Without Borders a new musical project for young people

Without Borders forms part of CAN and Band on the Wall’s NLHF-funded World of Song programme, which preserves and promotes the musical traditions of Greater Manchester’s new migrant communities, including those who have experienced displacement and forced migration.

Bosnian singer-songwriter, Sanja Govorcin leads the band with support from CAN’s Senior Producer Katherine Rogers and third-year Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) student Alex Rouault, a volunteer on the programme.

There is a core group of 11 young singers and instrumentalists with a range of skills who have Kurdish, Iranian-Syrian, Polish, Mexican-Pakistani and Ukrainian heritages.

Sessions take place weekly during term time. During Autumn 2024 the main focus of music sessions was around getting to know each other, experimenting with different musical styles and songs, and creating new music.

In January 2025, there was a guest artist slot by violinist, beatboxer and actor Faz Shah, who ran a series of fun and engaging games and activities exploring what makes a good band.

From Spring 2025 onwards, the group will have sessions covering music production, vocal technique and stage craft with special guests.  The all-important element of marketing a band will see the group developing a band brand and a professional photoshoot.  Without Borders will also get the chance to record a track in a session at Manchester’s legendary Blueprint Studios.

With each session, the group is growing in confidence and proficiency. They’re looking forward to playing gigs as part of two showcases at 2025’s Horizons festival.

Audiences can look forward to performances at Band on the Wall on Thursday, 12 June, and at the Horizons festival at HOME on Saturday, 14 June.

“I have learnt that listening to other band members is as important as you playing well yourself.”

“I enjoy seeing my friends.”

“I enjoy seeing the songs come together.”