Refugee Week 2025 is here and we invite you to join a city-wide celebration of resilience, community, and the transformative power of storytelling.
This year’s programme forms the opening chapter of Our Sanctuary: Ocean of Voices — an Arts Council England and In Our Words supported work that explores themes of migration, belonging and identity.
We sat down with Majid Dhana, artist and co-founder of 432 Nomads, to talk about his story and the importance of sharing experiences that connect us all.
Founded by Majid and Rishky Patel in 2022, 432 Nomads is a Portsmouth-based community organisation committed to supporting refugees in building new lives in the city. Through creative events, cultural celebrations and safe spaces for expression, they help people find confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.
From poetry to performance, Majid and Rishky use the arts as a bridge bringing communities together while raising awareness of the challenges and beauty within migration journeys. Their work reflects a belief in Portsmouth as a sanctuary, and in creativity as a powerful tool for inclusion and healing.
Portsmouth Creates: Can you please talk to us about 432 Nomads and how it first came about?
Majid: Yeah, so 432 Nomads initially was Rishky Patel’s idea that he’s had for years. He sat down with me, spoke with me, and we essentially came up with Nomads. I have performed for almost 15-18 years, and so has Rishky, but we never ever had a platform where we could get paid for performance, and our work wasn’t really recognised for the amount of stuff that we did. We felt that we could provide a platform that not only pays artists for their performance but also gives them a different insight into what art is.
Portsmouth Creates: That’s interesting. Can you elaborate on what types of art you’re looking at?
Majid: From art, we’re looking at not just performance art. We’re looking at creating pieces of art, telling expression stories. People often ask, “Why the name 432 Nomads?” Well, the Nomads part of the name stems from everyone’s nomadic; everyone travels. The 432 comes from the concept that the whole world is built on frequencies like the sun, the trees, everything going out into the universe. Everything’s built on frequencies. For instance, if you’re sad and you listen to sad music, it makes you cry. There’s a guy from Japan who did a study on frequencies, and he found that the 432 frequency harmonises the entire body. So, that’s where the name 432 Nomads comes from.
Portsmouth Creates: It’s nice to share that. What do you do out in the community?
Majid: So looking at what Nomads does essentially, it gives a platform to artists that either don’t have anywhere to perform, don’t know how to perform, or need a little bit of development. We sometimes go into schools and do talks with the kids, writing sessions with them, make them understand what writing means and how they can express themselves. We teach them that writing, whether it’s poetry, rap, or story, is the best therapy and it’s free. You can express yourself and then take that piece of work and make it into some sort of performance or art.
Portsmouth Creates: That sounds like a fantastic initiative. So, how exactly did Portsmouth Creates assist you?
Majid: They helped us by talking with Gemma Nichols, applying for funding, and looking at how we put it all together. They asked us to make a couple of changes, helped with match funding and stuff like that. We did get the funding we needed, which was a great lift and helped us run Refugee Week within the city.
Portsmouth Creates: That’s wonderful. Can you tell us more about Refugee Week and its impact?
Majid: Refugee Week happens once a year, and there isn’t any organisation at the moment that does it in the city. We did it the last two years, and it was an absolute success. We had over 300 people in Portsmouth Cathedral for the launch night. We had various events throughout the week, including poetry nights, performances by young rappers, and more. It was a whole week of events.
Portsmouth Creates: Do you think you would have been able to put that week on if Portsmouth Creates hadn’t helped?
Majid: To be honest no I don’t think so. Gemma Nichols input was invaluable. It’s not only about the match funding but also the conversations with her. She understands the vision and what needs to be done in the city regarding supporting marginalised, migrant artists, and young artists who are not being recognised.
Portsmouth Creates: Can you share any specific projects or stories that stand out for you?
Majid: One project called Rain of Fire was around two years ago. It dealt with the issues happening in Iran with women. I met a family with lovely twins, Boyan, Ash, and Regina. They had to travel under insane conditions. We created a beautiful 3-minute video of just dance and expression, ending with her mom cutting a piece of hair in solidarity. It was mind-blowing. These stories are not being told, but they need to be.
Portsmouth Creates: That’s very powerful. How do you think this work helps individuals who have had to flee their home countries?
Majid: People who come here often struggle with their identity and finding a sense of home. There’s a lot of trauma involved. But through art, poetry, and storytelling, they can express their experiences and start to feel a sense of belonging. They realise they can make a change and tell their stories, which is crucial for healing and integration.
Portsmouth Creates: How long have you been in Portsmouth, and how has your experience been?
Majid: I’ve been in Portsmouth for about 17-18 years. Before that, I lived in London. I came to England in 2002 when I was 16. I’m originally from Zimbabwe. I’ve been living in the UK longer than I lived in Zimbabwe, so Portsmouth feels like home to me.
Portsmouth Creates: That’s good to hear. Portsmouth is known for its diversity and acceptance. Do you think this city has played a role in the success of 432 Nomads?
Majid: Definitely. When I first came here it wasn’t as multicultural as it is now, but it is growing. People are more understanding, and the community is more supportive. Working with organisations like Portsmouth Creates and receiving support from local councils has been instrumental in our growth.
Portsmouth Creates: You’ve mentioned the challenges faced by asylum seekers and refugees. Can you elaborate on their living conditions and how they survive financially?
Majid: Yes, that’s a significant issue. Many people think asylum seekers are well taken care of but the reality is quite different. Asylum seekers living in hotels receive only £8.20 a week. This is supposed to cover all their needs beyond the basic meals provided. It’s not enough to live on, let alone thrive. These individuals often come from professional backgrounds doctors, nurses, professors and they have to start over from scratch.
Portsmouth Creates: How do they manage to survive on such a small amount?
Majid: They get basic meals in the hotels, but these are just that basic. The support system isn’t designed for them to live comfortably, it’s more about bare survival. They rely heavily on local support networks and community organisations to help bridge the gap. It’s a difficult existence, filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Many have lost family members and friends on their journey, which adds to their trauma.
Portsmouth Creates: What do you think is the biggest misconception about refugees and asylum seekers?
Majid: The biggest misconception is that they come here to take advantage of the system. In reality, they are fleeing unimaginable hardships and seeking safety. They don’t leave their homes and everything they know because they want to; they do it because they must. It’s about survival. If you asked anyone why they would leave their home? their answer would be the same, they are looking for safety and a chance to rebuild their lives.
Portsmouth Creates: Thank you for sharing your story and the incredible work you’re doing. It’s truly inspiring.
Majid: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.
To find out more about Nomads 432 click here
To find out more about the events taking place as part of Our Sanctuary – Ocean of Voices click here
To find out more about In Our Words click here
To find out more about our creative business support click here
Thanks to Majid and Thanks to Lou from Southsea Folk for conducting and writing this interview for Portsmouth Creates.
