A group of aspiring rappers have come together virtually to share a lockdown message of hope and solidarity with young people struggling in isolation.

Hip-hop talent collective G-Town Talents are no strangers to the Gravesend community having scooped a Pandemic Hero award and lent their vocals on various tracks to support a hospice in financial crisis.

GTown Talents perform "Lockdown Dreams"

But now the young music producers are turning their attention to the plight of young people in lockdown.

The group secured a grant from the Postcode Community Trust worth £2,000 to help put together the project with the aim of increasing participating in arts and physical recreation.

"The pandemic has affected all ages," explains founder Jimmy Babalola. "Young people have been affected by uncertainty over A-level and GCSE awarding criteria.

"Schools closed suddenly and they have been unable to meet in their usual venues to socialise.

"Teachers and youth workers report concerns about the mental health of young people in the face of these challenges."

Long periods spent in social isolation cut off from friendship groups and opportunities to socialise has led to a deterioration in many young people's mental health.

A major survey by the Prince's Trust charity recently found two-thirds of young people under 25 reported feeling like they were “missing out on being young”, while a quarter felt unable to cope.

GTown Talent have been working throughout the pandemic to break down barriers and raise awareness of taboo subjects by giving young people a creative outlet through music and film.

The pressures of social media, use of drugs and dysfunctional family backgrounds are just some of the issues identified in their videos.

In August, GTown Talents put together a mental health drama broadcast on YouTube to delve deeper into the issues facing their generation.

And now the group have waxed lyrical about the experience in their latest music video they hope will provide a "chorus for the community".

It was produced by the crew's creative director Vyberoom and features three aspiring young artists from Gravesend, Young H, 16, Tril, 25, and Tashan Larmond, 25.

They are joined by 28-year-old Pastor, a fellow rapper from Sittingbourne, who counts increased time spent with loved ones, amid the struggles, as among the "blessings" he is grateful for.

As the song progresses each artist discusses their own trials and tribulations throughout lockdown, as well as their hopes for the year that lies ahead.

It was originally intended as a Christmas single but the lockdown meant the track's release date had to be put back and its direction re-adjusted.

Founder Jimmy said: "Each artist wrote there lyrics at home and some even rewrote there verses on the day as they wanted to make sure the audience and community had a perfect insight into their mind and hopes they went through whilst connecting to listeners to be strong and have big dreams and hope this year."

The promoter explained the rap and MC collective wanted to use its position within the community to help normalise mental health struggles and offer support.

He hopes this and future projects will give young people a platform to grow and mature.

"We can make a difference as we have seen that young people thrive when we involve them in our productions," he said.

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