When the clock strikes midnight on your 39th birthday, it’s not just another year ticked off; it’s a heralding in of a new era, brimming with opportunities just waiting to be seized. And that's precisely the vibe Leenanne Adu brings to this episode of Fortified 45s. Armed with a bucket list dreams and the wisdom gleaned from personal and professional evolution through the years. Her laughter is infectious, her stories, a vibrant tapestry of a life lived with gusto, and her forward-looking mindset is a beacon for anyone at the crossroads of a new decade.Join us as we lace up for an episode that's as much about pacing the marathon of life as it is about the strength found in numbers. We sprint through the transformative arc from hesitant jogger to proud marathoner, and we see how a good crew can be both your cheerleading squad and your anchor. Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram

It's February 2024. As I stroll under the rare azure canopy of London,  I'm here to share the enlightening continuation of my dialogue with Cyril Nri. We dive into a reflective journey through New York's storied streets, muse on the timeless melodies of Stevie Wonder, and consider the art of becoming someone else through the lens of actors. Our conversation is a patchwork of cultural epochs and personal tales, We bring to light the significance of representation in media, from the polished accents that perplexed the police in my neighbourhood to characters in TV police series that broke the mould. Challenging stereotypes on screen, portraying minority groups with dignity, and embracing the spectrum of human experience is an actor's courageous calling. So, let's revel in the virtuosity of Oscar Peterson, the individuality of Grace Jones, and the activism of Gil Scott-Heron. Let's honour the diversity of our world and the power of authenticity while invoking the spirit of global citizenship. Cyril and I urge you to chase your dreams, live passionately, and never let the grace of life's symphony go unheard.Cyril's SongsLiving For The City  -  Stevie WonderYou  Got Me - The RootsMumbles - Oscar PetersonJohannesburg -  Gil Scott-HeronMista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram

As the new year unfolds, I invite you to wrap yourself in the comfort of shared stories and profound insights with our guest, the profoundly talented Cyril Nri. His journey through stage, screen, and voice acting reveals the textured layers of an artist's life, embedded with the echoes of an Igbo heritage and the resilience of a culture. Cyril's voice has breathed life into characters in ways that defy the norm, and his tales extend beyond performance, touching the Biafran war song of his youth and an enlightening narrative that traverses from personal to universal truths.Venture with us through the pulsating heart of the Black diaspora, where tales of education, ambition, and struggle intertwine with the intricate dance of post-colonization and self-reclamation. The pioneers' journey, including my parents' own path, reveals the courage it takes to break new ground, with music like Nina Simone's anthems guiding the way towards freedom. Delicate threads of mentorship weave through our conversation, highlighting the transformative impact of progressive institutions and the mentors shaping tomorrow's artists and activists.Join us as we reaffirm the vitality of laughter, the necessity of mental well-being, and the boundless potential of embracing one's passion. Cyril's Chosen Songs Nina Simone  -   I wish I knew How It Would Feel To Be FreeAswad - African ChildrenReference MaterialC L R JamesGeorge LammingSam SelvonPan African CongressMista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram

The Soulful Journey of David Nathan: Legacy and InfluenceJoin us on a soulful journey as we engage in a heartfelt conversation with the British Ambassador of Soul, Mr. David Nathan, fondly known as Uncle D. From the streets of London to the vibrant soul music scene, David Nathan, with his five-decade-long career, he brings a wealth of wisdom to our dialogue. We delve into his fascinating experiences, from witnessing racial discrimination to working in a record store, and discuss the important role of artists like Nina Simone and Earth, Wind & Fire in shaping our musical consciousness.In this dialogue, we explore the social complexities of the 60s and 70s, the racial dynamics, and the cultural evolution that shaped the music industry. We recall our personal journeys, our self-discovery, and the impact of certain songs and artists on our lives. We reflect on the changing attitudes towards interracial relationships, the emergence of black gay culture in London, and the vibrant disco culture of the 70s. We share stories of our personal connections with music, enlightening you with our nostalgic conversations filled with insightful anecdotes of the era.We also discuss the deep connection between the soul and soul music, leaving you with a deeper understanding of our relationship with music, culture, and personal identity. So, tune in, listen to our vibrant conversation, and let us take you on a journey through the soulful lanes of music history, personal memories, and cultural evolution. Intro SongYes We Can Can - The Pointer SistersDavid's ChoicesWalk On By  - Dionne WarwickI Put A Spell On You - Nina SimoneI Have Never Loved a Man (The Way  Love You) - Aretha FranklinWalking Up a One Way Street - Willie TeeArmed & Extremely Dangerous - First ChoiceFantasy  - Earth, Wind & FireExternal LinksDavid Nathan.comMista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram

