London Greek Radio

It is with deep regret that we share the news of the death of a former much-loved LGR presenter.

Chrys Chrysanthou sadly passed away on Tuesday 3rd September 2019 at the age of 68.

As a former radio presenter and producer for London Greek Radio for more than 20 years, he was a much-loved and professional broadcaster.

As a presenter during LGR’s pirate years from 1985, Chrys continued on the airwaves well into LGR’s legitimacy as a station, up until 2006 when he decided to undertake other ventures.

He was renowned for shows which were always well-prepared and researched, valuing the importance of quality Greek music, including Laiko-Entehno and alternative styles particularly being played during his shows.

As a well-known member of the community, Chrys was a respected journalist and photographer for the Vema, Parikiaki and Nea newspapers, as well as being an LGR broadcaster.

Many couples requested Chrys to be their official wedding photographer and he also took professional photos at Christenings and other functions. He also photographed and interviewed worldwide superstars including, Muhammad Ali, Julie Andrews, Roger Moore, Telly Savalas, Omar Sharif, Vincent Price, Oliver Reed and Lee Marvin.

In the world of music, Chrys also interviewed and photographed The Bee Gees, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Cliff Richard, Marc Bolan, The Who, Ringo Starr, Art Garfunkel, David Essex, Mikis Theodorakis, Cat Stevens, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, Demis Roussos, Diana Ross, David Bowie, George Michael, Nana Mouskouri and Neil Diamond.

He even took photos of members of the Royal family such as the prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne.

Chrys was born in Famagusta and his parents were from the village of Komi Kebir.

After attending Gymnasium Ammochostos, he came to London where he studied at the London School of Journalism and Barnet and Southgate College, where he specialised in Graphic Design.

Thereafter, Chrys moved to Los Angeles, France and Greece before moving to Limassol in Cyprus to set up The Chrys Chrysanthou Photo Studio.

He was devoted to helping his family and friends and was loved by everyone in the community.

John Kyriakides, Chairman of London Greek Radio said, “I share the sorrow we all feel at the news of our dear friend’s passing. Chrys was a true gentleman and maintained the highest of standards at LGR. He will be missed by many and I will always have the fondest memories of him.”

Chrys’ legacy lives on through his two sons, Alex and Philip, and his sister Nitsa.

Funeral details were confirmed for Thursday 5th September 2019 at Agia Fyla Church in Limassol, Cyprus.

Everyone at London Greek Radio expresses their deep sorrow at Chrys’ sad passing and express their sincere condolences to family and friends.

Chrys Chrysanthou
Radio Presenter & Producer
London Greek Radio
2 March 1985 to 21 June 2006

Top 30 London Greek Radio UK Airplay Chart, August 1st-29th, 2019

The London Greek Radio UK Airplay Chart is a monthly chart compiled by ‘Radio Monitor’ monitoring the ‘tunes’. The chart is a useful tool to review a lot of our music choices. 

There are of course many popular tracks and favourites of both listeners and radio presenters which are included here.

1 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Val ‘To Terma
2 Thanos Petrelis – Pao Diakopes, Ta Leme
3 Eirini Papadopoulou (feat. Stamatis Houhoulis) – Halali
4 Antonis Remos – Edo Kai Tora
5 Natasa Theodoridou – Mi Mou Peis Gia Panta
6 Onirama – Pou Isoun Xtes
7 Nikos Kourkoulis – Eline Kai Edene
8 Stan – De Me Ksereis
9 Christos Mastoras – Den Exw Idea
10 Petros Iakovidis – Fovamai

11 Claydee & Eleni Foureira – Loquita
12 Helena Paparizou – Kalokairi Kai Pathos
13 Elli Kokkinou – Takse Mou
14 Christos Menidiatis – Stin Avli Tis
15 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Dyo Zoes
16 Giota Negka – Dyo Nisia
17 Ivi Adamou feat. Stavento – Diko Mou
18 Melisses & Elena Paparizou – Ola Moiazoun Kalokairi
19 Dionysis Schinas – Edo Sti Douleia
20 Konstantinos Tsachouridis feat. Melina Aslanidou – Mesa Stin Agkalia Sou

21 Kostas Doxas – Diva
22 Super Sako feat. Panos Kiamos & Bo – Thelo Na Se Xanado
23 Eleni Foureira – El Ritmo Psicodélico
24 Vangelis Kakouriotis – Stenohoria Mou (feat. Phoebus)
25 Paris – Thalasses
26 Eleonora Zouganeli – Kapou S’ Exw ksanadei
27 Makis Dimakis – Den Pao Kala
28 Giorgos Mazonakis – Agapo Simainei
29 Giorgos Mazonakis – Oinopneuma Ftino
30 Konstantinos Argiros – Ta Matia Sou Eroteftika

Source: London Greek Radio, the UK Airplay Chart
August 1st-29th, 2019

Stath Lets Flats, Channel 4’s British-Cypriot comedy, written by and starring Jamie Demetriou, is to return for a second series this month.

