A series of six music videos have been commissioned celebrating Nine Elms and its local community.

With support from Wandsworth Council and Embassy Gardens, World Heart Beat Music Academy have filmed the videos.

The six music videos feature the next generation of musical talent from World Heart Beat and will be released on designated dates over the next five months.

The release dates are as follows: February 15, March 1, March 17, March 20 and May 19.

Each video relates to the history of the area and the community.

Last Tuesday's (February 15) video was a celebration of Hilda Hewlett's life - a Vauxhall born early aviator, aircraft manufacturer and flying instructor.

There is a music video in honour of Mardi Gras, The Samba Parade which celebrates communities living in and around 'Little Portugal' in South Lambeth.

As well as another music video which recognises the region's past, titled Irish Settlers on the Thames.

On the UN's International Day of Happiness a music video will be released showing young musicians taking part in a communal marimba playing of Sarura Wako.

The fifth session is dedicated to Brian Barnes MBE, an iconic Battersea resident and artist who campaigned in 2011 for a green plaque to commemorate the old church on Thessaly Road which was used by the rock band The Who, who in the early 1970s converted it into a studio to record its Quadrophenia album.

Brian Barnes sadly passed away on 28 November, 2021 at the age of 77.

The final session will coincide with the Queen's Jubilee Weekend with young Heart Beat talent performing Handel's The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.

World Heart Beat was awarded the new space in Nine Elms by the London Borough of Wandsworth and EcoWorld Ballymore.

World Heart Beat already has a music academy on Kimber Road which provides a centre for musical excellence.

The academy hopes to benefit thousands of young people particularly welcoming those living in the adjacent communities on the Patmore, Savona, Carey Gardens, Doddington and Rollo estates.

Sahana Gero, MBE, Founder and Artistic Director at World Heart Beat said:

"The Nine Elms Sessions, kindly supported by Wandsworth Council and Embassy Gardens has given us the perfect opportunity to celebrate our local community and showcase our musical talent through exploring the past, present and future of our soon-to-be new home, Nine Elms."

Sahana adds: "Nine Elms has so much to offer.

"While the past reflects on its commerce and industry, the future promises arts, culture and opportunities.

"Our new music academy and concert hall will provide inspiration and joy through learning music, as well as career opportunities for young people, and a music venue offering an exciting programme across a diverse range of music."

Cllr Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Council said: "We're delighted that these music sessions herald the countdown to opening World Heart Beat's new premises in Nine Elms.

"It has been the council's priority to support cultural organisations as they make their home in Nine Elms, so we worked hard to help the charity secure this space and get it right for the future.

"The Levelling Up funding that we were awarded with World Heart Beat is helping to create a state-of-the-art music education facility and London's newest concert venue – providing unrivalled opportunities for our young people from all backgrounds."

The sessions will be released via World Heart Beat Music Academy's YouTube.

The World Heart Beat Music Academy will officially launch later this year, in October.

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