Join me,  along with my special guest, Zak Polanski, the Deputy Leader of the Green Party, as we have a heart-to-heart conversation; we unlock the stories behind Zak's surname changes, our shared nightclub experiences, and the intriguing intersections of identity and politics.But that's not all. We also delve into the pressing issues of climate crisis, equality, and identity. Uncover the ties between green issues, racism, and economic justice, and understand the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on communities of colour and working-class communities. From discussing the political undertones in rap music to exploring the challenges of owning a space in a society yet to achieve true equality, this conversation promises to be a riveting journey of insight and discovery. Buckle up for an episode that promises a rollercoaster ride of topics, from understanding the intricacies of your identity to a deep dive into the world of music, theatre, climate crisis and much more. We challenge you to question the status quo, provoke thought, and inspire change. Join me on this exciting journey that promises to be an insightful, entertaining and thought-provoking experience.Zak's Choice CutsLet the Groove Get In  - Justin TimberlakeWhat's Going On? - Marvin GayeWoman - Little SimzCruel Intentions -JMSNIf You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out - Cat  StevensLiterature/BooksPleasure Activism - Adrienne Maree Brown (Author) Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram

Pierre is in conversation with one of the most exciting and influential  DJs of the 90s, Martin Green.  Martin founded the club Smashing, the epicentre of the 90's Britpop scene.Martin is an avid music collector, unearthing a nutritious bounty of lost gems and compiling them on many albums for major and independent record companies, kickstarting the popular lounge revival of the mid-90s. He became features editor of Beige magazine, interviewing various cult figures, artists and actors whose work he admires. In addition, he reviews plays, shows and events for the publication.As if that isn't enough, he combines these varied occupations, co-curating exhibitions as part of Duovision, producing gallery events and contributing a suitable musical score to the art presented.Intro SongI like London in the Rain - Blossom DearieMartin's Cuddly CurationThe Black Queens Beads - The Young LoversE.V.A  - Jean Jacques PerreyBlack Rite - MandingoThis is Hardcore - Pulp ( 4Hero Remix)For What It is Worth - Sergio MendesCherrystones - Eugene McDanielsReferenced TracksJust to Get a Rep - GangstarrMista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram

Pierre is joined by the actor Shaun Parkes. They discuss growing up together,  faith,  and his role in the film Human Traffic. All of this is fuelled by a few glasses of champagne. Things get bubbly!!Intro SongChase The Devil - Max RomeoShaun's ChoicesDat - Pluto ShervingtonHeaven Help Us  All - Stevie WonderDear Mama - 2PacNobody Knows  - Reverend T.L BarrettWaiting All Night (feat Ella Eyre) -  RudimentalChange is Gonna Come - Sam CookeMista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram

Pierre is joined by  Horse Meat Disco DJ Luke Howard to discuss DJ life our relationship with music and our early musical discoveries in our formative years. Also the emergence of Horse Meat Disco and the future.Intro Song Take Me I'm Yours- Mary ClarkLukes's ChoicesJust Us -  Two Tons Of FunYou Are My Friend - Sylvester (Live)Over and Over  - SylvesterLonely People - Lil Louis & the WorldThe Love I Lost - Harold Melvin & the Blue NotesRio Babilonia - Jorge Ben JorUptown Top Rankin - Althea & DonnaMista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram

