A Legacy of Inspiration
1st January 2025
It has been a few months since Tony Haynes’ passing, and I’m still coming to terms with it. Tony was a unique character, someone I deeply admired as a creative, a leader, and a visionary. Though I only knew him for the last three years of his life, it was clear that he had an unwavering belief in humanity and saw music and art as bridges that connect us all. He was ahead on the creative path I’ve aspired to follow, passionately pursuing work he truly believed in, collaborating with others who shared his ideals, and constantly challenging himself to grow.
Tony’s life and work embodied everything I’ve always wanted to achieve as a filmmaker, storyteller, and creative. His passion for showcasing the beauty of the cultures around him, particularly within the East London community, was both inspiring and humbling. Even in his later years, Tony’s spirit remained vibrant, and his dedication to creating meaningful work taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and self-belief.
I was fortunate to meet Tony and the Grand Union Orchestra (GUO) three years ago. At the time, Tony was looking for a filmmaker who could go beyond simply documenting live performances. He wanted someone who could create documentaries and independent art films that would capture the essence of GUO—its ethos, politics, social conscience, artistic principles, and rich musical content—in a cinematic form. Jane Cocklin of Rhythm Passport, whom I’d met two years earlier, recommended me to Tony as a ‘great filmmaker who enjoys being imaginative.’ That recommendation became a pivotal moment in my journey.
After exchanging emails and sharing my previous work, I immersed myself in GUO’s world by watching their documentary for the Bangladesh Declaration of Independence 50 and reading Tony’s blog, Democracy Needs Imagination. Meeting Tony, Joanna Cole, Enid Conway, and Eliana Lafone at GUO’s St. Margaret’s House office was the beginning of an unforgettable journey.
During our first meeting, we discussed ideas for a documentary. I envisioned a blend of documentary, theatre, and musical elements, using GUO’s music and musicians as pieces of a larger narrative puzzle. The richness of GUO’s work made it easy to dream big. However, the practical challenges of funding delayed the project for a year.
Looking back, I joined GUO during a period of significant transition. Within a year, three of the four people I initially met had left the organisation, and Tony was navigating an increasingly difficult arts funding environment. Despite these challenges, I remained involved, capturing and editing performances for the Shoreditch & Hoxton Community Orchestra, GUO’s Summer School workshops, and the Raise the Banner show in 2021. These experiences deepened my understanding of GUO’s music and its core messages of community, social justice, and cultural celebration.
Tony became an integral mentor in my life. His encouragement and belief in my creative potential were transformative. He embodied the ideals of self-sacrifice, determination, and integrating principles into creative pursuits. While I’ve learned from many individuals in my career, Tony stood out as a true mentor. As a composer, he was also a storyteller, weaving narratives, cultures, and ideas into his work. I often called him “Jiraiya Sensei” as a joke, which he didn’t understand since he hadn’t watched Naruto. Yet, the nickname reflected the profound respect I had for him.
In 2022, I filmed several key projects, including Bengal to Bethnal Green and Grand Union Unwrapped. The 40th Anniversary Show was particularly significant, marking my first experience with GUO’s large-scale productions. Capturing the rehearsals and interviewing Kevin Robinson amidst the chaos of preparing a three-hour show in just three days was both challenging and exhilarating. Editing the footage with Tony at his London Fields home remains one of my fondest memories. Those sessions, accompanied by Portuguese wine after 5 p.m., were moments of connection and creativity. I regret not recording Tony’s commentary on the making of the songs performed at the show, a project we had planned but never completed.
As Tony’s health declined in 2023, I pushed to capture interviews with key collaborators, including Yousuf Ali Khan and Victoria Couper. These interviews, along with extensive performance footage from 2021 to 2023, formed the foundation of the documentary. Working with Marianella Lopez Marrero on the initial drafts and later refining the edit myself, the documentary evolved into a celebration of Tony’s legacy and GUO’s enduring influence.
Tony’s passing holds personal significance for me beyond the documentary. The day I filmed his interview was the last time I spoke to my cousin Fola Francis, another creative spirit who passed away a month later. Both Tony and Fola were inspirational figures in my life, and their memories continue to guide me.
This documentary is a powerful tribute to Tony Haynes and the Grand Union Orchestra. It captures the inspiring story of a diverse and creative ensemble whose music and ideals have resonated for over 40 years. I hope it conveys the essence of GUO—its commitment to community, social justice, and cultural unity—while honouring Tony’s extraordinary vision. As we move forward, I’m excited to see how GUO and Àkàndá Productions can build on this incredible foundation to create even more beautiful and meaningful work.
May Tony’s spirit rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us all.
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