A singer from Addington has created what he hopes will become an "anthem" of understanding and tolerance, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and protests.

Fil Straughan, who toured with bands Hot Chocolate and The Drifters, recruited talented musicians who have played with superstars such as Prince and Nile Rodgers, to produce the tune, called Bridges.

The wedding and party entertainer, whose parents were from the West Indies, said he thought of the song in the summer, after watching the National Guard being deployed in Minneapolis to combat protests which sparked following the death of George Floyd.

Mr Straughan said: "I woke up one morning after the national guard had been deployed, soul disturbed, feeling like we had either stepped back in time to the racial tensions of the 1960s or never actually advanced.

"There was an understanding and an anger and feeling 'well you are angry, how are you going to make this positive?'"

Mr Straughan, who is in his fifties, spent his early childhood in England before moving to America.

He was working for bank Morgan Stanley in New York during 9/11 and spurred on by the death of friends of colleagues he decided to pursue his dream of working professionally as a singer.

He first worked in music therapy with Alzheimer's patients before being talent spotted at karaokeke competition by the bass player for Hot Chocolate.

During his life he has experienced racism, "from having people cross the street to having people looking me up and down when I walk in store'.

However, he has learned importance of conversation and education to overcome ignorance and hatred.

He hopes Bridges will encourage this.

A preview of the song will be released tomorrow and has lyrics such as "Let’s recognise the circumstance, let’s celebrate the difference, Let us take this opportunity, Let's build a bridge connect you and me."

Mr Straughan came up with the melody and lyrics and then sent his idea to keyboardist Guy Phethean, who has played with Ronnie Wood and Nile Rodgers.

Since then more musicians, such as bassist Dean Mark who has played with DJ Jonas Blue and Craig David, have joined to make Bridges happen.

Celebrated saxophonist Mike Phillips, who has played with Prince and Stevie Wonder, also appears, and as the musicians can't meet up, because of coronavirus, each performer has recorded their part separately.

Mr Straughan said: "The response and appeal have been amazing. They all came together and said I want to be part of this."

Proceeds of the song will go to charity, although it has not been decided which one yet.

The preview and song will be released on Mr Straughan's website.

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