Shambala Speaks

In this episode, we join a panel discussion on climate justice and hear from four people as they unpack, explore and share their perspective on this vitally important topic.   The panel is made up of: Chris Johnson - one of the co founders of Shambala and the Managing Director of Shambala; Adassa Dixon – diversity equity and inclusion lead at Shambala and Kambe events; Lady Shaka – indigenous musi...

In this episode I sit down with two members of Asian Dub Foundation - the longest standing and newest member of the band. We dig into how music is breaking down racism, rebel saints and some of their most meaningful moments in their 30 year history. @asiandubfoundation https://www.facebook.com/asiandubfoundation shambalafestival.org

In this episode, I talk to rising star Hak Baker. From learning guitar in prison, to being inspired by his remarkable grandmother, he tells us how he's forging his very individual path to stardom. Just a heads up - there is some strong language in this one.   hakbaker.com @hakbaker   shambalafestival.org  

Straight off the big stage and into the quiet confines of our podcast caravan, I get a rare opportunity to chat to James Sadri and Oliver Knowles of Led by Donkeys, the political activists who hold powerful people accountable. We dive into what it's like to do what they do, the risks they take and what keeps them going.   ledbydonkeys.org @ledbydonkeys Get your Shambala Festival 2026 tickets here,...

Hello and welcome to this year's Shambala podcast series. Our adventures in utopia kick off with a Led by Donkeys double bill. They are a team of disruptors who are all about holding powerful people accountable.   This talk was a stand out moment at Shambala Festival 2025. The tent was overflowing and we thought it was only fair to give everyone the chance to hear it again.   Their activism is lik...

If your soul is in need of soothing, you are in the right place. In this episode, Haitian / American folk musician and cultural activist Leyla McCalla talks to Dizraeli about fitting in with fragmented identity, music and motherhood...   You can find links to their work, music and shows in the notes https://leylamccalla.com/ https://www.mixcloud.com/dizraeli/ https://www.dizraeli.com/   You can wa...

In this spine-chilling episode, we hear how democracy in this country has been subverted. The exposure of undercover police in environmental and progressive political groups is a major policing scandal of our time.   Climate activists have been duped and spied on, human rights have been infringed and The Big Green Gathering, a festival like Shambala, has been unable to continue. So listen up as we...

In this episode, we're transported to the beginnings of Afrobeat. Dele Sosimi was in Fela Kuti's band Egypt 80 between 1979-86. And in this conversation, we hear those Nigerian sounds and it's almost like a ringside seat to that iconic club: The Shrine. Dizraeli asks about his journey to musical mastery and what it was like coming from Lagos to London.   You can find links to their work, music and...

In this episode, we hear from the team who made the spellbinding BBC podcast series: Witch. Whatever you may think, dream or fear about them, the witch has held a place in our imagination for centuries. But what does it mean to be one now? Listen and find out   If you'd like to listen to the full series of Witch, you can do that here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2sVdGfsrPR1QgCfWXS6y0...

If you're feeling a bit brow beaten, dispirited or disillusioned, we have just the thing. Will McCullum, Co Executive Director of Greenpeace UK makes a compelling case for hope.   He shows how power has been, and continues to be, disrupted and rebuilt. And shares some big reasons that are keeping him hopeful... You can find more and support Greenpeace's work by following the link below: https://ww...

Moonchild Sanelly is going stratospheric! She's collaborated with Beyonce, Gorillaz and Self Esteem to name just a few. During our conversation, we get a glimpse into her upbringing, hear her thoughts on power and understand why she never uses the word 'try'. (Heads up - she does mention a sexual assault).    You can check her out at https://www.moonchildsanelly.com/ Shambala Festival - Adventures...

Have you ever wondered what it sounds like under the sea? Well in this episode, we're taking you on a journey. We encourage you to lie back and listen, as we immerse you in whale songs, sounds and stories... You might recognise Tom Mustill, author of How to Speak Whale, from last season. In 2015 he was almost killed when a breaching whale landed on his canoe. This event launched an obsession into...

