Oral History with Solomon Onaolapo

0.08 Born and raised in Nigeria and then moved to London. He then moved to Stockport to live with his uncle and then ended up settling after enjoying life in the community.

1.45 Main passion was organising events and bringing people together.

2.08 After finishing university in Bradford he then moved to Stockport and identified that there was a need for more engagement within the Stockport community.

3.07 He spoke to the local council who also agreed that there was a lack of events within the community.

3.23 From getting involved in organising events, he was diverted into youth work. He then set up organisation ‘Rising Stars’.

4.48 Belief in turning words into action, he is inspired by things he has seen or watched. Solomon emphasises that he takes a ‘can- do’ attitude.

7.25 The project he is most proud of is Pie Radio, he created the station to celebrate the young rising talent in Stockport. He says that the radio has enabled many black young people to have ‘a voice’.

9.52 Pie Radio has a DAB status as of recently.

12.05 Pie Radio made it onto the BBC which Solomon acknowledges as a massive milestone for the station.

13:04 Major dream is to keep on growing the radio station. He sees his presenters and DJ’s gaining success on multiple platforms in ten years- time.

14:14 Pie Radio is a platform where people can voice their opinions without being judged. They are able to express their ideas and express themselves creatively.

15:37 The dream to is to start collaborating with brands such as Nike. He also emphasises that he wants to leave a legacy in Stockport.

18:40 Point of the project is to capture black people’s stories.

19:50 Every person’s story is different however all are equally important. This project has allowed so many people who may have not had the opportunity to speak out the chance to express their journey.