Radio Series

The Tape Letters project shines a light on the practice of recording and sending messages on cassette tapes as a mode of communication by Pakistanis who migrated and settled in the
UK between 1960-1980.

In this six-part documentary series, listen to first-hand accounts of these migration stories through original cassette tape recordings, interviews with their Britain-born families and commentary by Tape Letters founder and director, Wajid Yaseen.

Through hearing from the lived experiences of Pakistani migrants when they first settled in the UK, the series also explores key themes associated with these migration stories such as language (primarily Pothwari), communication methods, intergenerational relationships and identities, divided families and more.

Episodes 1 to 6:

Episode 1
An introduction to the project. Hear from first-wave Pakistani migrants who recall their childhood memories associated with cassettes and share some of their advantages.

Episode 2
This episode looks into the power of the voice and the emotional family memories that were captured on a cassette tape. Interviewees recall further unique childhood memories with cassette tapes.

Episode 3
Hear the unique story of a couple who fell in love with each other entirely through exchanging cassette tapes. We also discuss the retention and loss of cassette tapes over time.

Episode 4
Interviewees remember their experiences of migrating to Britain. They also recall the desire
to share their new lives and surroundings with their families back in Pakistan through
cassette tapes.

Episode 5
This episode explores the evolution of Pothwari, the class differences associated with it, as well as the struggles of letter writing.

Episode 6
This episode looks at the past and future of cassette tapes and their value as technology continues to develop. We also look at the shift in languages, identities and experiences across generations.