Beatboxing – save the world already!
Thursday, November 20th, 2008
Hi. OK it’s true, I have a strange belief that beatboxing can save the world. I’ve talked about this before on this very blog, but the essence of what I’m getting at is this: music can be a powerful tool for bringing people together, and changing despondent attitudes.
All of a sudden, these ideas seem to be gathering momentum.
The good news
The first bit of news is, after some seriously determined graft from BAC’s fundraising department, we have finally got the funding to run the Beatbox Academy for a full year, starting in January. This is so awesomely exciting that I am having difficulty restraining myself from high-fiving unsuspecting passengers on the train I am typing this from.
So this is step one of the action plan – sorted. More about the action in a minute.
video of the BAC Beatbox Academy in action
more good news
In the meantime, the MTUM Concert Against Knife Crime has just sold out, and an amazing array of guests have stepped forward to support these ideas. Names like Jon McClure (aka Rev of the makers), Sam Duckworth (aka Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly), Ashley Walters (aka Asher D from So Solid Crew) and Jarvis Cocker are all going to perform. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has given us a statement of support, and Southbank Centre are inviting down several MPs who could really make a difference.
Why knife crime?
Recently I was asked why I wanted to do a benefit show specifically focusing on fighting knife crime. I am concerned about the escalating numbers of young people who are turning to knife crime – you hear about it every day. I am glad to see that the issue is getting attention in the press, and I am seeing a lot talk from politicians about how to solve it.
However, I am not seeing the politicians mention music.
I really believe that beatboxing, and music in general, gives us the potential to inspire a change, to move away from the despondent attitudes that have lead to current problems with post-code wars, drugs, knives and gun crime. I know from our experiences with the Academy that working creatively with young people provides the opportunity for them to take an interest in their own development. Suddenly it can be considered cool to apply yourself to something.
Beatbox Academy in action
I know what it is like to get caught up in violent behaviour. I had a privileged upbringing, but as a youth I managed to get caught up with a crowd who were experimenting with violence. It ended up in a particularly bloody fight, a boot to the head, concussion and a broken face requiring reconstructive surgery.
Once I had recovered, one scarily instinctive urge was to round up the biggest gang I could muster, and go pay the perpetrator a visit he would not forget.
It could have easily spiralled out of control – but I walked away. I am so glad that I didn’t take the violent retaliation route. Music was my way out, along with the support of my family.
Fast-forward 11 years, and I’m trying to imagine the exact same situation, only magnified with the presence of knives, drugs, and in some areas, guns. I want to help.
some of our young beatboxers
How can music help?
So – why beatboxing? Well, it is cool. Anyone can learn it. It’s free – no need to spend a penny on equipment, you take it everywhere you go. Some of the young people we have worked with have been excluded from school, and I have noticed an attitude where it is deemed un-cool to show enthusiasm about anything. Well here is an excuse. Once you can drop a few beats, spit a few bars or show some kind of musical ability, you can get respect.
What’s next
After the show, there are big plans for 2009. As I said the Academy will kick off in January. This is amazing, but we need to secure some long-term funding to turn this into a national movement.
The main obstacle ahead of us is the lack of experienced beatbox tutors. So the first goal is to create a course where we can teach how to teach beatbox. Then we can move forward to set up Beatbox Academies in schools, youth clubs and arts centres around the UK.
If you know anyone who is a talented vocalist, good with young people, and wants to help the cause, please get in touch. And if you know anyone with a few million quid, they’d be good to know too.
If people listen, fix up and take part, we can really harness the power of creative arts as a way to fight negative attitudes, and then save the world.
Bring it on.
Some performers from the Beatbox Academy onstage
