Beatbox Gambia Workshop and Show

My Name is Marv Radio and I am a beatboxer, rapper, poet and workshop leader from London.

My Grandad came to London in the late 40s and started a family. My late Aunt Michelle came back to The Gambia last year and raised money to build a library for a school here, which helped to inspire me to come to The Gambia to reconnect with my heritage and share my skills. I am currently being hosted by Eco Gambia.

On this self-funded music mission, I have met some incredible people, artists and families. We have recorded videos and produced some tracks in collaboration with local studios. Together with my team DJ Sticky, Allabai Solja and Xmass of The Eterianz we have toured radio and TV stations spreading the message about the Eco Gambia mission and put the Gambian music scene on the map, focusing particularly on its shining hip hop scene .

We have received no funding and I have been personally paid for most of the costs associated with running a press campaign without any income.

For my final week in The Gambia, we plan to organise a 3 day workshop in partnership with Sofanyama Kunda Music School and an independent live music event to showcase the talent that we have encountered on the journey.

On my travels, I have been astounded by the level of talent on display at the many music events we have attended. I've met so many humble, highly skilled, unique creatives and the sad thing is many of them are unable to make money from their passion. As a developing country, money is scarce for most people but the passion for life and creativity is a richness that many of us in the developed world could learn from.

My aim is to crowd fund so that every person involved in organising the workshops and shows and each performer can be paid for their time. We also intend to pay for the costs of running and promoting the event, for refreshments and equipment hire as well as remibursing other costs associated with the project. 

Any profits from the event will go towards future music projects in The Gambia.

I believe that music can truly empower people and in particular hip hop music has been vital in providing a lifeline for people going through hard times and struggles. My long term intention is to help the artists here come together and support each other in building a community focused industry that can uplift and transform their communities through events and eco projects.

The workshops and show will leave a positive impact in the scene and build towards bridging the gap between the Gambian and UK music scenes. I have been so well received here and many people are interested in developing their beatbox skills.

I will personally thank every donor and offer you some of my time on my return to say thanks. Whether this is a beatbox or rap workshop, a private show, a skype session or sound healing treatment, I'll donate my energy in return.

We are also making a collaboration EP which you can claim as your reward for support.

Thanks in advance for your support. It truly makes a difference