Musical Urbanism: A Lyrical Experiment

Important research often reaches policymakers, practitioners and academic audiences while remaining inaccessible to many of the people whose lives it concerns. Musical Urbanism explores another route: translating research questions, findings and lived experiences into music, visual storytelling and participatory conversation.

The approach does not replace academic publication or policy work. It extends their public life—creating additional ways for people, particularly young people and communities, to encounter urban ideas, reflect on their own experiences and contribute to conversations about more inclusive cities.

Southern Cities helped establish a wider creative direction connecting music, urban questions, African identity and accessible public communication. Related works including City in the Sun and Say It Out Loud extend this interest in how people understand, experience and imagine cities, identity and belonging.

Musical Urbanism can continue through new collaborations: translating research findings into original songs, music videos, facilitated discussions, public performances and other creative formats appropriate to the subject and audience.