After two months of inactivity, I am happy to present another new programme for NuDirections.
The program under the name Rise Above aims to help people overcome the sadness and devastation caused by a world in conflict. Never underestimate the healing power of music.
I have included some of my favourite tunes I regularly spin at Big Hands, the coolest bar in Manchester, as well as some discoveries like the talented Jon Lucien. I highly recommend listening to his song "Would You Believe in Me" - he may not be a current singer, but he is truly amazing.
Good music is timeless and always worth discovering. Another discovery is the vibrant dancehall tune of More Justice and Truth by Virgin Island’s reggae star Pressure Busspipe.
Another novelty I found recently, is the great tune of Say Truth by Fred Fisher Atalobhor. Inside my DJ boxes, I get my most regular artist's music played in my sets. There you will find Manu Chao, Joe Bataan, Dreadzone, Mo-Horizons, Zulu 9.30, International Velvet and Planet Hemp. Of course, Hip hop artist and producer from Dallas Oneofus with the great track and theme of the programme.
Last but not least, Jah is forever is beautiful melody of lovers Rock by Swish Reggae producer Elijah Solomon and and Jamaican singer Glen Washington. My selection is a bunch of exciting tunes for empowering our minds and souls to Rise Above.
Playlist
1- Baby Shiva - International Velvet (featuring Mustafa Akbar and Roots of See-I)
2- More Justice and truth - Pressure
3- Say the truth - Fred Fisher Atalobhor and his Ogiza Dance Band
4- Would you believe in me - Jon Lucien
5- Muchacho ordinario - Joe Bataan
6- Me provoca te ver - Manu Chao & Chalart 58
7- Mountain - Dreadzone
8- Frisson - Mukta
9- Southern Fried Funky Lovesong - Mo’Horizons
10- Era - Zulu 9.30
11- A culpa é de Quem - Planet Hemp
12- Rise Above - One of Us (featuring Flotation and Molecular)
13 Jah is forever - Elijah (featuring Glen Washington)
Jazz Matters
Jazz Matters is a not-for-profit hobby project that I’m extremely proud of.
It began life in May 2021 as NuDirections, a weekly radio show on a London community station. That spirit of discovery still runs through everything I do.
But today, Jazz Matters has evolved into a global podcast platform for Jazz and World music lovers — reaching over 40,000 open-minded listeners across 57 countries on more than 24 platforms.2025/6 marks a new era. My love of music has always gone beyond Jazz, so I’ve created two distinct but connected spaces here
Jazz Matters: Podcasts, Playlists and Music Videos.
Jazz Lines: Blogs, Interviews, Gallery & Pulse for Who's Shaping the Scene.
I’m also preparing a full digital relaunch from my new studio, from 1st May 2026, then every Jazz Matters podcast, mix, and special will stream exclusively from my website—no third-party platforms and no algorithms. Until then, you can listen here and on 24+ podcast platforms.
Alongside the music, you’ll find in Jazz Lines, my platform for blogs, interviews, gallery, and pulse that links to things that catch my ear and eye. A bold new chapter begins soon. New location. New music player. New studio.
Jazz Matters. Because the music — and everything around it — truly does.
Enjoy the music I love