JULY 2026 • ISSUE NO. 1980
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Kanya King The visionary who changed British music forever See p24,25 & 35 ››
THE COMMUNITY FIGHTS BACK Campaign to stop Brixton Village being sold has become a wider battle about protecting culture and belonging
A COMMUNITY-LED bid to buy Brixton Village as international investors circle has sparked a wider movement against urban redevelopment. The campaign has united local people and traders who say it will continue regardless of the outcome of their £15m fundraising effort.
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Local people stand united behind the Buy Back Brixton campaign calling for community ownership of Brixton Village (Pic: The Advocacy Academy)
COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2026:
ALL EYES ON GLASGOW
INSIDE: Exclusive feature on the build-up, the stars and the preparations
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Inside THIS MONTH
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SAVE IT BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE: Brixton Market is at real risk of being lost to private ownership
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The Buy Back Brixton campaign is a fight for the soul of Black London
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UY BACK BRIXTON is more than a campaign to save a market. It is a fight for community ownership, cultural memory and economic fairness in one of Britain’s most important diverse cultural spaces. Brixton Village has long been at the heart of life in the area, shaped by generations of Caribbean and African migrants and independent businesses who helped build its character and economy. Its potential sale to international investors who are seeking to buy it for £50million from owners TPG Angelo Gordon and Hondo places that legacy at risk. In response to the proposed sale, local community members have launched a counter-bid to raise £15million for community ownership. Among their concerns is the strong possibility of the replacement of small local businesses with large chain stores and the disappearance of the diversity so unique to the area. Brixton holds deep significance for Windrush Generation communities and migrants who built their lives there and have contributed over many years to its community spirit that is so evident today.
This issue is 48 pages EDITOR Vic Motune E. vic.motune@thevoicemedia group.co.uk
CORPORATE AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS Paula Dyke E. paula@thevoicemedia group.co.uk
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paulette Simpson E. paulette.simpson@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Joel Campbell E. joel.campbell@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk
Many of those involved in the campaign see the impending sale of Brixton Village as part of a wider gentrification trend across London, displacing longstanding local communities and reshaping neighbourhoods beyond recognition. As campaigners warn, Brixton risks following areas such as Hackney and Dalston, where a thriving diverse local culture has been seemingly eroded through rising rents and the demographic shifts that have followed as a result. The message of the Buy Back Brixton campaign is clear: support independent traders, protect local heritage, and ensure Brixton remains a place rooted in the communities that helped build it rather than become an area reshaped by outside investment. Over 33,000 people have signed its petition at the time of going to press and the crowdfunding appeal has already raised over £373,000 of a £550,000 target. Please support the Buy Back Brixton campaign. Sign the petition and help place Brixton Village’s future in community hands before it is lost to private ownership.
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JULY 2026 THE VOICE | 3
News
‘HELP SAVE MY MUM,’ SAYS NIDAHL Young woman launches appeal after her mother’s blood cancer diagnosis highlights urgent need for more Black stem cell donors. By Vic Motune
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YOUNG WOMAN whose mother is battling an aggressive form of blood cancer is urging more people from Black and minority ethnic communities to join the Anthony Nolan stem cell register after learning that her mother’s ethnicity could make finding a life-saving donor more difficult. Nidahl Hamdan, from Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, launched the appeal after her mother, Zeinab, who is of Eritrean descent, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in January. Zeinab is currently undergoing her second round of chemotherapy treatment. Nidahl, who is of Sudanese and Eritrean heritage, has partnered with stem cell transplant charity Anthony Nolan through its Match4Mum campaign to raise awareness of the shortage of donors from Black, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds on the stem cell register. Her campaign has gained significant attention online, with a recent TikTok video attracting more than 318,000 views and 56,000 likes.
