Episode #120 with Remel London

The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

"I grew up seeing people on TV and being like, wow, that's amazing, I would love to do that! And it was also the excitement of seeing a black person on TV. I literally heard my mum be like 'Oh, I need to call my sisters. I need to make sure they're watching. There's a black person on TV, 6pm tonight!' And it's like...it was such an amazing feeling to feel represented whenever we did see someone. I actually feel like that buzz has actually gone a bit now because we actually expect not to see black people on TV...back then, it was just like, we're just proud. And as a young person growing up, I saw Oprah. My mom watched The Oprah Winfrey Show on Channel 4. We saw Trevor McDonald. We saw Moira Stewart doing the news and it was like, you know, my Guyanese nanny used to be like 'Moira's on telly tonight!' And it's like, yes, I love seeing that celebration of talent. So I knew growing up that I wanted to tap into that world of being on screen."
On today's episode, I chat with Broadcaster & Live Host Remel London. She shares how her enthusiasm for all things media related spurred her into a career in broadcasting. Remel talks about the challenges she has encountered within the industry, the importance of representation within the media, being true to one's self, and how having a strong work ethic can make all the difference. Remel and I also discuss her mixed heritage and what identity means to her, mental wellbeing and what keeps her anchored and of course, she shares the quote that continually inspires her.
Passionate, driven and at the very forefront of innovation within entertainment, Remel London is one of the most exciting breakout names in British broadcasting. Already the face of Sky One’s What’s Up TV and host of her own radio show on Capital Xtra, Remel is also the founder of much celebrated creative platform The Mainstream which provides key networking opportunities, live events, workshops/seminars and podcasts to support exceptional diverse talent in developing their career in the mainstream media space.

A defining voice within the culture, she’s played key roles in the development of the iconic music platform Link Up TV, working as lead presenter and producer to win partnerships with Footasylum and Boiler Room TV as well as being weekly host of London’s top live music event ILUVLIVE.

Her extensive knowledge of music and entertainment led to her joining the MOBO Awards panel before going on to host the MOBOs official Red Carpet. A passionate advocate for young creatives, she has hosted the Music For Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall a record seven times and is resident host of the Rocking Ur Teens Girls Conference.

As a former semi-pro athlete, Remel is also a Nike Ambassador with several branded partnerships including Puma, Spotify, Wagamamas and Apprentice Nation. She is also Notting Hill Carnival’s official annual host.
Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [e-mail].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ!