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Ian Robert on why he loves singing and his journey so far

Ian Robert on why loves singing and his journey so far…..

Music was always around our house, my mum was a singer, we always had the radio on or records playing, my family are Scots/Irish so when we first moved here we’d have uncle’s, auntie’s, cousins and my parents friends  and their kids who would all come to our house and the Grown Up’s would sing, they took turns singing, they never watched the television and of course, there was no internet in those days, then they’d encourage us, kids, to join and we’d all take our turn singing too, we call “our own song” that we used to sing all the time, it was an amazing upbringing, so it just felt natural to pick a guitar up when I was 14 years old, we couldn’t afford lessons so I would sit by our radio with my guitar and try to pick out the chords of songs whilst they were playing, I got pretty good at it, and soon I was writing my own songs...

Do you remember the first tune you learned? 

Ooh La La by The Faces, and I still love that song to this very day, in fact, I sometimes finish my set with it, I rarely play cover songs nowadays I’d much prefer to sing and play my own songs but if I do ever do a cover song it’s pretty much always this one, I love it…

My favourite composers are those who write in a multiple of styles and genres

Who are some of your favourite composers, musicians, and bands past and present? 

My favourite composers are those who write in multiple styles and genres, people like John Lennon and Paul McCartney, I love the Beatles, and songwriters like Steve Marriot and Ronnie Lane from the Small Faces, I love Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, The Kinks, Bob Marley, my list of the greats is almost endless. Presently my ears are firmly in places like The Last Shadow Puppets.

Are you working on any new material?

I’m  writing lots and playing loads, I have so many new songs bouncing around in my head, I’ve pretty much arranged most of them but I’m struggling a little with lyrics at the moment, I can’t seem to find the words I need for all the songs I have, but it’ll come, I won’t force it, I’ll allow the lyrics to flow when they’re ready, some songs fly out easily with lyrics and music, others take some pulling through

What’s your favourite music era? 

I love all sorts of music from all era’s, but if I had to choose an era then I always get drawn towards the ’50s and 60s – the music seemed freer and much rawer, it was like young people with music in their hearts were really given a chance and it was just about the music, the music was the only important factor, it really feels like that when I listen to those old songs, it feels like everyone involved was just doing it for the music’s sake, and they were all doing it from their hearts, it’s not like that now, certainly not in the charts, there’s a few but not nearly enough, there’s far too many fame-seekers nowadays and not enough musicians. But a change is coming, I get to work with, share stages with, and meet some amazing young musicians who would never go on those stupid “talent” seeking shows, they are out there on the streets doing their beautiful thing without care of how they look and what anyone else thinks about them, they are in the pubs and clubs and community centers all over this country playing their wonderful music without fear, so I am hopeful of change, I see it, I hear it and I feel it, and on quiet days I can almost taste it, and trust me it’s beautiful. 

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Africa

Addis Ababa summit: President Taye urges world leaders to back Africa’s climate leadership

 

🌍 Africa Steps Up on Climate Action

At the closing of the Second African Climate Summit (8–10 September, Addis Ababa, 🇪🇹), President Taye Atske-Silassie delivered a powerful call: Africa is ready to lead the global fight against climate change.

With a vision of a greener, fairer, and united continent, he urged world leaders and civil society to partner with Africa in tackling one of humanity’s greatest challenges.

👉 Watch the highlights from Addis Ababa and learn how Africa is positioning itself as a key player in global climate leadership.

#ACS2 #ClimateAction #Africa #Sustainability

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Africa

Live-Swearing Ceremony of Dr. Sidi Ould Tah-9th President of African Development Bank Group

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Challenges Persist in Media Access for Black people – An Interview with Evadney Campbell, MBE.

Born in Jamaica and Raised in England: The Journey of Evadney Campbell

Media access remains a persistent challenge for Black communities in England. Despite advancements in digital platforms, Black voices often face systemic barriers in visibility, representation, and funding within mainstream media. Opportunities to tell their own stories — with accuracy, depth, and ownership — remain limited. This makes independent platforms and strategic media partnerships not just important, but essential.

Evadney Campbell’s life journey from Jamaica to England at the age of 11 was a study in contrasts. Her early memories of a joyful childhood in Jamaica were juxtaposed with the socio-realities that she faced in England. It was during her adulthood that she became aware of race relations, a reality that not only shaped her determination to succeed but also fueled her commitment to empowering others.

Photo of Evadney Campbell

With a remarkable career in journalism at the BBC, Evadney Campbell had the privilege of exploring the world of academia. “My journey took an interesting turn when I was introduced to the University of Bedfordshire by a former colleague of mine who was also a lecturer at the same institution. At that time, I was already a lecturer at the London College of Communications, a part of UCL…”, she said.

During her time as a BBC journalist, she passionately advocated for greater diversity and inclusion, particularly in academic settings. “I felt the need for inclusion at the University of Bedfordshire, where most home students are from low-income families.”

Photo of Evadney Campbell

Photo of Evadney Campbell

The Influence of Personal Connections and the Pursuit of Opportunities

Evadney Campbell recognises the profound impact of personal connections and influences in accessing opportunities. As an inspirational figure, Evadney advocates for Black people’s representation within the media industry.

“I’m getting into a lot of positions and opportunities from the people that I know, which is a real shame for us as Black people and as minority individuals. Unless you know people who have influence or access, opportunities remain limited “, she expresses. “I’m grateful to those who help me during my journey…”, she added.

The Legacy of the Windrush Generation: A Continuing Struggle

As a descendant of the Windrush generation, Evadney Campbell passionately believes in the importance of understanding the experiences of those who arrived in 1948 to help rebuild the country. She explains, “The struggles of this generation and their descendants are still prevalent, particularly concerning racism and discrimination.” While some aspects of these challenges have evolved, issues related to discrimination persist.

A New Dawn: Hope in the Younger Generation

In the face of persistent challenges, she finds hope in the younger generation. “…with the wealth of available resources currently, aspiring young journalists can make a huge difference, overcome barriers and make their mark in the media industry…”, indicated Evadney.

Photo of Evadney Campbell

A New Dawn: Hope in the Younger Generation

In the face of persistent challenges, she finds hope in the younger generation. “…with the wealth of available resources currently, aspiring young journalists can make a huge difference, overcome barriers and make their mark in the media industry…”, indicated Evadney.

Essential Skills for Aspiring Media Professionals

Evadney Campbell’s status as an award-winning media trainer and owner of Shiloh PR https://shilohpr.com/ underscores her expertise in the field. She imparts valuable insights into the essential skills that aspiring media professionals should develop. She places great emphasis on curiosity and an interest in people, noting that everyone has a unique story worth telling. Furthermore, Campbell underlines the significance of integrity, stating, “I respect people’s stories and believe in the importance of integrity. These are essential qualities that every aspiring journalist should embody.”

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