Jamie Demetriou plays an imbecilic lettings agent working at ‘Michael & Eagle Lets’, a dodgy London lettings agency run by his father, Vasos, (Christos Stergioglou).

Demetriou’s real-life sister Natasia Demetriou plays his fictional sister ‘Sophie’ and as the show progresses, it’s actually endearing to see their sibling relationship.

The loosely-coined “British-Cypriot comedy” is a lot more than the sum of its parts; its far less indulgent about portraying Greek-Cypriots, or the “community” for that matter.  This may be because all of the action revolves around the off-beat, quirky characters [a lot of whom are non-Greek-Cypriots].

The six-part series is a lovely take on the ‘madness’ of the current property market, with the ensemble cast ‘explaining’ it. Jamie said, “The community [Greeks/Cypriots] has a different way of putting it; I think it’s characters… are flamboyant, wonderful, funny, caring characters- there all about family and love.”

During a visit to LGR, Star-of-the-show, “Stath” AKA Mr Demetriou said, “London Greek Radio has been playing in my house since I was a foetus”, noting LGR’s long-time role in celebrating Greek-Cypriot music and culture.

The siblings are hoping that the audience will find it relatable because there are a few tacit observations to what it is being Greek/Cypriot.

“We are on London Greek Radio and I think that’s so relevant because so many have made a life here, and they’re Londoners so the character of Stath encapsulates it. He talks in a London accent with a bit of a ‘Greek twang’ to it, which a lot of people have, and I hope a lot of people can relate to that.” Jamie told listeners.

The second series will also see a return for Katy Wix who will reprise her role as Stath’s infuriatingly competent colleague Carole, with Alastair Roberts as his more amenable colleague, Al.

The action will pick up from where we left it at the end of series one with Stath having been denied the manager’s position by his own father.

In series two, he and the rest of the team will be forced to work under his arch rival Julian (Dustin Demri-Burns) – and re-think his life goals. Sophie will be searching for a new direction after failing at Dance College and publicly denying her feelings for Al.

Fiona McDermott, Head of Comedy at Channel 4, said: “We did originally say no to this, but he just kept turning up, trying to get into the building.  Sometimes it’s just easier to give in isn’t it?  In all seriousness, we’re thrilled to back Jamie and this gem of a show again.”

Ash Atalla, the managing director of Roughcut TV which makes the show, added: “So happy to be going again on Stath Lets Flats. Jamie is a star. And we’ve all felt the pain of terrible flat viewings, so this is our revenge.”

Jamie Demetriou penned the scripts for series 2, with Robert Popper serving as the script editor. The executive producers are Ash Atalla and Jamie Demetriou.

Series two of ‘Stath Lets Flats’ premieres on Monday 19th August at 10pm on Channel 4.

Forty-five years ago to this day the Turkish military launched its second offensive against the Republic of Cyprus, in full violation of international law, including the UN Charter, despite the ceasefire that had been agreed.

The Turkish army invaded Cyprus on July 20, 1974, and launched the second phase of the invasion on August 14 of the same year, occupying the best part of Mesaoria, Famagusta, Karpasia and Morphou.

On Sunday 11th August the British-Cypriot community held a commemorative event in conjunction with the Famagusta Association of Great Britain, at St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Wightman Road. Its president Dr. Vasilis Mavrou and president of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK Christos Karaolis were in attendance at the event.

The Cyprus High Commissioner Euripides Evriviades who is retiring from his post this month, also present, to address the Church faithful and many visitors on this occasion. He gave a passionate speech about his six years serving the London office. The Cypriot diplomat explained how he tirelessly worked to campaign and enlighten others, on the Cyprus cause.

He underlined the values believed are central to the dispute, with a fairer future, that’s deserved for his Cypriot compatriots.

