In our Northern Roots series, we speak to readers originally from Northern Ireland but currently living elsewhere, or vice versa – or who’ve spent time away from NI. This week’s interviewee is Peter Sumadh who is from Toronto, Canada and now lives in Belfast.

 

Tell us about yourself. When did you come to Northern Ireland and where did you come from? What brought you here? What do you do now?

I arrived in Belfast from Toronto in 2003, love-struck with high ambition after a decade working in the Toronto film industry. I came here with a job offer to work in a community music studio, but things didn’t work out as planned. However, I’ve spent an eventful decade-plus here, publishing articles, poems, writing, recording and releasing original music and have been involved in some extraordinary community stuff in North Belfast. I couldn’t have scripted any of it, really! (You can find Peter’s music on Spotify).

 

What do you think of Northern Ireland, and how does it compare to where you are from? 

Well, it’s virtually unrecognisable to the place I arrived in 16 years ago. Let’s just say, when I arrived, I was called some very unpleasant things due to my ethnic background. The new Belfast doesn’t compare to anywhere and is wholly unique. Here, there exists an addictive unrepentant sense of self and in spite of the turmoil. People here have an impressively uncanny ability to set nonsense aside and just get on with things.

I’ve a lifestyle here that I might struggle to obtain in Canada. The grass isn’t always greener and, besides, thanks to Europe, laws exist here that give me a far greater life/work balance than I ever had in Toronto. I feel a stronger opportunity to ‘be me’ here and I can go to Prague, Paris or Moscow for a long weekend. That’s pretty sweet!

 

Are you hopeful for Northern Ireland’s future? Does Brexit have any impact on you and how you view the future?

I am optimistic, if only for the extraordinary collective consciousness of many of the people here. I’m especially hopeful for its younger citizens – it’s clear they have evolved into such an open, resourceful, outspoken and inspiring group of individuals, who put tribalism and Northern Ireland’s past aside. The so-called ‘Good Friday generation’ seem to understand that they have much to be proud about. They support one another and are taking control of their lives and their futures. The creative talent here in particular has blossomed into a community of makers – creative ‘do-ers’ – who are a force to be reckoned with – not just on this isle, but globally. I feel inspired, rather fortunate and empowered, to be creative on this isle and to live in the ‘New Belfast’ amongst a new tribe who are the true torch-bearers of optimism.

 Do you think you will return home or do you plan to stay in Northern Ireland long term? Is there anything that may influence your decision either way?

For better or for worse, Belfast has become my home – it’s chosen me and I’ve made so many dear friends here who have been wonderfully supportive in many unique ways. I’m unmarried, I have no kids and no family members here, but I’ve never lived anywhere as long as I have lived in Belfast. Like I said, I couldn’t have scripted my journey so far, but I bought a house here and invest my time, energy, goodwill and optimism in the local community and co-operative projects, which I believe is one of the solutions to fixing a broken system. Many of the so-called foreigners who’ve been here a decade-plus have all had exit strategies, but, for me, NI is intensely interesting, surprising and remains an exciting place to be.

 

What can Northern Ireland learn from your home country?

More Ethiopian restaurants, in-class driving lessons, more mac’n cheese and legalise cannabis already, eh?

There is much, however, that Canada can learn from Northern Ireland though – perseverance, solidarity amongst the population, laugh at yourself. Kindness, politeness.

 

If Northern Ireland had a president with sweeping powers, and it was you, what would you do?

Implement a temporary governing council made up of members of each political party that are neither Sinn Féin nor DUP and which also includes a member from a range of professional sectors, ie. a representative for teachers, medical, infrastructure, arts, etc. Plus, also a small rotating panel of citizens representing a cross-section of the wider community.

Discuss: a language act because bilingualism works (see Canada, Belgium).

 

What would you like to see more of on Northern Slant?

Provocative, courageous journalism that tackles pertinent issues unabashedly.

 

If you could ask three politicians (one from Northern Ireland) out to dinner, who would they be and why?

The SDLP’s Nichola Mallon because she gets things done on the ground. The Green Party’s Clare Bailey because I danced with her in the balcony seats when The Pixies played the Ulster Hall. Thirdly, Malachai O’Hara because he’s my Green Party representative in up ‘n coming North Belfast.

 

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

Today’s daily mantra is about healing: “Fire cools, water seeks its own level”.

 

What’s your message for people back home?

Send sushi, Ethiopian and Trinidadian food and you’ll have a place to stay in Belfast anytime.

 

 

Check out some of our other recent Northern Roots interviews: