I know I can! Exploring cross-cultural heritage through rap music in Kirkholt

Working with children and young people from Rochdale to create a series of short pieces of music and songs exploring cross-cultural identity

Hopes and Dreams is a project intended to create an initelligent, provocative and imaginative series of music pieces and songs exploring issues that affect young migrants in Rochadale.

Today was another lively day working with the children from the NESTAC Supplementary School Progamme. The sessions were with two groups (ages 6-9 and 10+).

The Young 'Uns

The younger group discussed their Hopes and Dreams for the future - we had answers varying from "school teacher" to "engineer and singer" - they certainly were an enthusiastic bunch!

After the discussion, we went straight into the music-making. Using reknown rapper Nas' famous ' I can' - a song encourging chidren to aim higher - the children started learning the lyrics to the chours and hook:

I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

As usual, we were really impressed by thier level of enthusiasm and engagment. The next session will introduce instruments and choreography. 

Big Kids on the Block

The session with the older group was an absolute delight - they're always eager to show off their knowledge. Today, we looked at Black History Month heroes such as Usain Bolt, President Barack Obama and Mary Seacole. The session began with activites around why Black History Month is important, and why it is celebrated in the UK. The children picked their favourite heroes, and researched their lives. They were then split into groups and asked to create poetry or rap lyrics about the person they chose. We were very impressed at the end products! 

The next session will be working on the lyrics and melody.