Project

Reimagine Hip Hop, Redditch

The Concept

In a town famous for its rock and pop music artists, Hip Hop is often overlooked within Redditch. Yet, it’s popularity is high, especially among young people.

The concept of Reimagine Hip Hop, Redditch started through conversations with the community; initially with our young volunteer Reacher, Star, and then with other residents, at a community consultation.

Hip-Hop is also linked to Jamaica, through its founder, DJ Kool Herc, and there are several influences from Jamaican culture within Hip Hop.

Redditch itself is twinned with the town of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, and the borough boasts a large number of people with proud Jamaican heritage.

We found a need, primarily with young people, to engage with Hip Hop themed creative events and activities.

So, we developed Reimagine Hip Hop with the goal of engaging the Redditch community, particularly young people, in this vibrant culture.

The four main elements of Hip Hop culture are DJing (Beat Making), MCing (Creative Writing), Breaking (Dance), and Graffiti.

We would use these to foster creativity, passion, and skills among young people while encouraging social connections and community engagement.

Workshops – DJ-ing and Break Dancing

Our artists and workshop leaders from Your Next Move created an inclusive and encouraging environment that allowed every participant to get involved in their own way.

The support from YNM was especially impactful with the young people; their supportive words visibly boosted the children’s confidence, leading many to enthusiastically participate in a final performance.

Workshops – MC-ing and Graffiti

The MCing and Graffiti sessions offered participants new ways to express themselves while embracing the whole Hip Hop vibe.

Open Mic Night

Richard Bromhall, Programme Director at Reimagine Redditch, says: “Hip Hop is all about self-expression, and we wanted to see what young people have to offer.

“We invited homegrown talent to join us for an open mic session as part of a night filled with performances from both professional Hip Hop artists and rising stars.

“No matter the experience level, if people had something to share, this was their shot to be part of something new.

“It truly feels like, together, a little bit of Hip Hop history is being made in Redditch!”

Artists And Performers from Your Next Move

Reimagine Redditch worked with Midlands based Your Next Move (‘Igniting creativity through Hip-Hop culture’) to deliver this three-part hip-hop project, which was described as an ‘epic’ and ‘next level’ experience.

Your Next Move: Igniting Creativity through Hip-Hop Culture

Your Next Move is a Midlands based non-profit organisation dedicated to raising the aspirations of young minds through the limitless self-expression of hip-hop culture.

Founded by Tyler Attwood, Your Next Move is dedicated to fostering awareness and providing inclusive street dance opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Their team curates courses, workshops, and events designed to broaden your perspective and unleash your unlimited creativity.

Your Next Move

The Impact

More than 30 people attended the workshops, bringing their own unique energy and engagement.

The open mic night proved to be a highlight, with a line-up of young performers eager to take part.

One parent shared how her introverted child, whom she’d never imagined would perform, ended up singing two songs.

The confidence enabled in these young people, some of whom are creative and others who don’t normally experience creative activities, has been fantastic. And the social cohesion among the groups has been equally powerful.

It also feels as though the appetite for performance among young people is strong and that we can do more projects, with similarly talented artists / workshop leaders, to ensure more creative experiences are offered to people in Redditch.

Download the official flyer for full details of our Reimagine Hip Hop events

Download our digital flyer to find out more.

Click the image right to download.

Reimagine Redditch Team

The Reimagine Redditch team were available throughout the events to talk to people about future creative ideas and plans for the Borough and to co-design these with the community.