‘My world came crashing down’ Recalling the day her mother received her diagnosis, Nidahl told The Voice: “The moment my mum was diagnosed is something I can’t truly explain, it just felt as though my whole world had come crashing down. It happened so suddenly and I felt so shocked and scared, but at the same time I needed to take in everything the doctor was saying to know what the next steps were. The diagnosis became even more difficult because Nidahl had to translate the news for her mother during the appointment. The family’s life changed dramatically after the diagnosis, with long periods spent in hospital and daily routines revolving around treatment and appointments.
‘Mum’s diagnosis changed everything’ “My mum’s diagnosis changed every part of our lives overnight,” said Nidahl. “She was in hospital for weeks and weeks and it was difficult not waking up in the same house as her anymore. “It is really hard watching my mum going through something so physically and mentally exhausting. At the same time, it has made us appreciate time together more deeply and shown us how important support from family and friends really is.” Nidahl decided to speak publicly about her family’s experience after doctors explained that finding a stem cell donor could be more challenging because of her mother’s ethnicity. Patients are more likely to match with donors from similar ethnic backgrounds, but people from minority ethnic communities are underrepresented on the register. Urgent search for donor match “Hearing that finding a stem cell donor could be more difficult due to my mum being of Black African descent was heartbreaking but more so frustrating, too,” she said. “My mum deserves the same chance of finding a match as anyone else, but unfortunately the reality is that patients from ethnic minority backgrounds have these additional barriers in place because there simply aren’t enough people on the register.” “The lack of representation on the stem cell register isn’t due to ignorance or apathy; I think it’s simply due to lack of awareness and education. “People are always willing to help each other out, but the trouble is finding out who or what needs help.” She believes that is one reason why her social media campaign has resonated with so many people. “The social media campaign
has reached hundreds of thousands of people,” she said. “I think the campaign has resonated with so many people especially those of Black descent because it comes from a real and vulnerable place. “The response has been incredibly emotional and overwhelming but in the best way.” Donor match may be harder due to ethnicity Rowena Bentley, Head of Programme and Community at Anthony Nolan, said: “For many people with blood cancer or a blood disorder, a stem cell transplant is their best chance of survival. “But matching is incredibly complex and patients are more likely to match with someone from a similar ethnic background. “That’s why stories like Nidahl and Zeinab’s matter so much. We urgently need more people from ethnic minority backgrounds to join the register, so every patient has the best possible chance of finding their match.” Appealing directly to potential donors, Nidahl said: “Blood cancer does not discriminate. Try to put yourself in my shoes and imagine if your parent or your loved one needed a lifesaving transplant. Could you be a life-saving match? “All it takes is you just taking five minutes of your day to register and then five minutes to do a swab kit. “To someone from a Black, African or Caribbean background who is hesitant about joining the stem cell register, I would say that joining the stem cell register could genuinely be the reason somebody like my mum gets a second chance at life. “A simple decision to sign up to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register could one day save somebody’s loved one like my mum.” l To register for the Anthony Nolan stem cell register, please visit anthonynolan.org/Match4Mum
PLEA: Nidahl Hamdan is urging more people from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds to join the stem cell register following her mother’s cancer diagnosis (photo: supplied)
Birmingham event created by teen grows into 450-guest showcase A COMMUNITY-FOCUSED event created by a teenage entrepreneur is set to return to Birmingham later this year. The Cupcake Brunch, created by Zarah Henry through her business Heaven’s Delights, will bring together more than 450 guests at the city’s Eastside Rooms on September 12. Founded when Henry was 14 and now run by the 17-year-old entrepreneur, pictured inset, The Cupcake Brunch will combine food, entertainment and social impact, with a focus on creating opportunities for young people at a time when thousands of young people lack access to meaningful work experience. Now in its fourth year, the flagship The Cupcake Brunch has grown from a small idea into a large-scale gathering featuring live entertainment, interactive cupcake decorating sessions and a curated tasting experience. Alongside the food and entertainment programme, the event will offer volunteering opportunities for people aged 16 and over, providing hands-on experience in areas such
as event planning and customer service. A marketplace will also give young entrepreneurs a platform to showcase and sell their products. This year’s event will raise funds for the Jericho Foundation, which supports people facing youth unemployment and modern slavery by helping them build skills and access sustainable work. Reflecting on the event’s growth, founder Zarah said: “I started this when I was 14 because I wanted to create something bigger than just a business, something that brings people together and creates opportunities for others. “Seeing it grow into an event that supports young people, entrepreneurs, and charities while welcoming hundreds of guests is something I’m incredibly proud of. “This isn’t just a brunch; it’s proof that young people can create meaningful change in their communities.” Sponsor David C Hall added: “I am blown away by what Zarah does in terms of her work and what she does to inspire the next generation.”
