A unique collection of Black music from the next generation of composers graduating from the University of Westminster Music BA Hons degree course, which dropped on May 2. The album was preceded by first single ‘Gold’, a joyous, infectious Afropop/R&B banger by Joy & Jee Melodies which was released on April 24, distributed by Warner Music.
The University of Westminster music degree course marks 30 years this year with this project, being the only degree course in the country offering work placement and a credit on a high profile TV programme across two seasons alongside lectures. As a result, the BOARDERS Original Soundtrack album is entirely composed by university students.
Across 18 tracks, the album is full of exceptional black music. As well as the lead single, there are tracks from South Asian artist Ronn, a protégé from Hyderabad, India, who has five tracks on the album; ‘Take a step back’, ‘Sip my cup’, ‘Neck her’, ‘Dark and gray’ and ‘Risky Cash’, DOCTOR JAY with tracks ‘JBE’ and ‘Never be the same’ and Maisy Grace with track ‘My game’ and ‘Skin’ and ‘Welcome’ by Jordan Johnson.
The album has been mastered by respected music producer and engineer Ikon (Tems, Wizkid) and spans Black music genres from afrobeats, R&B, soul, drill, rap, trap, afro swing, drum n bass, pop, techno and electronica created by 12 composers: Ronn, Joseph Burnett (aka DOCTOR JAY), Jewel Appiah (aka Joy & Jee Melodies), Maisy New (aka Maisy Grace), Corrie Fraser, Cristian Jermane, Rodrigo Espino, Ryan Skidmore (aka Duccbod), Balaji Pillai (aka ChunkyKid), Sydney Yack (aka DAPHNE) and Jordan Johnson (aka JJ) and featured artist Pauline Riou (aka paups).
Doctor Jay said: “Working on BOARDERS season 1, season 2 soundtrack and the album has been perhaps the biggest professional responsibility I’ve had so far. I got to be recognised as a composer for the BBC, on a hit TV series, with my compositions forming the main repeated themes in the show. It certainly was a challenge, meeting the demand in both quality and quantity as quickly as possible, but I’m exceptionally proud of the team for the work we got done and the originals that made it into the show and the official soundtrack album. My solo track ‘Never Be The Same’ even got nominated for a TV & Sync award last year, and it all just goes to show what an incredible opportunity this has been, for everyone that gave artists, composers, creators and innovators alike to have the chance to be heard.”
Notable artist alumni from the University of Westminster include Amir Amor (Rudimental), Bree Runway and Estelle, and music industry figures including Jake Nava (music video director Beyonce ‘Crazy In Love’ & ‘Single Ladies), Al Shux (producer & writer Jay-Z’s ‘Empire State Of Mind’, ‘All The Stars’ by Kendrick Lamar & SZA), Ben Wynter (AIM), Luke McGrellis (Universal Music Publishing), Jin Jin (songwriter for Jess Glynne & Raye) and Remi Harris (music industry consultant).
Series 1 and 2 are available to watch on BBC iPlayer, and Series 1 is on Tubi in North America and LATAM, with Series 2 released on 17th April 2025 and in Germany on ZDF.
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