The Music Department at Sacred Heart have been celebrating the fact that our city is hosting the MOBO Awards in Newcastle this February. As part of the MOBO Fringe programme, a group of Year 8 students had the chance to immerse themselves in the art of rap, thanks to a workshop aimed at fostering creativity and self-expression. The event, held in the school’s Rose Auditorium, was designed to inspire students to explore the power of words and rhythm in a way that connected with their own experiences and passions.
The workshop was led by renowned local rappers Kay Greyson and Kema Kay, who have made a name for themselves in the local and national music scene, along with dancer Mimi Kani. Their goal was not only to teach the students about rap as a musical genre but also to encourage them to use rap as a tool for personal reflection and storytelling. Throughout the session, the students were guided through the process of writing their own verses, and coming up with ideas for lyrics that expressed their thoughts, dreams, and struggles.
The atmosphere was vibrant and full of energy as students worked together, sharing their stories and offering support to one another. By the end of the workshop, they had written their first rap verses, some of which were performed in front of their peers. The sense of accomplishment and pride in their work was evident, with many students expressing newfound confidence in their creative abilities.
This rap workshop not only gave students a valuable insight into an important and popular musical genre but also inspired them to embrace their individuality, express their emotions, and use their creativity in positive ways while celebrating the amazing contributions of Black musicians to British culture.