Our Founder
The Story of
Marcel Andrew
Early Sounds in the East
Marcel Andrew's story is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering dedication to community empowerment. Growing up in Hackney, East London, Marcel was one of four children raised in a single-parent household.
With his father being a full-time musician, music became an integral part of Marcel's life from an early age. Inspired by his father’s passion, Marcel began his musical journey at the age of 12, creating music in his bedroom studio.
His talent quickly gained recognition in the neighbourhood, leading to music releases on pirate radio stations like Deja Vu FM and Channel U, a popular platform of the time.
However, life in Hackney during the early 2000s was far from easy. The area was riddled with crime, high unemployment, and poverty.
Marcel faced his own struggles, including run-ins with the police, and saw many friends and family members fall victim to incarceration and violence.
Seeking an escape from the chaos around him, Marcel found solace in his local community center, where he began teaching music to local youth.
This experience ignited a passion for helping others and gave him a vision for creating a brighter future.
Back in 2010…
With the support of Hackney Community Voluntary Service (HCVS), Marcel founded Soul and Sound. Initially focused on providing music projects for NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people, Soul and Sound offered a safe space for creative expression, skill development, and mentorship. Marcel’s vision was to empower young people through music while fostering a sense of community and hope.
When Marcel relocated to Barking and Dagenham to start a family, he took the work of Soul and Sound with him.
As a youth worker in the borough, he discovered that the challenges he witnessed in Hackney were even more pronounced in his new community.
Poverty, limited access to resources, and the closure of youth centers left many families and young people without support.
Marcel continued to run music projects but realised that more needed to be done to address the systemic issues affecting the community.
…It’s About Youth Empowerment
Health is Wealth….
During this time, Marcel faced his own struggles with health and wellbeing. Unhealthy eating habits, weight gain, and the pressures of life took a toll on his mental and physical health, leading to depression and anxiety. After a series of health scares, Marcel began researching ways to improve his lifestyle.
This journey led him to embrace a plant-based diet, which transformed his health, improved his mental clarity, and reduced grocery costs. Inspired by his personal transformation, Marcel saw an opportunity to help others in his community make similar changes.
…THE REBIRTH
This realisation marked the rebirth of Soul and Sound with a broader mission. Marcel launched the Healthy Mind Healthy Grind initiative, offering free plant-based cooking workshops to educate families and young people on healthy eating, gut health, and budget-friendly meal preparation. This initiative complemented the original music-focused work of Soul and Sound, creating a holistic approach to community empowerment.
Under Marcel’s leadership, Soul and Sound now operates with two core initiatives:
Soul focuses on health and wellness through workshops that teach the importance of nutritious, affordable eating while addressing the link between diet and mental health.
Sound continues to champion music and creative development by providing platforms like Jus Jammin, where local artists can showcase their talents and young people can learn the art of live event production.
Marcel’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and community. Today, with the support of local partners and key community figures, Soul and Sound CIC is making a lasting impact in Barking and Dagenham and beyond.
Marcel’s vision is to expand nationwide, inspiring healthier, more connected communities through the transformative power of music and wellness.