Main content

1. 1948: Empire Windrush

Episode 1 of 5

Lloyd Bradley explores how in 1948 the Empire Windrush brought a new musical style to London - calypso. Read by Ben Onwukwe.

Lloyd Bradley explores the story of London's transformation through its music, taking in the wave of Commonwealth immigration in the 40s right up to the present day.

Passenger liner, the HMT Empire Windrush brings an exciting new style of music to London with the arrival of Caribbean Calypso star Lord Kitchener.

Read by Ben Onwukwe.

Abridged in five parts by Natalie Steed.

Producer: Kirsteen Cameron

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2013.

30 days left to listen

15 minutes

On radio

Today 03:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

More episodes

Previous

You are at the first episode

Next

2. Caribbean steel pan

See all episodes from Sounds Like London: 100 Years of Black Music in the Capital

Clip

Credits

Reader Ben Onwukwe
Author Lloyd Bradley
Abridger Natalie Steed
Producer Kirsteen Cameron

Broadcasts

  • Mon 12 Aug 2013 09:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Tue 13 Aug 2013 00:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Mon 6 Aug 2018 14:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 7 Aug 2018 02:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Yesterday 08:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Yesterday 13:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Yesterday 19:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Today 03:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra