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The
Open Mic sessions at BlackDrop offer young people the chance to
perform. I checked out on of the nights to find out more.
Asha Banjoko, Blast reporter
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BackDrop is a monthly open mic event held in the Canalhouse
bar and restaurant. It allows loads of people young and old
to perform songs, raps, poetry, short stories and music to an
audience of other artists.
This week was the first one after the summer holidays. Everybody
came back charged and ready for a funky night. There were loads
of new faces amongst the regulars and also quite a few young
ones as well.
They opened the night with some enthusiastic African drumming.
Abigail McKenzie, aged 17 from Basford, has been to every BlackDrop
there has ever been and she let me ask her some questions about
why she likes coming so much.
What does BlackDrop have to offer young people like you?
BlackDrop helps me perform in front of professionals. It's a
really good experience.
Why do you enjoy it?
I like love to perform.
What would you say to anyone who is here tonight who hasn't
performed and would like to?
Get up and have a go. If you've got talent you have to show
it.
I also spoke to one of the organisers and founders of BlackDrop
Lisa Jackson.
Why did you start BlackDrop?
I've been writing stories and monologues for years but I've
never had the confidence to perform them. I went to the Alley
Café with two other organisers Michelle Hubbard and David 'Stickman'
Higgins and thought that another open mic event in Nottingham
was necessary.
What is BlackDrop all about?
It's about variety, offering a platform of opportunity for anyone
who wants to perform. We accept anything from rap to acapello,
song and musicians and monologues.
How does Black Drop appeal to a young audience (teenagers)?
BlackDrop is for the community. We appreciate all ages.
What would you say to anyone who is here tonight who hasn't
performed and would like to?
Go with the flow. Feel inspired.
I also spoke to Kyrie Guiste a first time performer at BlackDrop.
She said… It's a good opportunity to get your voice heard and
show off your talents. It's also a really good experience. I
would definitely come back again.
The night went down a storm. It looked as though both artists
and audience really enjoyed themselves.
The next BlackDrop should be even better as it will be part
of the Black History Month Celebrations.
It's going to feature artist Matt Black and Phenz 1. It's going
to be Heavy!
The next BlackDrop event starts at 7.00pm on Monday, 18th October
at the Nottingham Canalhouse. Everyone's welcome to come along.
Admission is just £1. |
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Abigail
Mckenzie: "BlackDrop
helps me perform in front of professionals."
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Kyrie
Guiste: "It's
a good opportunity to get your voice heard and show
off your talents."
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Lisa
Jackson: It's about variety, offering a platform of
opportunity for anyone who wants to perform. We accept
anything from rap to acapello, song and musicians and
monologues.
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Blast is a unique
BBC initiative offering opportunities for young people to develop their
own ideas, find contacts, explore their interest in art, dance, music, film,
writing or digital creativity and
showcase their own work. |
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Listings
for Nottinghamshire
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BBC
Nottingham Website, London Road, Nottingham, NG2 4UU
Phone: 0115 902 1933 E-mail: nottingham@bbc.co.uk |
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