From its HQ inside Oona Bar in the heart of Berlin-Neukölln, Refuge Worldwide — Refuge for friends—blasts the airways with a sound that amplifies the voices of those who are all too often spoken over. Born from people coming together showing solidarity for refugees, the station has blossomed into something far greater than either of its founders could have ever imagined. Refuge has grown to become a radio station, community space, educational platform, party series, and much more.
As its name might suggest, Refuge has been a safe haven for marginalized groups in the German capital and abroad. In 2015, Germany faced an unprecedented arrival of newcomers fleeing violence. Seeing a need for action, Glasgow-born community organizer and DJ George Patrick tapped into his own community—Berlin’s nightlife scene—to lend a hand to the influx of new Berliners. In 2021, he joined forces with British-Nigerian DJ and record label owner Richard Akingbehin, and established the Refuge Worldwide radio station that same year. Since the beginning, Refuge has leaned into the city’s strong tradition of community-built creative spaces and built a home with the help of a diverse coalition of like-minded collectives, radio stations, and activists. “Berlin is a perfect example of a city at the intersection of music and politics, with such a rich recent history. There are strong values underpinning a lot of what happens within this city, and we are grateful to contribute something to that.”
As a radio station, their set-up is straightforward. Streaming 24/7, they hit the airwaves with a range of genres, styles, systems, and sounds. Hip hop, new wave, reggae, house, and ambient all make their way into the ears of their listeners. However, these genres constitute only a fraction of the extensive music collection, and the eclectic mix of their programming reflects the diversity of their audience. Apart from live-streaming radio shows, the concept also incorporates engaging interviews and discussions on political matters. Moreover, they curate stages at renowned festivals like Melt or Gala to gather funds for the causes they support, and there are plans underway for a DJ workshop tour across Europe.
While anyone familiar with the functions of a successful online radio might see similarities between Refuge and stations like it, the major departure the station takes is its deep involvement with its community. “We’ve expanded the concept of a radio station,” Patrick explains, noting that the radio station’s reach goes far beyond the realm of music. The scope of the issues and campaigns Refuge supports is vast: from refugee housing support associations, hosting a music school for marginalized persons, to working with shelters for women and young persons fleeing domestic violence. Refuge has also established a hub that hosts a wide range of weekly workshops covering topics from media, creative disciplines, and mental health. These invaluable resources are thoughtfully provided to their community at no cost, as part of their unwavering commitment to accessibility, outreach, and fostering a nurturing environment of growth and well-being.
One thing, however, remains constant—Refuge uses music to bring people together and effect change. According to Patrick, “our community is about accountability, collaboration, and learning from each other.” Akingbehin reaffirms that the purpose of the station has always been the same: “We try to create a space online and offline where people can come together, express themselves, and learn new things.” Refuge’s impact extends beyond the local community in Berlin as well. Through their broadcasts and online presence, they connect with global audiences, sharing stories, experiences, and insights from marginalized individuals and communities worldwide. By amplifying these voices, Refuge fosters empathy, promotes social change, and encourages a collective effort to address systemic inequalities everywhere. Although Refuge works tirelessly to build a platform wherein community can come together, they see the true sign of their success in the moments that happen outside of the station. “Our proudest moments are when we see members of our community collaborating with each other, independently of us—then we know it’s all working.”
Refuge represents a positive vision for the types of communities that can be built both online and off. “Radio is about telling stories, and having to show your true self.” Nike’s support for community-based work finds a perfect home at Refuge. To celebrate 40 years of the Air Force 1, Nike joins forces with organizations like Refuge Worldwide to broadcast their call for change even louder. Like Refuge, Nike will strive to give power to creatives and craft narratives of belonging, all backed by an unwavering commitment to changing things for the better.