Pierre talks with the  British author, keynote speaker and IT Director in the Home Office  Nurjahan Khatun.Nujahan talks about early home life, homelessness, and re-invention.  She shares the songs that gave her strength through adversity and how she keeps inspired.Podcast artwork by John DyerRELATED LINKSNurjahan Khatun's Song ChoicesNazar Ke Samne - Anuradha Paudwalhttps://open.spotify.com/track/56Ne0akGQ4GHPxS9MOL57G?si=dd647855167a4e1aOne  Sweet Day - Mariah Carey & Boyz to Menhttps://open.spotify.com/track/7ySbfLwdCwl1EM0zNCJZ38?si=cf96ec27f5df4035'Till I Collapse - Eminemhttps://open.spotify.com/track/4xkOaSrkexMciUUogZKVTS?si=f831a44858844f78Tum Hi Ho  - Arijit Singhhttps://open.spotify.com/track/56zZ48jdyY2oDXHVnwg5Di?si=5ec9469097264597Books, Literature & MediaHook Of Hope by Nurjahan Khatun https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/163730420X/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_AYSHJGE755B7EZT4AMAK via @AmazonUK Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram

Part 2  of the conversation with the BBC foreign correspondent Lebo Diseko.Lebo talks about her harrowing experience, being locked in the Capitol Building for her safety during the 2021 insurrection in Washington, and her love for South African House music.Podcast artwork by John Dyer  -   paulwindledesign.co.ukLebo Diseko's Song ChoicesSoul II Soul - Move Me No Mountainhttps://open.spotify.com/track/4gE2AMTeLxuE3n90AblFr9?si=260d9227bc104b63Leviticus - The Burialhttps://open.spotify.com/track/0BIAlQguOM4MSEDUjqOqkc?si=70e3019d29cd4593Wookie - Battlehttps://open.spotify.com/track/1Y8R1CKdai0oycCf6K0sjh?si=0eee5c33f4bd41e8Black Motion - It's Youhttps://open.spotify.com/track/7wNIzYbPVysxJswTNSogBh?si=427d8542779b4ee1Earful Soul -It's Alrighthttps://open.spotify.com/track/6A2oCFqEuMDjsBovTy1woX?si=a3cde7c5f16f4c39Links, Books, Literature & MediaBBC Trainee Schemehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships/work-experience?fbclid=IwAR1pjdQdFgxfS0YZDqFX-WBjHltHFRS8N4h6ZYNJdeg_iALFJ3ckUTivL2EMista Pierre's Run Dem Radio Showshttps://www.mixcloud.com/mistapierre/mista-pierres-turntable-torque-show-ep3/Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram

Mista Pierre thIs in conversation with the BBC foreign correspondent Lebo Diseko.Lebo talks about her formative years in Oxford, being a child of political exiles, and the influence of Jazz in South Africa.Podcast artwork by John Dyer  -   paulwindledesign.co.ukLebo Diseko's Song ChoicesAndile Yenana - Tembisahttps://open.spotify.com/track/5gzMJ3ETdDZLG7gj0O9jKB?si=db8cdaac34374be9Aretha Franklin - Hooked On Your Lovehttps://open.spotify.com/track/6uB4MGYZ13amzHD0MDeUug?si=a038a22bd8c747beWhitney Houston - How Will I knowhttps://open.spotify.com/track/5tdKaKLnC4SgtDZ6RlWeal?si=004f612cb8654cb3Mary J Blige - Real Lovehttps://open.spotify.com/track/3z0HBYkS1Nnt3ORqIU1vjr?si=8453491d56774b15Soul II Soul - Move Me No Mountainhttps://open.spotify.com/track/4gE2AMTeLxuE3n90AblFr9?si=260d9227bc104b63Leviticus - The Burialhttps://open.spotify.com/track/0BIAlQguOM4MSEDUjqOqkc?si=70e3019d29cd4593Wookie - Battlehttps://open.spotify.com/track/1Y8R1CKdai0oycCf6K0sjh?si=0eee5c33f4bd41e8Black Motion - It's Youhttps://open.spotify.com/track/7wNIzYbPVysxJswTNSogBh?si=427d8542779b4ee1Earful Soul -It's Alrighthttps://open.spotify.com/track/6A2oCFqEuMDjsBovTy1woX?si=a3cde7c5f16f4c39Links, Books, Literature & MediaBBC Trainee Schemehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships/work-experience?fbclid=IwAR1pjdQdFgxfS0YZDqFX-WBjHltHFRS8N4h6ZYNJdeg_iALFJ3ckUTivL2EMista Pierre's Run Dem Radio Showshttps://www.mixcloud.com/mistapierre/mista-pierres-turntable-torque-show-ep3/Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram

