Chineke! Orchestra's Chi-chi Nwanoku on her lockdown culture recommendations, from Get Out to The Poisonwood Bible
In a new series, London’s leading arts figures reveal the books, films, TV and more they're loving in lockdown.
Founder, artistic and executive director of Chineke! Orchestra Chi-chi Nwanoku gave us her recommendations, from Noughts + Crosses to The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: Ears Edition podcast.
TV
The adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s book Noughts + Crosses is tipping the world upside-down right now. It’s a powerful commentary on society, relationships, race and politics, a re-imagining of power balances. Some of the Chineke! Orchestra’s musicians performed on the soundtrack to the show (composed by Matthew Herbert), so it’s got that extra special significance for me. I’m also really enjoying watching re-runs of Friends on Netflix, its comedic playfulness still works after all these years.
Film
I’ve probably watched Get Out twice this year already — four times in total — and it is just an extraordinary film. It’s multi-layered, funny, scary, politically topical and clever, it makes me sit on the edge of my seat, hide behind a cushion, laugh out loud and punch the air, virtually all at the same time. Daniel Kaluuya’s performance is absolutely riveting. For a go-to film to get me to that happy place, I love to watch The Sound of Music. It’s such a classic, and was an inspiration for me as a young child. When I’m with my granddaughter though, we love to sing along to The Little Mermaid.
Book
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver stayed with me long after I finished it. Set in 1959, it tells the story of an American missionary family who move to the Belgian Congo. It is superbly told and full of rich imagery, I couldn’t put it down.
Podcasts
I love The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: Ears Edition — Trevor Noah is brilliant. His intelligent and entertaining political satire helps get me through some of the current horrors in the world. I watch The Daily Show sometimes before I turn in, so that my day ends with a laugh. His podcast is ideal for when I’m on the go.
Music
I listen to a funk & soul Spotify playlist on my run to blow away the cobwebs and get me energised. It’s euphoric and helps put a spring in my step. I love all of the tracks, but some of my all-time favourites are (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher by Jackie Wilson, Respect by Aretha Franklin and I’ll Take You There (The Staple Singers).
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