MOBO award-winners have backed Croydon’s ambitions to become a music city in the style of Nashville or Seattle, the council’s cabinet heard last night (Monday).
A report setting out a raft of plans to put culture at the heart of the borough’s regeneration revealed that local rap stars Nadia Rose, and Krept and Konan, are backing the council’s music city proposals.
Nadia, whose Skwod video won the MOBO award for best video in 2016, said: “Croydon is fast developing a reputation as a hotbed of musical talent and has produced some of the most successful grime artists in the UK.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea for Croydon to become a music city, a place where emerging talent is recognised and nurtured and budding musicians are given every opportunity to succeed.”
Since her MOBO award win the 25 year-old MC has been shortlisted for the BBC’s Sound of 2017 and headlined Glastonbury’s Park Stage.
The report revealed South London rap duo Krept and Konan have also lent their support to the plans.
Konan said: “Growing up in this part of London we know there is so much talent waiting to be nurtured. As musicians we want to break down barriers and help give others the opportunities they need in getting a good start in life. It makes us proud to see Croydon develop into a music city.”
Progress on Croydon’s music city plans was outlined in a report to the council’s cabinet last night, along with an update on the borough’s expanding cultural scene, leisure centres and parks.
Throughout the autumn Croydon Council has been working with local musicians, music industry professionals, live music lovers and music city experts Sound Diplomacy, to develop its plans for the future of music in Croydon.
Other exciting projects include CroydonLit, which could see the town centre illuminated with a series of light installations in the coming months.
The report also revealed plans for extensive investment in improvements to the borough’s 13 libraries, leisure centres and parks.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for the arts in Croydon and it’s great that we have the support of musicians like Nadia and Krept and Konan for our music city ambitions.
“This is just one of many ways we are putting culture at the heart of Croydon’s regeneration. We are developing a fantastic programme of events in our libraries, parks and in our public spaces, and we are looking forward to the reopening of the refurbished Fairfield Halls next year, putting our borough firmly on the map as a centre for the arts in the South East.
”I’m also delighted to note the programme of investment into our leisure facilities across the borough, helping people to enjoy staying fit and leading healthier lives.”
Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport
