The single’s community elements were considered all the way from conception to technicalities. It includes the legendary Mangrove Steelband, and live trumpets, violins, and flutes from local “music for social action” orchestra The Nucleo Project, all recorded at Notting Hill’s Tabernacle. Adding to the music’s “authentic reflection of the talents and resources in the local community”, it samples Ladbroke Grove legend Michael Oliver (aka Bubbles) – who “blessed the record with his soulful voice to the world-famous break he wrote, ‘Heaven and Hell is on Earth’”.

Although rooted in the unavoidable pain that arose from the Grenfell tragedy, West Side Story gives voice to the strength of the local community and how it came together to rebuild lives. The song showcases beauty in progress and adaptation.

The project originators One Vibe are an organisation founded by Mel Rudder and Palmira Morais in the aftermath of the Grenfell disaster. They wanted to facilitate and encourage the community’s young people to pursue the creative and emotional outlets music can provide, and bring people together in the process. They’ve undoubtedly been effective in doing so – as featured rapper G2 Slime says, “being a local young artist, it has been great being involved in this project as I attended a local secondary school under the Grenfell Tower, and I have lost friends; so paying a tribute to them and the community has been amazing – I am honoured.” We’re happy to be supporting their efforts on the ground in London.