The CNN of the Ghetto

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In today’s episode, ‘The CNN of the Ghetto’, we explore the rhythms that shape our lives, both natural and self-made. First up, we welcome MoYah - Afro-fusion rapper, activist, and educator, who blends music with advocacy, using hip-hop as a tool for storytelling, community, and change. From his roots in Mozambique to his career-defining role as Portugal’s first refugee semi-finalist in Festival da Canção, MoYah shares how rap became his language of resistance, identity, and empowerment.  Then, it’s the return of Rishi Rian with his poetic Parish Notice: ‘Make That Five’ - a meditation on breaking free from the astronomical hamster wheel and redefining the seasons of our lives. We’ve also got more Maple Leaf or Make Believe! Three strange Canadian headlines, only one is real. Can you guess which? And finally, a fan favourite returns! Victorian Parlour Games is back, with a rap-inspired twist - Word Ladders. Will you outwit your opponents one letter at a time, or will you be stuck with a forfeit worthy of the 19th century? And before we wrap up, we’ve got a treat for your ears - ‘Too Much Sauce’ by MoYah closes out the show. Tune in and step inside The Big Smoke! -- Links: Refugee Week Info Answer to Maple Leaf or Make Believe Find out more about MoYah  Sign up to our fortnightly newsletter Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and leave us a 5-star review on your podcast app of choice!  -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (1:08) Maple Leaf or Make Believe (2:06) MoYah Interview (49:04) Parish Notices (51:42) Make That Five by Rishi Rian (1:00:18) Victorian Parlour Games (1:02:13) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer (1:03:53) Outro (1:04:25) Too Much Sauce by MoYah -- Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright And a big thanks to Ahmad Wonly, our on-street correspondent