A NEW album featuring X-Factor star Nikitta is set to help bring together all of Glasgow's various racial communities.

Young people who moved to Glasgow from countries including Zimbabwe, Ghana and Angola joined forces with talented Glaswegians to record the CD, Freedom, which showcases different musical styles.

The project was funded by Pan African Arts Scotland, a charity set up to help the country's 15,000 African refugees and immigrants.

Nikitta, from Partick, took a break from recording her debut album to appear on a duet called What's Wrong with Angolan rapper Levis Albano.

The 18-year-old singer said she was thrilled to work with the charity as it gave her the chance to collaborate with musicians from all over the world.

She added: "It's great to mix musical influences like hip hop and soul and see what you get.

"There's talent out there. It's a shame more people don't tap into it."

Youngsters from the South West Arts and Music Project (SWAMP) in Pollok filmed promotion videos for the album, which includes Inhale, written by rappers Jae P, G1FT and singer Michelle Elii.

The video, featuring Glasgow street scenes, was filmed at Charing Cross.

Jae P, who grew up in Ghana and has been in Glasgow for three years, said working on the project was a unique chance to get his music to a wider audience.

The 25-year-old, who last month supported hip hop superstar Kanye West in Edinburgh, said: "Writing songs with the others has been a really creative process."

PAAS spokesman Martin Kalemba said: "The project has been a great opportunity for African immigrants in Glasgow to meet new people and express themselves."

The album will be available for sale at record stores and by internet download at www.paas.org A launch event, with Nikitta and all those involved in the CD project is to be held at the Fruitmarket in Glasgow on Sunday, October 7.