“All Cypriots Greek-Cypriots, Turkish-Cypriots, Maronites, Latin, Armenian deserve much better… What we want is nothing more and nothing less than other what is given to peace-loving people democracy, human rights and the rule of law, we are not children of a lesser God, we all burn under the same sun, we want democracy, human rights and the rule of law for everyone.” Mr Evriviades said.

To his fellow-Cypriots he urged always carrying the Cyprus flag high, Euripides said, “if we don’t hold our [Cypriot] flag high, then nobody else will respect it.”

He concluded his speech, thanking the Cypriot community of the UK for their continuous support, “[translated in Greek]… I believe you have made me a better human being, I have learnt so much from you [the British-Cypriots].” He also thanked the Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades for his appointment to the UK post.

The Turkish side continues to disregard calls by the international community relating to Cyprus and continues to hold the city of Famagusta hostage of its illegal military occupation. Dubbed a “ghost town”, Famagusta’s fenced off section – called Varosi – remains to this day deserted, abandoned to the elements.

Turkish troops invaded Cyprus on July 20, 1974, five days after the legal government of the late Archbishop Makarios III was toppled by a military coup, engineered by the military junta then ruling Greece. Two unproductive conferences in Geneva followed; the first between Britain, Greece and Turkey and the second with the additional attendance of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot representatives. Three weeks after the ceasefire of July 22, and despite the fact that talks were still being held and just as an agreement seemed about to be reached, the Turkish army mounted a second full-scale offensive. As a result, Turkey increased its hold to include the booming tourist resort of Famagusta in the east and the rich citrus-growing area of Morphou in the west.

All in all, almost 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus came under Turkish military occupation. Nearly one-third of the population, some 200,000 Greek Cypriots, were forcibly uprooted from their homes and properties, thousands were killed during the hostilities, over 1,000 persons were listed as missing while thousands of Greek Cypriots and Maronites remained enclaved.

Numerous UN resolutions have demanded respect to the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus, the return of the displaced to their homes, and the withdrawal of foreign troops from the island, but all resolutions have been ignored by Turkey.

The latest effort to reach a Cyprus settlement will get underway next month: with the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, to meet with the U.N. secretary-general to map out the next steps toward a hoped-for resumption of formal reunification talks.

United Nations spokesman Aleem Siddique said Anastasiades and Akinci also decided to carry on discussions with U.N. envoy Jane Holl Lute to prepare the framework for “structured and results-oriented” negotiations leading to a peace deal “with a sense of urgency.”

Siddique said the two politicians discussed “in-depth the basic principles” of a potential peace accord.

Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The last round of negotiations, in the summer of 2017, at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

On July 20, 1974 at 5:20am, Turkish troops landed on the Republic of Cyprus’ coast five miles off Kyrenia. Since that day, nothing on the island has ever been the same.

Every year since, on the anniversary of the invasion, sirens have blared out over the Republic, recalling the moment Turkish troops invaded.

In 1974, approximately 40,000 Turkish troops under the command of Lieutenant Nurettin Ersin implemented their invasion plan, code-named ‘Attila’, illegally invading the island in violation of the UN Security Council Charter.

Turkey still illegally occupies 37 per cent of Cyprus’ territory.

Turkish troops invaded Cyprus on July 20, 1974, five days after the legal government of the late Archbishop Makarios III was toppled by a military coup, engineered by the military junta then ruling Greece. Two unproductive conferences in Geneva followed; the first between Britain, Greece and Turkey and the second with the additional attendance of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot representatives. Three weeks after the ceasefire of July 22, and despite the fact that talks were still being held and just as an agreement seemed about to be reached, the Turkish army mounted a second full-scale offensive. As a result, Turkey increased its hold to include the booming tourist resort of Famagusta in the east and the rich citrus-growing area of Morphou in the west.

All in all, almost 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus came under Turkish military occupation. Nearly one-third of the population, some 200,000 Greek Cypriots, were forcibly uprooted from their homes and properties, thousands were killed during the hostilities, over 1,000 persons were listed as missing while thousands of Greek Cypriots and Maronites remained enclaved.

Numerous UN resolutions have demanded respect to the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus, the return of the displaced to their homes, and the withdrawal of foreign troops from the island, but all resolutions have been ignored by Turkey.

