During lockdown Coventry born Cara, who is also known as ‘Momma C’, took the leap to create an independent radio station which champions the underground and the underdog. Having grown up in a time where Jamaican sound systems and 24-hour raves were the place to be, Cara has been immersed in music throughout her whole life taking the energy and rhythm in her stride. Her move to London introduced her to the underground scene which steered her creative journey to where she is today. As I am a resident DJ at BLOCK representing I&I, a cultural arts and educational collective, I wanted to find out more about how being Black and female played a part in Cara starting her own radio station in the hope to shine some light on how young Black women can use their power to fuel their journey and make a mark.
What inspired you to start BLOCK?
I live for music. It’s the way that I deal with my feelings, good or bad. I’ve grown up around the sound systems in Coventry with my grandad and uncles, so music has always been there. In my other role, I create and market music and arts events and I found that it was getting harder to shout about the amazing events and artists that I was working with in the underground scene without buying advertising space so, I made my own platform.
Can you tell me the purpose of BLOCK as a creative platform?
BLOCK exists as literally a platform. Something to be stood on and heard. It’s also a community, a neighbourhood, a block! I believe that you can’t be what you can’t see, so I’m working to create a place where people can be discovered, not necessarily by labels, but by other like-minded, passionate souls. That way people can start sharing skills, collaborating, making and taking over the world. One of the bits I am excited about most is discovering new original music, from all kinds of genres. I get a rush from hearing someone fresh with passion and drive who has probably just produced their own track in their bedroom and it bangs.
How did you get into the radio/ underground scene?
I’ve grown up in Coventry in the Midlands and loads of people would write it off as a place where not much happens but it birthed the first legal 24-hour rave. People used to travel from all over the country just to shake a leg! There was this amazing little venue called Carey’s and it had some of the worlds best DJ’s come and play. It wasn’t even that big. It was just a load of people, all ages and colours having a good time. When I left to live in London, I searched for that same energy and I found it in the underground scene.
Radio is something that I have always wanted to do but never had the confidence. I’ve been a backing dancer and singer, but radio just always felt out of my reach. When lockdown happened loads of my work disappeared. So did the wicked events that many of our residents had planned. I felt quite helpless not knowing when things might come back to normal so, I got in touch with some of the promoters, DJ’s and collectives to ask them if they’d come on as residents. The rest is history.
What do you have to say about the importance of pursuing a creative journey like BLOCK Radio?
I am a massive believer that collaboration is key. I don’t think any person can survive on the planet by being totally self-sufficient. The creative industry is the same, we work together, listen, learn and share how we feel. It isn’t an easy journey but it is important. Creative people are storytellers so, the more people we have telling the stories, the richer life will be. I guess I’m back to my saying, you can’t be what you can’t see.
Being a Black female and the owner of BLOCK, have you felt challenged throughout your journey because you are Black and or female?
To be honest, BLOCK is a baby, we launched in May 2020. I hadn’t really stated that the station was me, I just wanted people to love it. Then the Black Lives Matter protests happened and I stepped up and made a declaration. I have felt incredibly supported by the resident DJ’s and by the listeners. I try and work with like-minded people and it has been sweet so far. One of my favourite things is when I get a message from someone wanting to play on the station and they always start with, ‘geezer’, ‘buddy’ or ‘mate’.
Or perhaps, have you felt that being Black and female has fuelled your journey as opposed to challenged?
Being Black and female is who I am and I wear that with pride. I use every ounce of doubt from others to fuel the work I do and I try and teach that to my son. My husband is White so, my son is dual heritage but it’s important to me that we never, as a household, let other people’s negative thoughts of who we “should be” define who we are.
What advice would you give to young Black women trying to make their mark in their fields, how can they harness their Black female power to fuel their journey?
Always remember, nobody does you like you do. They can try in many ways, but you are your power. I’m not gonna sit here and pretend that I don’t wobble or cry or get frustrated. If you enter each situation with a good heart and walk in truth without being fake to get what you want, then I feel the rest will follow.
Would you say that you’ve made your mark in radio or is there more to come?
Oh my goodness! BLOCK is just getting started. Taking each day as they come, but as a self-funded station, I think it’s going okay so far.
Give us a hint of what we need to look out for from yourself and BLOCK radio.
I’m an event producer as well, so I have some exciting projects coming up which are COVID dependent. The next phase is the website launch, with the drop shop, a place to discover music by Midlands-based and born artists. I’m really excited about championing new talent and also continuing to support what is already there. Some of our DJ’s are in their 60’s you know! I don’t discriminate.
Interviewed by Taylor Cottrell
