A NEW radio show will be taking over the airwaves tonight as people with experience of the asylum system share their stories.

Govanhill's online community station, Radio Buena Vida, and community magazine Greater Govanhill CIC, joined forces to develop the programme.

Participants have learned audio production skills, led by freelance journalist and radio producer Robbie Armstrong. 

The workshops have included training in interviewing techniques, editing and DJ production. 

Each participant was given their own mic to go out to record then produce the stories they wanted to tell. 

Speaking about the experience, Arij, originally from Syria, said: "Through my experiences with the workshops, I learned not to underestimate my abilities because everyone has a creative side to share. 

Glasgow Times:

"I also learned about vinyl records during my visit to the Buena Vida station in the Some Great Reward record store – and that there is a different world that I have never seen before, which made it even more interesting. 

"We would never have been so creative if the workshop team weren't so supportive throughout. 

"I hope everyone finds the programme as enjoyable to listen to as we found it to make."

Segments include one about shisha traditions, another about Afrobeat in Glasgow, conversations around food and an intro to Unity Sisters, an organisation that supports women asylum seekers. 

The participants will be introducing these stories live while spinning tracks they have selected. 

Ibrahim, from Sierra Leone, added: “I have learnt a lot of new skills from our trainers which makes me feel confident and excited for the radio show going live.” 

The show’s creation has been part-funded by the Scottish Refugee Council as a part of its Scottish Refugee Festival. 

The theme of this year’s festival is storytelling, with more than 100 events happening across Scotland between June 17 and 26. 

Robbie said: "From the get-go, I’ve been blown away by the group's passion and enthusiasm, and most of all their natural ability to make great radio. 

"We’re so excited to share the programme with you – it gives a snapshot into where they’ve come from, where they are going and the things they love."  

Rhiannon Davies, Founding Editor of Greater Govanhill, added: “The whole idea behind setting up the Greater Govanhill magazine was to provide a platform to voices not typically heard in the media and to empower people to tell their own stories in their own words. 

"This group have proved how powerful, and enjoyable, it can be be when we just get out of the way and let that happen."