CBC host and BuzzFeed writer remembers his local radio roots

Elamin Abdelmahmoud in conversation with Tianna Edwards at Domino Theatre. Photo: Karim Mosna

Host of the CBC podcast Pop Chat and culture writer for BuzzFeed news Elamin Abdelmahmoud returned to Kingston on Tuesday evening to talk about his new book Son of Elsewhere: A Memoir In Pieces at Domino Theatre.

The book is a collection of essays reflecting on immigrating to Canada from Sudan, settling in Kingston when he was 12 and finding his identity.

“I’ve had this skin colour my whole life. Living in Sudan, I didn’t see myself as a Black person. I come to this country, suddenly, I have to figure out what does this mean? I explore that move across different sides of the definition of Blackness," says Abdelmahmoud.

Abdelmahmoud is a Queens University alumni and worked as news director at CFRC 101.9 FM. He says CFRC takes a different approach than major news outlets.

“When we look at a big story that’s national like housing…I think a news organization might be tempted to talk to some policy people..I think there is a deeper, more local level of activists trying to do something who might not get a voice on a major news story or someone experiencing homelessness…CFRC might be more plugged in because they may have access to the activists who can make that connection….you get that local, on the ground level expertise, nothing can replace that," says Abdelmahmoud.

He adds in addition to the exploration of identity, readers will find many pop culture references in the book including familiar spots for Kingston residents. Son Of Elsewhere is available now for purchase.

Listen to the full CFRC interview with Elamin Abdelmahmoud below:

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Campus Community Radio

broadcasting from Queen's University in Kingston since 1922

CBC host and BuzzFeed writer remembers his local radio roots