The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK on Tuesday rallied Parliament, with the annual All-Party Parliamentary titled ‘Cyprus – Prospects for a Solution’. The Government Spokesperson of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Prodromos Prodromou, briefed the APPG and members of the UK Cypriot community with the latest developments on the Cyprus issue.

The Federation President, Mr Christos Karaolis, thanked the 19 Parliamentarians, including the Minister and Shadow Minister, who were present and welcomed guests to the event and spoke of the UK Cypriot community’s hope and determination to see a reunited Cyprus free from the outdated system of guarantees and without the presence of foreign troops, as well as the return of refugees to their hometowns and properties. He added, “what we’re asking for is both fair and simple; a fully functioning state that is in line with the rule of law and is free from foreign interference. Put simply a “normal state” as the UN Secretary-General Mr Antonio Gutteres said in 2017.”

Mr Karaolis reassured those present, that despite it being 45 years since the illegal invasion, the Cypriot community is ‘louder than it has ever been before’ with 376 MPs receiving emails ‘calling for Turkey to take it’s #HandsOffCyprus”.

45 years on from the most tragic page in the Republic of Cyprus’ history, at 5:30am the war sirens rang around the island once more.

President, Nicos Anastasiades, expressed his readiness on Thursday to meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, welcoming the latter’s proposal for an informal conference.

The UN Secretary-General told the leaders at the end of the Conference on Cyprus in Crans-Montana two years ago that he wanted both of them to get back to him when they were ready with a plan on when, how, and where they want to meet and do a deal, and not before.

Anyone following his career would know that London Cypriot-born singer Kyriacos Georgiou has been enjoying huge success in Greece and a few other countries.

With the release of his new single ‘Pou Na To Fantasto‘, London Greek Radio caught up with Kyriacos exclusively to talk about the song and his summer tour.

The track is “a summer vibe Greek-pop Laika single” according to Kyriacos with an upbeat, and catchy sound, about the blossoming of a summer romance. The opening verses start with the singer’s reflective thoughts about losing their “mojo”, that suddenly changes once he encounters this person, as love sprinkles a little magic.

The song has already gone straight into the London Greek Radio playlists.

Composed by Lefteris Kintatos, a songwriter in Greece at the top of his game; he has several hits under his belt for Konstantinos Argiros, with songs ‘Ti Na To Kano’, ‘Sti Diki Mou Agkalia’ and ‘Oso Niotho’.

Kyriacos said, “He is one of the biggest Greek hitmakers right now. I am absolutely thrilled that he composed a song for me.”

Last winter, Kyriacos supported and performed alongside Natasa Theodoridou, Petros Iakovides and Stan in Thessaloniki and in Athens.

Kyriacos announced his summer tour with Natasa Theodoridou and Stan which means he travels around Greece and Cyprus, including Ptolemaida, Serres, Hydra, Fanari, Sikouriou Larisa, Alexandroupolis, Zakynthos, Halkidiki, Rhodes, Antiparos, Monemvasia, Nafplio, Kavala, Petroupoli, and Patras.

He visits Limassol, Agia Napa, and the Cypriot capital Nicosia for the Beer Festival in September, in the Cyprus leg of his tour.

Kyriacos is currently engaged in career-boosting talks with bouzoukia bosses, to confirm exactly where his performances will be for Athens and Thessaloniki this winter.

Follow @KyriacosOfficial on social media for updates.

Tune in to LGR for all of the latest, and greatest summer sizzlers on 103.3 FM, DAB+ & via lgr.co.uk

London-Cypriot Nick Parpa wins the Southern Area Cruiserweight title after beating defending champion Daniel Mendes, at a full-house including lots of Cypriot fans at York Hall in Bethnal Green last Saturday.

For Parpa, this was his first attempt at a title. He boasted a record of 8-1 with his only loss being against Czech Republic’s Vasili Ducar in his fifth fight, Parpa’s victory bolsters the young Cypriot’s career going on to fight at even higher level for more illustrious honours.

It was a tough fight for Nick and he went the distance in a 10 round fight versus the defending champion Daniel Mendes from Birmingham but came out with a comfortable and a comprehensive 99-91 points victory.

In a statement from the Goodwin Boxing Facebook page, it said, “It’s Parpa who takes it! Winning 99-91 on the scorecard. More aggressive and pressed the fight from start to finish. Really great fight, Mendes was a worthy Champion but it was Parpa’s night tonight!!”