In this episode, we hear two tales from the Natural Born Storytellers event. The first, told by Chris, is a hilarious prank played on his housemate. The second is told by Kash, who, having lost his keys, finds something else...   The podcast was lovingly made by Melissa Kidd, Nick Carline, Fredi Devas and Drew Sewell.   You'll find links below to: Shambala Festival - Adventures in Utopia: https://...

From lyrical luminaries to rising stars and everything in between, here's a selection of  Shambala's Poetry Slam! Please note this episode does contain strong language. Thanks to all the slammers who were brave enough to share your poignant, beautiful and touching words with us. We've listed you below:   Chuck SJ Nina Tia Meraki Jess David Viney Chris Oliver Jay Corrigan Nine McCartney Becka Jay S...

Dam, the first Palestinian hip hop crew, kick off the new season.   They share how the political situation has affected their creativity, the role art can play in conflict and what keeps them going.   Just a heads up, this episode does contain swearing and strong language.   The podcast was lovingly made by Melissa Kidd, Nick Carline, Fredi Devas and Drew Sewell.   Dam's instagram: https://www.ins...

Have you ever loved a record so much that you would die for it? Plenty of people have. And in this episode, author Joe Mulhall explores Music as Resistance . From songs made for the purpose of opposition to recognising that simply listening to certain tracks can be an illegal act, this conversation takes us to war zones, uprisings and movements –where music binds them together. https://www.theguar...

In this episode, we hear from Ed Gillespie and Saci Lloyd – two veteran environmentalists who tell us why they have chosen to move to the frontline of climate change. Should they know better? What’s it like? And what can they teach us about living in vulnerable places?  https://edgillespie.earth/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saci_Lloyd

Poetry slam 2 Prepare for your mind to stretch and your soul to fill. Here’s part 2 of our poetry slam episode. Thanks to all our slammers, you dared to show us your poetic prowess and we are richer for it. Sukie, Mark Grist, Fungalist, Tia Meraki, Kay Walton-Smith, Reanna Valentine, Graceface Leeder, Louise Stewart Daisy (aka Pure LSD), Jess Leigh, Ali P, Emily, Falicia B, Lydia Daisy, Beth Honey...

From lyrical luminaries to rising stars and everything in between, here’s part 1 of Sunday's Shambala poetry slam with more coming in part 2. Thanks to all our slammers, you dared to show us your poetic prowess and we are all the richer for it.

In this episode, we hear from neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow who shows us how our brains sychronise, ideas emerge and moral values align. Given the challenges we face, we need our best thinking and Hannah can show us how. https://hannahcritchlow.com/

Tom Mustill was nearly killed by a breaching whale, which landed on his canoe. Mid air, perhaps on sighting Tom, the whale tilted, possibly to miss him. It then re-emerged and looked at him - as if to check if he was ok.   He became obsessed with trying to find out what the whale had been thinking.  And so began an exploration into whale communication – what do they say and sing to each other? And...

In this episode, we hear from two bands – Dutty Moonshine – which were voted by you as best festival act in 2023. And much-loved Dr Meaker - another firm favourite. We find out what drives them, where they’ve come from and how their creative process unfolds. Starting with Mike and Maria from Dutty Moonshine, followed by Clive Meaker. We hope you enjoy going behind the scenes. https://www.drmeaker....

In this episode, we drop in to Sankofa's on Sunday afternoon, where we soak up Dizreali's conversations and hear performances by Blythe Pepino, Martin Carthy and the one and only Congo Natty... https://www.dizraeli.com/ https://www.blythepepino.com/ https://alanbearmanmusic.com/artists/martin-carthy/ https://www.instagram.com/congonatty_official/

Chali 2na and A.Skillz kick off the third season. We get a glimpse into their history, collaboration, life-defining moments plus some wisdom to help us on our way. Chali has played at Shambala many times and his Hands High track accompanied our 2017 film. A.Skillz is a producer, DJ and an all-round excellent humble human.  You can find links to their work and art below. https://www.chali2na.com/ h...

In this episode we drop in to Sankofa's on Sunday afternoon, where we soak up Dizreali's conversations and hear performances from Luzmira Zerpa from Family Atlantica and the one and only BCUC...