Youthsayers Mix - Jazz FM Voices

Throughout 2021, Jazz FM Voices is asking - "what is important to us and our musical community?"

As part of this, we will be inviting some our favourite musicians, selectors and creatives to share the music that speaks to them and fuels their creativity.

Youthsayers is a free of charge, creative music opportunity for young people, aged between 11 and 20, living in the Lambeth area. The project was created in 2016 in collaboration with Raw Material Music and Media in Brixton, South London.

Jazz FM Voices has commissioned the collective to curate a playlist featuring the tracks that inspire their learning and playing. Get ready for a hot mix of jazz, afrobeat, dub and reggae...

Featuring music from Fela Kuti, Roy Hargrove, Soothsayers, Bob Marley and Louis Prima.

About Youthsayers

The group is run by professional musicians and teachers from established, international band, Soothsayers. Youthsayers offers the chance to work with the collective and other young musicians on Afro-beat, jazz, reggae / dub influenced music. The project is designed to develop their confidence and a wide variety of skills in young musicians as well as developing a passion for music.

They have performed at a number of venues and festivals including Music for Youth Proms (The Royal Albert Hall); EFG London Jazz Festival - Next Generations (The Royal Festival Hall); Freedom Sounds Festival (Cologne, Germany); London Mayor's Africa Day (Trafalgar Square); WOMAD Festival; and Across the Tracks Festival.

Since the Covid 19 lockdown in March 2020, Youthsayers have maintained a high level of engagement with young people and have run several online recording and composition projects resulting in radio play, a 7 inch vinyl single, and a collaboration with young musicians in Pakistan.

Check out Youthsayers' latest single on Bandcamp.

Youthsayers is lead by sax player Idris Rahman and trumpeter Robin Hopcraft - founders of the London based band Soothsayers. As well as commissioning the mix, Jazz FM Voices wanted to know more about the ethos behind the youth education group, and why it's important for these young people.

What is the biggest benefit you’ve seen from young people getting involved with Youthsayers?

Robin Hopcraft: It's amazing to see them growing in confidence and developing a passion for something as well as this. The feeling of community a project like this developing with young people and their family and friends, is really positive.

Can those without musical experience get involved?

Robin Hopcraft: Most of the young people who take part have started to learn an instrument but they are all at different levels. We really try and encourage a nurturing and supportive atmosphere so less experienced musicians feel free to experiment and progress with the support of the more experienced. Differentiated material really helps as then there are various levels and challenges that young people can take on as a starting point.

What is most important to you as the co-founder and leader?

Robin Hopcraft: Youthsayers has never charged young people to take part. Funding from bodies like Arts Council England, UK Youth, and Ronnie Scott's Foundation, has enabled us to operate without charging. I think these free cultural opportunities are so important because income often affects who can access arts opportunities. To create and maintain real, vibrant culture - all young people should be able to take part, learn, and contribute to the arts.

To learn more about Youthsayers - please visit their website.