4 | THE VOICE JULY 2026
News Feature
BRIXTON WON’T BACK DOWN
Campaigners tell The Voice the area’s identity cannot be bought or sold as they push for community ownership of Brixton Village. By Vic Motune
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RIXTON campaigners say they will continue fighting to protect one of Britain’s most significant cultural landmarks from gentrification, regardless of the outcome of an emergency community bid to buy the area’s historic markets. The Advocacy Academy and the Brixton Traders & Community Association launched a communityled counter-bid for Brixton Village and Market Row after learning that investors were pursuing the site, raising fears among traders that rents could rise and independent businesses could be forced out. The campaign, Buy Back Brixton, has sought to raise £15 million as proof that the community is a credible purchaser ahead of the formal bidding process for the market estate. While organisers stress the figure is not intended to buy the site outright, they say it is needed to demonstrate financial capacity and secure a place in negotiations over the future of a market that has long been at the heart of Black British life.
er on the big issues. At the same GALVANISED: time, there are attempts to buy out Supporters and commodify what makes us stand united who we are. But you can’t buy our in support of spirit or our identity. You can’t break community the bonds we’ve built in a place we ownership of the call home, especially when so many market (photos by of us understand what it means to Mark Chilvers) be displaced. That’s why we’re fighting so hard.”
Rushed bid to stop “corporate takeover” Campaigners launched the emergency bid after discovering that several potential buyers were already preparing offers for the site, which is currently owned by a joint venture between Hondo Enterprises and US investment firm TPG Angelo Gordon. Ahmad said the speed of events forced organisers to mobilise within days. “We entered the process and Residents, traders and were told quite bluntly that we were young people galvanised late in the game,” she said. But campaign leaders say that “There were around ten potential whatever happens in the sale probuyers, and several were serious cess, the movement has – at least two had already visited already achieved something Brixton Village and were actively significant by galvanising residents, preparing bids. traders and young people around a “It became clear that it didn’t shared cause. matter that we were a commu“We’ve shown that we are a nity group, a charity, or a traders’ united and cohesive community, association. What mattered was and that our differences are actually being a credible buyer, which meant what make us strong,” said Hiba being able to demonstrate access to Ahmad of The Advocacy Academy. significant capital.” “On Station Road and in Brixton Organisers responded by rapidly Village, people of all backgrounds, building a campaign operation, ages, and sexual orientations come training volunteers, meeting together and, despite occasional traders and launching a public disagreements, stand firmly togeth- mobilisation effort.
