I didn't enjoy it at the beginning but every session turned out to be a lot of fun. It always took me about half an hour to get into it!
I enjoyed learning about the background of black- originating music, as well as my own roots. It also helped to connect me with my Dad and his culture
The above feedback, feedback from his carer, and open one-to-one discussion on ethnicity and cultural labels with his vocal tutor outside of MOBO sessions, provided some much- needed context for participant A to challenge and develop his views around identity. He was able to express his concerns, questions and views creatively in a held space, as well as celebrate and connect with his cultural roots. All of this suggests a positive, significant and longer term impact on participant A's understanding of his own identity, personal development and confidence, as well as his ability for critical reflection. As a result of engaging in the project, participant A further developed song and rap- writing skills, recording and performance techniques, and social and collaborative skills. He also fed back that it was very much a benefit to feel part of a team and community, and to feel motivated and focussed on a creative challenge during a difficult time.
He was able to reflect critically on his own as well as others' practice, saying that working alongside peers with higher SEN needs was at times frustrating as he felt that he “had to go slower” and would have preferred to be more challenged at times. However, he also reflected that the experience taught him increased patience, ability to compromise, and to see other benefits such as working collaboratively and being part of a team. Further to this, a less expected though resoundingly positive outcome, was participant A's personal reflections on working alongside peers with higher SEN needs, saying that “it taught me to appreciate peoples' determination in having limitations, and that everyone is special in their own, different way”. Participant A's need for higher level creative challenge was met outside of the core project space, through additional one-to-one vocal lessons with an UP! Tutor, in which the project content could be explored in more detail. Other reflections from participant A included his personal project highlight of working with guest artist and PhD in Gospel and Civil Rights from Kentucky USA, Kathy Bullock, and his eagerness to do/explore more about MOBO music going forward. Overall, the project has served to illustrate as well as expand on it's initial aims; in terms of accessibility to a range of target groups, developing YP musical, cultural and creative horizons, producing quality content as an ensemble from remote locations, and helped to inspire collaboration, connection and exchange.