A groundbreaking new radio play launched on World Refugee Day (Thursday 20 June 2024) is taking audiences on an unpredictable creative journey into the lives of migrants and the inequalities they face.

Afamba apota - which means the journey is unpredictable in the Zimbabwean language Shona - comes from the innovative minds of University of Glasgow researchers.

Fusing research with artistic expression, the captivating audio drama brings to life key findings from the UK's Migration for Development and Equality (MIDEQ) Hub and the research of the University’s UNESCO Chair on Refugee Integration through Education, Language, and Arts team.

But rather than dry research, listeners meet a colourful cast of characters populating the "migration corridor" under the lens of documentary maker Paul Lamont.

Written by the University’s artist in resident and UNESCO RILA researcher Tawona Sitholé, the play sidesteps traditional formats to explore migration through a multi-sensory experience.

Evocative soundscapes immerse audiences in thought-provoking stories that illuminate human realities often obscured by statistics and policies.

Tawona Sitholé, who is a poet, playwright, mbira musician and educator, said: "We are rethinking what constitutes research and education by drawing on the creative arts like poetry, music and theatre. 

“This radio play allows us to share important lessons about migration in an engaging way that is accessible to all."

The radio drama features the voices of MIDEQ researchers as well as artists, poets and migrants sharing their perspectives.

It was co-directed by Sitholé along with Writer and Producer Mariem Omari and award winning sound designer Kevin Murray who also composed the sound design.

Listen to the play

Learn more

UNESCO Chair on Refugee Integration through Education, Language, and Arts

The UNESCO RILA team explores how languages and creative arts can support the integration of refugees and migrants. By rethinking traditional academic approaches, they develop new ways for diverse people to create and share knowledge.

Learn more on the UNESCO RILA website

MIDEQ

MIDEQ is a five-year project aiming to transform understanding of migration and inequality in the Global South. Drawing on the expertise of partners across 12 countries, it examines how inequalities influence migration patterns and outcomes. 

Learn more about the project on the MIDEQ website

First published: 18 June 2024

<< All resources


More Information