Working with @roadtofreedom1 over the last ten years, I’m continuously encouraged by the way @rabaniakhan1 , @raedkhan_ , @hudagkhan , @tan.ayubids and the whole family find the strength and the motivation to provide vital support to displaced people and those facing injustice across the world.
I’m incredibly grateful to you all for giving me opportunities to help when, at times, we can all be feeling a bit hopeless.
Rabania, Tan and Huda, no film or book can paint the full picture of how much love, compassion and complete selflessness you show to everyone you come across - whenever I spend time with you, I discover more about how far you go to support every individual.
My brother, Ra’ed. The way you have galvanised, mobilised, activated and empowered people across the creative industries and elsewhere with your deep and purposeful passion is truly inspirational. I know both your mum and your dad are beyond proud.
And to every displaced person and every individual facing injustice, Road To Freedom will continue to amplify your stories and work to support you at every opportunity - your lives, dreams and futures are valued.
🙏🙏🙏🙏
For anyone who wants to support the charity’s future initiatives, including their work with @woveninitiative , follow @roadtofreedom1 and check out their website in the bio.
Frontline at Jumbi: The Music Is Black 🎶
Our latest piece is live - stepping inside The Music Is Black: A British Story at the V&A East (@vam_east ) .
A journey through 125 years of Black British music, from early 20th century foundations to jazz, lovers rock, jungle, grime and beyond — not just as sound, but as history, identity and resistance.
Because this story isn’t just something to look back on. It’s still being written.
As Exhibition Research Assistant Josephine Small puts it: “Music is a product of society… not just of the person making it, but everyone who came before.”
This piece explores:
– Why this exhibition matters now – The deep roots behind the sounds we know today – How Black music has shaped British culture for over a century
And why even love songs can be political.
Read the full article on our Substack to go deeper into the conversation.
Then experience it for yourself -
The Music Is Black: A British Story is now open at the V&A East.
Tap in.
Learn something new.
See yourself in the story.
Link in bio to read + subscribe.
📸: @amosmukombero
Frontline at Jumbi presents: @gardenofafruika
Our second editorial piece is live - and this one sits at the intersection of food, memory and community.
Frontline‘s Ira Alecia Gardner (@iraalecia ) speaks with @eyramdzotsi , founder of Garden of Afruika - a project rooted in the simple but powerful act of bringing people together through food.
From cooking clubs to community meals, Garden of Afruika is building something deeper:
A space for connection across the diaspora.
A practice of care.
A reminder that culture lives in what we share.
As Eyram puts it:
“If you give, it’ll come back… community works like that.”
This is what Frontline (@flmag_ ) at Jumbi is about -
stories that reflect the culture, not just document it.
Read the full article on our Substack and subscribe for more.
We’d love to hear from you:
What’s a food memory that connects you to home?
In Conversation with Community
We’re excited to introduce Frontline at Jumbi - a new editorial collaboration bringing the voices of emerging writers, artists and cultural thinkers into the Jumbi ecosystem.
Born in South London and nurtured by its community, Frontline Magazine has long championed grassroots creativity and collective progress - values that sit deeply within Jumbi’s own foundations.
Together, we’re creating a new space for storytelling.
Every fortnight on our Substack, you’ll find thought pieces, interviews and reflections exploring music, food, art, nightlife and culture, rooted in the Afro-Caribbean diaspora, through the voices shaping the moment.
This is just the beginning - and we’d love for you to be part of the conversation.
The first piece is now live.
Head to our Substack via the link in bio to read the full article and subscribe to receive future editions.
Tell us in the comments:
What does community mean to you in South London right now?
Subscribe.
Read.
Share.
Join the conversation.
@flmag_
See you on the front line.
Nigerian Modernism 🇳🇬
1. J.D. Okhai Ojeikere
2. Ben Enwonwu - The Durbar of Eid-ul-Fitr, Kano, Nigeria
3. Bruce Onobrakpeya - The Last Supper
4. Uche Okeke - Jumaa
5. Ben Enwonwu - Negritude
6. Ben Enwonwu - Road to Siloko, Benin
Been an absolute pleasure producing Performance Peace, the new conversation series from Music Minds Matter hosted by Gorillaz bassist @seyemusic . Working closely with Seye and seeing his passion for supporting everyone who works in music has been a real highlight.
This project is all about creating space for open, honest conversations around mental health in music, and also providing practical support through downloadable resources.
From the energy and wisdom of Ezra Collective’s @femiondrums , to the passion of Music Minds Matter Ambassadors @novatwinsmusic , and the openness of singer/songwriter @jasminethompson , every guest has brought something powerful and inspiring.
The next episode, featuring Femi Koleoso, drops on Wednesday. Follow @musicmindsmatter for updates.
The Declaration Issue: Cristale
After a barrage of hard-hitting and viral rap tunes, a performance at the MOBOs, and appearances in Top Boy and The Kitchen, Frontline Issue 002’s third cover star is becoming the people’s champ.
Still in her early 20s, Cristale has shown passion, integrity, willpower and wisdom, and proven she can bar with the best. Speaking to Frontline’s @davina.kesi she enlightens us as to why her art will stand the test of time.
The Declaration Issue is available to pre-order online, before it’s distributed in colleges, higher education institutions and music hubs in the UK this spring - hit the link in @flmag_ bio to order your copy.
Cover: @cristaleyy
Photography: @amosmukombero
Styling: @christineskowron_
Creative: @ddstudios_
Set design: @kamilaszymkiewicz
Set design assistant: @hanak_o
Interview: @davina.kesi
