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Last year, as London’s murder rate and youth violence hit the headlines, some parts of the capital were thrust into the spotlight. One of these areas was a corner of north London around Tottenham and Wood Green, where last spring three young people were murdered in consecutive months. But what about the young people who don’t make the news? This timely two-part series goes beyond the headlines to find out what life is really like growing up in an area that is as famous for its music industry icons as it is for the London riots or Premier League football.

21-year-old Amira is determined to follow in her brother’s footsteps by making it in the music industry. She’s trying to make it as an artist manager at a Tottenham-based record label. She’s focussed on launching Foz, a new artist fresh from Australia, and is determined not to be distracted by the troubles around her. She’s been to three funerals of friends within one year, all of whom have died as a result of youth violence. She thinks the area is one that can make or break
you, but she won’t let it break her. But with her MOBO-award winning brother away from the music scene for now, and unexpected challenges in her life, she’s also having to hold things together at home for her mum. Life is never straightforward, but Amira is always hustling to make it and earn that big payday.

On the streets nearby, we also meet Tash, who is living in the shadow of the new Spurs stadium. He’s put down his uni books to lead his neighbours in a fight against the council over housing. Tash’s family, like others on his estate, might lose their home if the planned redevelopment around the stadium goes ahead.

Up the road is business school student and entrepreneur Naomi. She’s a self-made model, working for the likes of Nike and Vivienne Westwood – and also a stylist to the stars. She’s fiercely defensive of the place that’s made her. She knows the value of Tottenham and uses her neighbourhood as inspiration for her work. She hates the fact that gentrification might replace the unique culture that makes her neighbourhood so special.

Over the border, in Hackney, lives 24-year-old Cherno. He’s an inspirational football agent, who is turning the loss of his friend into
something positive. Can he make the difference to young people in his area?

These varied characters typify the diversity that thrives in everyday North London.