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BBC Scotland brings brand new community podcast series to BBC Sounds


By David Porter


Word Up!, a brand new weekly magazine podcast series from BBC Scotland, will launch this month on BBC Sounds,bringing together a lively mix of guests from Scotland’s diverse communities for thought-provoking conversation, discussion and debate.

Vanessa Kanbi
Vanessa Kanbi

Across the ten part series, hosts, Vanessa Kanbi and Etienne Kubwabo, will introduce listeners to Scotland in all its multifaceted glory.

They will talk to trailblazers, unsung heroes, community leaders and under-represented voices from the world of arts and music, sport and activism.

From catwalk success and political firsts, to breaking barriers in classical music and club culture, audiences will hear inspiring and challenging stories from people making a difference across Scotland – both behind the scenes and front and centre.

Vanessa Kanbi is a Scottish-Ghanaian podcaster, presenter and filmmaker, who has a passion to shine a light on untold stories.

Speaking of the new series she said: “It’s hugely exciting to be co-hosting this new podcast series.

"I am thrilled to be working with Etienne and together we are looking forward to exploring the stories and unique experiences of Scotland’s people and interviewing those who are doing incredible work in the community.

"It's important for these stories to be heard and I’m looking forward to sharing them with as wide an audience as possible."

Etienne Kubwabo is a film-maker and writer, who has written, directed and produced award-winning documentaries, short/full-length feature films and over 120 music videos.

He added: “Scotland has always been known as a welcoming and diverse nation and this podcast will showcase the talent and heroes it has.

"It will bring people together through conversations, especially people of colour who are breaking down barriers and making a difference in their communities and beyond.

"This feels like the start of something exciting, fresh and new and I can’t wait to get started.”

Gareth Hydes, commissioning editor BBC Scotland said: ““I’m really looking forward to hearing “Word Up!”.

"We’re creating a podcast which celebrates and shines a light on diversity.

"In a topical magazine style, the podcast will be packed full of items which will hopefully inform and entertain – as we as give us all pause for thought and discussion.

"It’s fabulous that we’ve got such great talent as Vanessa and Etienne at the helm.

"While we hope people will enjoy the podcast in its own right, we’re keen to use some of the topics it looks at, as enabling further discussion in other programmes across BBC Radio Scotland.”

A taster trailer will available on BBC Sounds from Tuesday, February 16 with episode one online on Tuesday, February 23.



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