Meet our Trustees

Lewisham Music has a great Board of Trustees who are responsible for the governance and oversight of the charity.

Our Trustees represent a broad mix of skills, backgrounds and perspectives, and dedicate their time to help the charity create positive change in young people’s lives through music. Come and meet the Trustees below.

 

 

 

Chair of Trustees

 

A bit about me

I am a music educator of 20 years, flautist, published author and founder of The Creative Educator Consultancy.  During this time, I have worked as a middle and senior school leader in the Midlands and London.

 

The value of Music Hubs for children and young people takes prominence for me due to the positive impact of my own experience of progressing through Redbridge Music Service as a child.

 

I am a graduate and Honorary Member of the Birmingham Conservatoire, also holding a PGCE from UCE Birmingham and MA from UCL Institute of Education.  I was blessed to study as part of my undergraduate degree in Potsdam, New York – a life changing experience!

 

Proud of my Bajan and St Lucian heritage, I come from a family of school leaders, headteachers, teachers and school owners both here in the UK and in the Caribbean.

 

I am delighted to now step into the role of supporting Keith and his wonderful team at Lewisham Music, in providing amazing creative opportunities for all communities!

 

What’s currently on my playlist

Stay for a While, Angie Stone ft. Anthony Hamilton; Hylife, Marcus Miller; Could You Be Me, Kathy Kosins; Smile, Jonathon Nelson; I Want It to Be, Omar.

 

Favourite places in Lewisham

Goldsmiths University campus is a beautiful site and a delightful performance venue.  Brockley’s Rock offers the best fish and chips in Southeast London and Lewisham’s bustling high street is the hive of community on a Saturday afternoon!

 

 

 

Trustee

 

A bit about me

I have been a trustee at Lewisham Music since 2021, having worked in the PR industry for over 20 years.

 

I’ve spent most of my life in and around the Lewisham borough; attending Adamsrill primary and secondary school at Sedgehill, where my love of music began. Through the dedication of my teachers at school – especially Mr Masters at Sedgehill – I was allowed the opportunity to experience some life-changing musical moments, that have helped shape the person I am today. I have very special memories of our school bands and ensembles playing in iconic venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, DisneyLand in Florida and The Broadway Theatre!

 

Lewisham is a borough rich with musical talent and I think that music can bring so much positivity to the lives of young people.

 

I am delighted to be a part of the Lewisham Music family and the life-changing work that they do in the borough.

 

What’s currently on my playlist

The ‘playlist’ (mainly CD based!) is varied and favourites include: Prince, Maceo Parker, Digable Planets, Meshell Ndegeocello, Larry Graham, George Benson, Jamiroquai, Omar, Randy Crawford, Nile Rodgers, Stormzy, Gil Scott Heron, Jill Scott, Billie Holiday, Lola Young, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Beverley Knight, Whitney, Destiny’s Child, The Kanneh-Masons, Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, Brand New Heavies, Aretha… stopping there, but the playlist goes on and on!

 

Favourite places in Lewisham

The ‘Big Cat’ in Catford, Beckenham Place Park, Hormiman Museum and Gardens, Mayow Park, the Fellowship Inn and cinema, Catford Mews Cinema.

 

 

 

Trustee

 

A bit about me

I’m Lateefah, also known as Letty. I am a DJ, Radio host and creative content writer and avid traveler. Whilst I love a jam sesh, festival and rave I’m also all about balance, meditation, nature and an advocate for holistic health! I am delighted to join Lewisham music as a trustee and look forward to giving back and being a part of the next generation of  talented artists and creatives!

 

What’s currently on my playlist

As a multidisciplinary DJ I listen to a plethora of genres but currently I have Kaytranada, Alex Isley, P-rallel, Jill Scott, Hagan, and Vacatixn on repeat!

 

Favourite places in Lewisham

Mountsfield park always has a special place in my heart as this was my local park growing up. Eat of eden (when it used to be open) and Deptford market.

 

 

 

Trustee

 

A bit about me

I went to Turnham Primary School and Sedgehill Secondary School before moving to Croydon for a while, of course now I am residing back in the best borough… Lewisham. Interesting fact – I featured on a song with a grime group called South Soldiers when I was younger and performed it as part of a showcase to support the ‘don’t trigger’ campaign, in addition to that, I have also performed at Royal Albert Hall with Vocalize and the infamous Mr Gilbert! I have fortunately been lucky enough to take part in a music management internship in the city that never sleeps – New York which helped me discover Sam Fischer before he became famous for his song ‘This City’. Outside of Lewisham Music, I work with a property developer along with developing upcoming musician/talents within the music industry.

