Two young rappers take Royal Albert Hall by storm in ‘thank you note’ to music teachers

Two young rappers took the Royal Albert Hall by storm last night as part of the Music for Youth Proms annual show.

Alex Clarke and Micah Ademokoya, both 13, and from Bexleyheath, performed their rap about what it is like to grow up in the area.

They said: “Bexleyheath is a typical place where young people hang out, it looks a little run down but we love it.

“Writing lyrics helps us to express ourselves and talk about how we are feeling. 

“We can also create made up stories within our songs as well which we really like.”

Organisers of the annual show have said this is the biggest Music for Youth Proms ever, with more than 3,000 young musicians from across the UK taking to the iconic stage in South Kensington.

Ahead of their performance Mr Clarke and Mr Ademokoya said they were nervous and excited, but also “quietly confident”.

They said: “Music makes you feel free where all the stresses in the world disappear.

“It can give you a rush of adrenaline or completely relax you depending on the genre you’re listening to.

“For us, rapping helps us to communicate our ideas more directly than singing or speaking.”

The young musicians have grown in confidence since they started rapping two years ago.

They said: “Most people around us support us so it’s not really a surprise when we are involved in concerts.”

Mr Clarke and Mr Ademokoya were joined by young musicians from more than 100 schools, performing new and traditional music spanning multiple styles and genres. 

Across the two evenings of gala concerts – last night and tonight – there will be a mix of orchestral classics, Irish dancing, concert bands, choirs, jazz, and pop bands. 

This year, the Proms is titled “A Thank You Note” in celebration of the life-changing impact of music teachers. 

Music for Youth is a national youth music charity working with young people aged 25 and under across the UK.

The charity has staged musical projects for young people, including the Music for Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, for 50 years, giving young people the opportunity to take their music to a major stage.

Phil Castang, chief executive of Music for Youth, said: “The Proms is always a highlight of Music for Youth’s year, but this year’s event is particularly special as we recognise not only the incredible talent of young musicians, but the extraordinary influence of music teachers from across the country. 

“Music teachers transform lives and empower young people in ways that stay with them for life, so we wanted to provide students with an opportunity to express their gratitude on a grand scale.” 

Pictured top: Alex Clarke on stage last night at the Royal Albert Hall (Picture: Andy Gilbert)