Aniefiok Ekpoudom, "Where We Come From: Rap, Home & Hope in Modern Britain" (Faber and Faber, 2024)
Jan 19, 2024
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Aniefiok Ekpoudom, a freelance writer and storyteller from South London, discusses his book 'Where We Come From: Rap, Home & Hope in Modern Britain'. The book explores the struggles and triumphs of UK Rap and Grime music in South London, South Wales, and the Midlands, and highlights the importance of music, culture, and place in modern British society. Topics include the origins of UK rap and grime, the connection between reggae music and grime, the evolution of music in Birmingham, the Welsh rap group Ashford Boyz, the life and music of rapper Cadet, and exploring other mediums to capture different aspects of British culture.
The book explores the history and impact of UK rap and grime, highlighting the connections between these genres and the cultural context in which they emerged.
The book delves into the emotional impact of music and its connection to specific places, focusing on South London and the introspective music of Cadet.
Deep dives
The Evolution of UK Rap and Grime
The book explores the history and impact of UK rap and grime, focusing on the connection between these genres and the cultural context in which they emerged. It highlights the similarities and distinctions between UK rap and grime, discussing their roots in Caribbean sound system culture and their evolution influenced by American hip hop. The book delves into the rise of popular artists such as Stormzy and Dave, showcasing how these genres have not only achieved commercial success but have also made a profound impact on people's lives. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the music in the context of the broader social and cultural landscape.
Exploring Music Scenes Beyond London
The book takes a closer look at music scenes outside of London, specifically focusing on Birmingham in the West Midlands and South Wales. In Birmingham, it highlights the rich history of multiculturalism and sound system culture that has shaped the city's thriving rap and grime scene. The book features Desper, a music executive who played a pivotal role in fostering the music culture in Birmingham by establishing music studios and providing crucial infrastructure for emerging artists. In South Wales, the book explores the music scene in Cardiff and Newport, shedding light on how rap and grime connect with the diverse communities and cultural heritage of the region. It follows the journey of the Asteroid Boys, a group that blends rap and grime with local music influences, as they navigate personal struggles and strive for success.
The Emotional Power of Music and Place
The book delves into the emotional impact of music and its connection to specific places, particularly in South London. It focuses on the life and career of Cadet, a rapper known for his introspective and poignant music. Cadet's story exemplifies how music can deeply resonate with audiences and touch lives by addressing personal and relational struggles. The book explores how South London's diverse communities, including British Caribbean and African communities, have shaped the sound and language of UK rap and grime. It also highlights the legacy and cultural significance of South London's music scene, celebrating the life and impact of Cadet in the local community.
Passing the Baton to the Next Generation
The book examines the next generation of artists emerging in different regions of the UK, including Dave in London, Passaloo in Coventry, and Luke in South Wales. It emphasizes the importance of generational continuity in music, showcasing how artists build upon the groundwork laid by their predecessors. The book illustrates how artists like Dave continue the legacy of previous musicians while making their own mark on the genre. It also explores the unique challenges and opportunities faced by emerging artists in regions outside of London and the social contexts that shape their music. Through these stories, the book highlights the ongoing evolution and impact of UK rap and grime.
Why is music important to place, and place important to music? In Where We Come From: Rap, Home and Hope in Modern Britain (Faber and Faber, 2024), Aniefiok Ekpoudom, a freelance writer and storyteller from South London, tells the story of UK Rap and Grime music. In doing so he tells the story of Modern British culture. The book uses three places- South London, South Wales, and the Midlands, and three case studies of some of UK Rap and Grime’s leading artists. In doing so, the book powerfully charts the struggles and triumphs of modern British music, and the struggles and triumphs of the places where that music comes from. A work of brilliant and compelling narrative non-fiction, the book is essential reading across the humanities and social sciences, as well as for anyone interested in music, culture, and place.
Dave O'Brien is Professor of Cultural and Creative Industries, at the University of Manchester.