 

What’s currently on my playlist

A mixture of everything to be honest, but Adele – Love in the dark has been played everyday recently along with a daily rotation of Valiant, Teyana Taylor and some Amapiano.

 

Favourite places in Lewisham

Kebab Town holds a special place in my heart as so many memories were created here after school, also Cafe East which was an AMAZING Vietnamese restaurant in Deptford that has now sadly closed down.

 

 

 

Trustee

 

A bit about me

I’m Rob, a music producer and composer. I joined Lewisham Music as a trustee in July 2021, inspired by a personal connection. I was once a recipient of subsidised music education in my home borough of Lambeth, giving me first-hand experience of its transformative impact. Without such opportunities, I wouldn’t have been able to study the cello, work with some of the UK’s most promising artists or score award-winning music documentaries. This connection to my past fuels my commitment to Lewisham Music’s mission of enriching young people’s lives through music. I’m also an Economics, Finance & Banking graduate with six years of experience in the technology consulting sector. My interest extends beyond music to encompass business and entrepreneurship, which I find equally as thrilling.

 

What’s currently on my playlist

As of recent – Kendrick Lamar (ESPECIALLY after seeing him live at the 02), BLK ODYSSY, Terrace Martin, Steve Lacey, Mnelia, Alfa Mist, Agajon, Ludwig Göransson, Nicholas Britell.

 

Favourite places in Lewisham

Horniman Museum – so many childhood memories!

 

 

 

Trustee

 

A bit about me

I have lived in Lewisham for more than 10 yrs and really enjoy the culture and community aspects of living here. In my day job I work for the Accounting Regulator so numbers are kind of my thing.

 

What’s currently on my playlist

I enjoy a wide range of music but you cant beat Radiohead, Portishead and Fontaine D.C

 

Favourite places in Lewisham

Lewisham has some great parks and green spaces, especially Hilly Fields and Telegraph Hill with great views over London.

 

 

 

Trustee

 

A bit about me

I am a theatre and events producer, working largely on youth and community activity for over 15 years. I started our wanting to be a musical theatre performer, and then a songwriter, a fashion make-up artist and then a lighting designer for big concerts, but I found that my organisational skills and love of a spreadsheet was better suited to producing. I have worked on large festivals and carnivals across London, Hertfordshire and Kent, run events in iconic spaces and venues like Trafalagar Square, St Pauls Cathedral and on the River Thames, coordinated activity for UEFA during Euros 2012 and managed entertainment across a group of hotels in Cyprus. Now I am the senior producer at London Bubble Theatre Company, leading on projects for people aged 6 -100, many of whom are underserved in society and feel like theatre is ‘not for them’. I am also producer at Cayr Charity, a company advocating for the arts as a tool to support wider health goals. I worked in Lewisham (for LEAN) for 7 years and I think it is a really special place. During that time I worked closely with Lewisham Music and I am so proud to have joined the board of trustees this year.

 

What’s currently on my playlist

That really depends on what day I am having but to pick a few … October London, Izo Fitzroy, Levi.Sct, Raye, Beverley Knight, Gyptian, Nickelback, Bob Marley and anything UK Garage.

 

Favourite places in Lewisham

Horniman Museum – especially the aquarium. When I worked there I spent a lot of time gazing at the jellyfish and the views from the bandstand in the gardens is amazing. I also love the eclectic nature of Deptford Market and the organ at Broadway Theatre Catford.

 

 

 

Trustee

 

A bit about me

I was born in Glasgow but have lived in Catford for nearly 40 years, so it’s very much my home. Most of my career has been in charities and housing associations supporting people with additional needs. I’ve been part of the L’Arche community for many years which is a community of people with and without learning disabilities – I’m part of the drama group there and help run an integrated choir. I also help run the choir at St William of York church in Forest Hill, and play guitar there weekly. Music has been central to my life; I was given a recorder at the age of 10 and have never looked back.

 

What’s currently on my playlist

My playlist consists of a mix of folk rock (eg Fairport Convention), singer-songwriters (eg James Taylor, Leonard Cohen), modern church music (eg Marty Haugen) and quirky (eg Loudon Wainwright III).

 

Favourite places in Lewisham

River Pool Linear Walk in Catford, Blythe Hill Fields, Pizzarte restaurant.

 

 

 

Trustee

 

A bit about me

I’m retired now but used to be the CEO of Phoenix Community Housing in South Lewisham for many years. I love the work we do at Lewisham Music with our amazing young people and staff.

 

What’s currently on my playlist

TBC

 

Favourite places in Lewisham

My favourite places in Lewisham are the Fellowship and Beckenham Place Park.