Sonic Tonic is a student-led audio exchange between Birmingham City University and Swinburne University of Technology in Australia.
The partnership has produced two seasons of documentaries, features, and creative audio storytelling — all crafted by the students themselves, often as part of their coursework.
Each episode aired on Swinradio, Swinburne University’s student station, and here on Birmingham Eastside Radio.
This second season was hosted by Bukky Tijani, an MA graduate from Birmingham City University’s Media Production course.
Bukky introduces a range of varied student stories, such as A Mechanical Bloodline by Alysha Choudhury, which explores ancestral identity, and Curl Connected by Chantelle Carter, which investigates the community and culture of a black hair salon in Handsworth.
Sonic Tonic also tackles social themes, like Elise Tuck’s Barred from Broad Street – an examination of nightlife and personal safety in Birmingham’s city centre – while Abdulrahman Jalfar’s profile of a young boxer in Leave Them Speechless highlights the discipline and determination required to succeed in sport.
Later episodes explore diverse topics such as entrepreneurship, dementia, and international student life.
Each edition of Sonic Tonic is streamed live on Birmingham Eastside Radio and is available on-demand via Vimeo.
EP1: First up, is a sports-focused episode, which explores the diverse worlds of motorsports, darts, and refereeing, in and around the West Midlands.
Sonic Tonic: Episode 1
EP2: Our host Bukky Tijani starts this edition with her own documentary and offers some personal reflections on her work as a Media Production student at Birmingham City University.
Sonic Tonic: Episode 2
EP3: This episode features some more powerful student stories, ranging from complex family trees – to Birmingham nightlife. There’s a community-focused story about a black hair salon based in the suburb of Handsworth, and a revealing look at Broad Street after dark.
Sonic Tonic: Episode 3
EP4: Episode four explores youth cultures and local spaces, beginning with a documentary about a Coventry youth club, as well as other student produced stories.
Sonic Tonic: Episode 4
EP5: This episode features an eclectic mix, with students tackling everything from obsessive collectors and greyhound racing to the challenging realities of dementia.
Sonic Tonic: Episode 5
EP6: Episode six is all about music, and celebrates the voices, histories, and subcultures that have shaped Birmingham’s rich music scene.
Sonic Tonic: Episode 6
EP7: This episode continues the focus on music. Peter Donnelly presents an in-depth look at the past, present, and future of Birmingham’s music culture in this standalone episode.
Sonic Tonic: Episode 7
EP8: From entrepreneurship to elite gymnastics, this episode showcases inspiring stories of discipline, determination, and ambition from students studying at Birmingham City University.
Sonic Tonic: Episode 8
EP9: In this episode international students share their unique perspectives on studying in the UK, and how they deal with being so far away from home.
Sonic Tonic: Episode 9
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