Thousands attend rally A rally held in Brixton attracted around 1,000 people, with traders, young campaigners, musicians, politicians and community leaders joining calls for the market to remain under local control. Since launching, the campaign’s GoFundMe appeal has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds and its petition has attracted tens of thousands of signatures. Ahmad said the response had demonstrated the strength of community organising. “From my perspective, we’ve already won in many ways because we’ve shown that another world is possible,” she said. “We’ve shown what happens when a community comes together, and that we care for each other in ways people in power often assume are impossible. “Whether that happens inside
Campaigners insist community like Brixton carry deep histories, and the market reflects the diversity ownership offers a different model, that makes London such a special one focused on protecting traders and maintaining affordable rents city. Brixton is a place where immigrants and diverse communities rather than maximising returns. Tavernier pointed to The Advodo not just exist, they are seen, valued and welcomed. That sense of cacy Academy’s own approach of belonging is incredibly important.” making space available to commuShe added: “It is about protecting nity groups at reduced rates. culture, heritage and community. “What matters is keeping it in Diversity brings identity, opportucommunity hands so the commu“We’re already nity can set fair rents,” she said. nity and joy, and it is wrong to see winners” “That way people can feel safe to those things sacrificed for profit “But we are fighting. That’s that does not benefit local people.” trade and be themselves.” what people sometimes Many traders and residents have forget – we as a community expressed concerns that new own- “You may buy Brixton are actively fighting. So in my ership could accelerate gentrifica- Market but you can’t eyes, we’re already winners.” tion and increase commercial rents. buy Brixton’” The campaign has resonated “I think it’s mainly rent,” Tavernier The campaign has won support strongly because of Brixton’s place said. “Many in the local community from Lambeth Council leader in Black British history. spoke about the rising cost of rent- Martin Abrams, who said he was For generations, the area has “strongly supporting” efforts to ing space in Brixton Market. been a centre of Caribbean set“The fear is that ongoing gentri- ensure that the market remains in tlement and entrepreneurship, fication will push out independent local hands, and from Brixton MP particularly for members of the Bell Ribeiro-Addy, who has warned businesses and strip away what Windrush generation and their that traders face the threat of higher makes Brixton unique.” descendants. Campaigners argue rents and possible eviction if private She said similar concerns had that the future ownership of Brixequity ownership proceeds. emerged through The Advocacy ton Market raises wider questions Academy’s housing campaigns. For campaigners, however, about who modern cities are being “When we spoke to the local the significance of the movement built for. community, their concern was that now extends beyond any Calicia Tavernier of The Advoca- new homes are being built and al- single transaction. cy Academy said the issue extended located to people outside the area, “They think they can buy this far beyond the market itself. while rents are rising and locals community as a package and then “I feel that this campaign is about simply cannot afford to live there remove the people who actually much more than Brixton Market make it a community,” Ahmad said. anymore,” she said. itself,” she said. “We’ve shown that you may be “Immigrant communities, who are hardworking and rarely receive able to buy Brixton Market, but you The history at the heart can’t buy Brixton. Whatever haphandouts, are being displaced, of the fight while new, wealthier residents with pens in negotiations, we’ve already “It is about Brixton as a whole and no historical connection to the area achieved something powerful, and what the area represents. Places are moving in.” we will keep fighting.” negotiations or in opposition doesn’t really matter, because these ideas are already in motion. If we lose this round, it won’t end the movement.” She added: “The Brixton of last week isn’t the Brixton of this week. This moment has reminded us what we’re capable of.
JUNE 2026
5 Jun – 6 Sep
Project a Black Planet: A Season
Events in July Project a Black Planet exhibition Until 6 Sep, Gallery
Explore the impact of Pan-Africanism on artistic and cultural production from the 1920s to the present, through over 300 works.
Listening Session: Generation(s) of Panafrica w/ Nate Agbetu & Toyin Agbetu Fri 3 Jul, Gallery
Step inside the exhibition for an evening of words and music that consider how our politics are shaped by those who have come before us.
Photo © Bozar Pictures, Gaëtan Nadin
Sammy Baloji: Le Père Sauvage – A Poetic Memento of K(C)ongo Sun 5 Jul, Hall
An evening of sound and visuals with new music inspired by 1970s Pan-Africanism and Joseph Conrad’s novel, Heart of Darkness.
Composing Sonic Futures Wed 15 Jul, The Lakeside Room
Music artists JJESS, Roxanne Tataei and THABO discuss how music can be a catalyst for world-building.
Discover the programme
THE VOICE | 5
Project a Black Planet