Investing in young people
2Funky Arts has run a range of projects for young people aged 16-25, funded by Youth Music, across Leicester. These have focused mainly on soul, R&B, hip hop, jazz, Afrobeats, funk and pop. They were accredited by the Bronze Arts Award.
The Grime & Trap Sessions (2018-2019)
This was an opportunity for MCs to take part in a three month workshop programme.
This project included: creating new material, recording this material in a professional studio, performance practice, and filming in a professional studio booth.
Young people were able to share their work via a CD and YouTube channel. Masterclasses with UK artists, Eyez and Jafro were also included, and the project built to a end showcase with a live band.
Workshops were run by established artists Mr Shay and Kurly Hypa.
Project BAND (2016-2017)
2Funky Arts worked with musicians, singers, spoken word artists and rappers on an inspiring
three-month project.
Young people were able to collaborate, jam, and skill-share with other young musicians and vocalists. Sessions were led by professional songwriter and vocalist Mellow Baku, and professional musician, composer and arranger Andrew Price. Together, young people performed in a showcase at 2Funky Music Café.
2Sing (2014-2015)
2Sing was a nine month workshop and performance programme, across soul, R&B, hip hop, jazz, Afrobeats, funk, pop and other influences.
Cultivating vocal and performance skills, workshops were led by Mellow Baku and Marcus Joseph, while masterclasses were run by Jamie Joseph, Carol Leeming, Candice Dixon, Elektric and Decypher.
The project saw young people perform as part of The Spark Festival and Soul Acoustic at the Curve. It culminated in a performance at Curve Theatre, for mainly friends and family, and the creation of a CD album with original music.