Mista Pierre talks with the  British singer,  essayist, and art historian David McAlmontDavid talks about his childhood and his formative years in Guyana. He discusses fame and self-reinvention., as well as some music that has contributed to the soundtrack to his inspired life.Podcast artwork by John DyerDavid McAlmont's Song ChoicesPet Shop Boys - My October Symphonyhttps://open.spotify.com/track/4iiSJceq72BfoQuRb3gDim?si=a26d3ea01df04d23The Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes For Youhttps://open.spotify.com/track/3YdKJzcoMZMacISlpY4QoP?si=6e7667140a404030Do-Re-Mi - Julie Andrewshttps://open.spotify.com/track/6aNMGfwdGyELNGCuqs5ldU?si=cb3a692665d04ea0Iggy Pop - Fall in Love With Mehttps://open.spotify.com/track/6YQjQdymVA9tvE0Ygnpsdd?si=363bf06e28d44c42Beyonce - Mood 4 Evahttps://open.spotify.com/track/7oqftogUN82Q7VNy2TmTJW?si=08723722443245cbLinks, Books, Literature & MediaSeth Godin – Leadership vs. Management - What it means to make a differencehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzoIAJYPQwoTribes: We need you to lead us  - by Seth Godin https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0749939753/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_4H09SE48EA9HBR72DFK7TMista Pierre's Run Dem Radio Showshttps://www.mixcloud.com/mistapierre/mista-pierres-turntable-torque-show-ep3/Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram

Pierre talks with British author, podcaster and musician  Musa Okwonga.Musa talks about his move to Berlin. He shares songs that give him strength and make him feel brave. He also discusses navigating queer identities and how he keeps inspired.Podcast artwork by John DyerRELATED LINKSMusa Okwonga's Song ChoicesKano - Good Youtes Walk Amongst Evilhttps://open.spotify.com/track/0o8cO4zo0P4UEpz5VTtV0U?si=053f164fe96648a8Little Simz - Venomhttps://open.spotify.com/track/4WaaWczlVb1UJ24LILsR4C?si=bdb4bb6ade6541cfBobbi Humphery - Harlem River Drivehttps://open.spotify.com/track/6aP8aMehThSiaLJozzGeUh?si=9c3697de46994cbaLxury -We Dohttps://open.spotify.com/track/71Ek1P23RQs24HGWV46Vwm?si=554af7a01e904224Rubblebuckethttps://open.spotify.com/track/3bF6ow7vpw404AVUReaHv9?si=224445a245b54aabBooks, Literature & MediaMusa Okwonga - In The End, It Was All About Love  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1912722933/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZFRYTYDP70E3W7NRQKJChttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-stadio-podcast/id1474953937One of Them: An Eton College Memoir https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1783529679/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_V02Z92E7WPK0V5339AC5Striking Out: The Debut Novel from Superstar Striker Ian Wright https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/070230686X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_NWFTA965K1JJZ7EDVQ5TMista Pierre's Run Dem Radio Showshttps://www.mixcloud.com/mistapierre/mista-pierres-turntable-torque-show-ep3/Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram

Summary of the upcoming Podcasts from the Fortified 45 series.Mista Pierre's Fortified 45s WebsiteMista Pierre's Instagram