Telford rapper to create anti-knife project ahead of Knife Angel visit
A Telford rapper will be "spitting bars" with youngsters as part of an anti-knife project ahead of the Shropshire Knife Angel's visit to the town.
Trademark Blud will be working with young people to write a song and create a music video. The group of youngsters could be performing the song live when the acclaimed sculpture visits Southwater in March.
Graffiti artist Monermah will also be sharing his street art expertise with the group. Youth mentor and ex-offender Ben Butler of New Generation Coaching will also be working with youngsters on the project.
The collaboration is the brainchild of Rebecca Blount, founder of Recharge, a young people’s project based in Telford which supports under-21’s in tackling drug, alcohol and emotional issues.
Recharge was awarded the funding to run the 10-week initiative.
Rebecca said: "It is an opportunity to raise awareness and carry a powerful message of the negative impact of knife violence, and for the young people to have a platform to showcase and channel their skills and talent in a positive way.
"Recharge is inviting young people from Telford with an interest in music, graffiti or coming together to bring a positive message to the community to come and get involved in the workshops to write lyrics or poetry and record a track in a recording studio with trademark and to create a visual display of graffiti art to be displayed at Southwater alongside the Knife Angel.
"We will be filming all the activities and producing a video diary for our YouTube channel and social media, and hope to provide a live performance at the launch event alongside other community performances."
The Knife Angel was created at the British Ironwork Centre near Oswestry as part of the centre’s 'Save a Life Surrender Your Knife' campaign, which involved getting 100,000 knives off the street through supplying knife banks to the 43 police forces across England and Wales.
Having earned national attention and received plaudits up and down the UK, campaigns have taken place to have the sculpture transported around the country, with repeated calls for it to go on the fourth plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square.
There will be 28 days of educational workshops and programmes for youngsters in Telford during the Angel's stay.
"It feels like this is the right time to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and to reach as many local young people as possible," Rebecca added.
"I'm grateful for the support and backing we are receiving from The Steer Clear programme and other youth provisions in Telford."
The workshops will be running every Thursday from 5pm to 7pm at Meeting Point House from January 2nd. To book a place or for more information, contact Rebecca on 07486 682606 or email on info@rechargetelford.org.uk for information and to confirm a place.
