‘Our message is now that we want to help’

Together, literally anything is possible, writes Alexandra Warren.

This is the ethos of South London born art collective Last Night in Paris, who have released their new single Crash and launched their Give Back Project campaign this month.

Started by childhood friends from Brockley, Jordon Wi-Fi and Taurean Roye, the collective is composed of London-based and international fine artists, musicians, producers, directors and designers.

Over the years, they have gained traction due to their unique vision, high level execution and captivating sound.

But a project with Adidas started in the first lockdown inspired them to sharpen their vision for the future.

Jordan Wi-Fi said: “We were lucky enough to have this project where we revamped a basketball court in Brixton.

“When we did that we were talking to the community. We were asking people what they wanted to see and we were understanding the people around us. Kids would come every day to see the progress.

“Doing that felt different. We could see the effects and it made us think we need to steer this vehicle that is Last Night in Paris, not in a different direction, but in a direction.

“Our message is now that we want to help.”

Because of this, the collective have launched their Giving Back Project – a self-funded project shedding light on small black businesses within the community.

They started this teaming up with Alacran Foundation and with South East-London ghost kitchen Matchstick to deliver free meals to the less fortunate.

The group also worked with clothing manufacturer Merch Masters to produce unreleased LNIP merchandise.

They also have plans to launch a mentorship programme to help young people get into the creative industries.

Jordon Wi-Fi said: “Currently we’ve got three or four kids that we’re working on in the studio, who we know through the grapevine and they’re talented. But we’re making it more of a regular thing.

“The younger me didn’t really have anyone to watch or look at or say you can attend this or you can come to the studio or this is what I know or this is how I got to where I am.

“We want to teach and we want to link them with other creatives that we know and share information.”

The project will allow young people to build up their portfolios by helping out on photography and video shoots and recording sessions.

Last Night in Paris’ new-found purpose is reflected in their single Crash, a track that expands on their distinctive trap-infused hip-hop soundscape.

Jordon Wi-Fi said: “I feel like with Last Night in Paris a lot of the members are coming to a stage where it’s like we’ve really got to either go with this or forget about it, because I feel that you’re either all in or you’re not.

“Around that same time a couple of our members were in a couple of car crashes, so it just kind of connected.

“It’s about not wanting to crash and die – moments that come where you can either sink or swim.”