsdd?si=363bf06e28d44c42

Beyonce - Mood 4 Eva
https://open.spotify.com/track/7oqftogUN82Q7VNy2TmTJW?si=08723722443245cb


Links, Books, Literature & Media

Seth Godin – Leadership vs. Management - What it means to make a difference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzoIAJYPQwo

Tribes: We need you to lead us  - by Seth Godin https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0749939753/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_4H09SE48EA9HBR72DFK7T

Mista Pierre's Run Dem Radio Shows
https://www.mixcloud.com/mistapierre/mista-pierres-turntable-torque-show-ep3/

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s Website
Mista Pierre's Instagram

Pierre talks with British author, podcaster and musician  Musa Okwonga.

Musa talks about his move to Berlin. He shares songs that give him strength and make him feel brave. He also discusses navigating queer identities and how he keeps inspired.

Podcast artwork by John Dyer

RELATED LINKS

Musa Okwonga's Song Choices

Kano - Good Youtes Walk Amongst Evil
https://open.spotify.com/track/0o8cO4zo0P4UEpz5VTtV0U?si=053f164fe96648a8

Little Simz - Venom
https://open.spotify.com/track/4WaaWczlVb1UJ24LILsR4C?si=bdb4bb6ade6541cf

Bobbi Humphery - Harlem River Drive
https://open.spotify.com/track/6aP8aMehThSiaLJozzGeUh?si=9c3697de46994cba

Lxury -We Do
https://open.spotify.com/track/71Ek1P23RQs24HGWV46Vwm?si=554af7a01e904224

Rubblebucket
https://open.spotify.com/track/3bF6ow7vpw404AVUReaHv9?si=224445a245b54aab


Books, Literature & Media

Musa Okwonga - In The End, It Was All About Love  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1912722933/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZFRYTYDP70E3W7NRQKJC

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-stadio-podcast/id1474953937

One of Them: An Eton College Memoir https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1783529679/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_V02Z92E7WPK0V5339AC5

Striking Out: The Debut Novel from Superstar Striker Ian Wright https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/070230686X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_NWFTA965K1JJZ7EDVQ5T

Mista Pierre's Run Dem Radio Shows
https://www.mixcloud.com/mistapierre/mista-pierres-turntable-torque-show-ep3/

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s Website
Mista Pierre's Instagram

Summary of the upcoming Podcasts from the Fortified 45 series.

Hosts: Mista Pierre
Producer: Mista Pierre

Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s Website
Mista Pierre's Instagram