“Nightmare” Nick Parpa was fighting his tenth professional fight.

Nick Parpa wins his first title…

The Palmers Green boxer on his Facebook Page said he was absolutely thrilled at winning. “WE DID IT!!!! #AND THE NEW SOUTHERN AREA CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION Nick The Nightmareeeeeee PARPAAAAA. I just want to say a MASSIVE thank you to my team, my loyal supporters, family and friends for believing in me and helping me fulfil my dreams, I could not have done it without you all.”

Parpa had thanked his opponent for a formidable game and the work that went behind it, with his coaching network.

“Thank you Daniel Servant Mendes for the opportunity, he put up a great fight and was a worthy champion. We gave the crowd one hell of a fight. Thank you to my manager Steve Goodwin for giving me this opportunity and guiding my career in the right direction, he truly is a great manager and a friend. Thank you to my coach Joshua Burnham for everything and for pushing me every day in the gym helping me maximise my potential. We did it!!! Thank you to Dave Tausz for pushing me every-day also in the gym. He’s a top strength and conditioning coach.”

His Greek-Cypriot dad was proud of his son’s achievement, Sav Parpa said, “I am a proud father my sons the Southern Area Cruiserweight champion!!! Yo Parpa we did it.”

Nick Parpa is expected to find out his next opponent when the summer finishes.

Photographs: Michael Yiakoumi

Middlesex University and the University of Westminster are delighted to announce the launch of the GRƐNGLISH PROJECT.

Led by Dr Anna Charalambidou and Dr Petros Karatsareas, the project seeks to crowd source Grenglish words – English words that the UK’s Greek Cypriots borrowed from English and turned into Cypriot Greek. For example, pason for ‘bus’, ketlon for ‘kettle’ or experiotita for ‘experience’.

Anna and Petros believe that Grenglish words are unique linguistic creations that are emblematic of the Greek Cypriot community’s history, resourcefulness and creativity. However, they are facing the threat of disappearance as younger generations of British-born Greek Cypriots tend to avoid them.

The GRƐNGLISH PROJECT brings together older and younger generations within the UK’s Greek Cypriot diaspora in a community campaign of language documentation. We invite everyone to visit our website www.grenglish.org and submit any type of linguistic material relating to Grenglish: words and their meaning, thoughts about their origin, visual material such as photographs, stories that involve the use of English.

Anna and Petros will curate all entries and produce an online Grenglish dictionary as well as a print dictionary, a permanent record for generations to come.

For further information please email Anna Charalambidou at A.Charalambidou@mdx.ac.uk or Petros Karatsareas at P.Karatsareas@westminster.ac.uk

London-Cypriot born Alex Solomon signs two year scholarship with League Two team Leyton Orient FC has been playing for various academies since 5 years old.

The 16-year-old attends St Andrews the Apostle School in Barnet.

“A big well done and congratulations to one of our own, Year 11 student Alex Solomon who has signed a 2 year scholarship with Leyton Orient! Well done Alex!”, a spokesperson for St Andrews the Apostle School said.

Alex who plays as a Centre back is the son of Dino and Christalla Solomon who are London born and his paternal grandparents are from Ayios Athanassi, Limassol and his maternal grandparents from Famagusta.

Barnet FC’s London Cypriot Antonis Vasiliou has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The young Cypriot midfielder joined the club’s academy at a young age and has gone onto to make two appearances from the bench for the Bees first team, all of which came in April 2019.

The Bees academy graduate was delighted to agree his first professional deal.

He said: “I’m really happy, I am really glad to sign, it feels like it’s been a long time coming and I am looking forward to starting the new season.

“The club has given me a few opportunities to express myself and I feel like I have learned a lot over the past few years.”

“I have been working hard in the off-season and I can’t wait to meet up with the boys again. I’m raring to go.”

Darren Currie, who has seen Vasiliou progress through the Academy, was full of praise for the Barnet youngster.

He said: “Antonis is a wonderful player with a box of tricks; we think very highly of him.

“He’s clearly showed huge potential in the youth team last season and earned one or two opportunities to train with the first team and he lived up to expectation.

“He did very well when he was given the opportunity toward the back end of last season and we’re delighted to agree a deal with him today.

“He’s got a big future in the game.”

The 18-year-old will join up with Darren Currie and the rest of the first team squad for pre-season ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.