Brit Award-winning British soul singer and rapper Plan B has signed on as a Youth Ambassador for U.K. educational initiative The Big Music Project, a year-long scheme designed to help young people across the United Kingdom find work and training opportunities in the music industry.
The Big Music Project was formerly launched in April this year with the stated aim of reaching more than 4.5 million people, aged 14 to 24 across the U.K, and providing them with the training, education and know-how to forge successful careers in the music and creative industries.
It is supported by a £4 million ($6.6 million) grant from the Big Lottery Fund and run in partnership with British labels trade body BPI, U.K. commercial radio network Capital FM and charity organisation UK Youth.
In addition to Plan B, whose real name is Ben Drew, British boyband Lawson, Will Kennard from EDM duo Chase & Status, Grammy-winning singer Foxes, multi-platinum-selling pop star Olly Murs and London EDM artist MNEK have also pledged their support to the scheme.
“The Big Music Project is all about young people, their love of music and the opportunity to do something positive to change their lives for the better,” said Drew — who is also the founder of London-based educational charity Each One Teach One — in a statement.
“Across the whole of the U.K. there are people with skills and talent who don’t know where to go next — and it’s not easy figuring out how to take an idea you love and make it your reality, your business, and your career. I believe that through The Big Music Project and Each One Teach One we can help young people take big steps towards a big future,” Drew went on to say.
As part of his ambassadorial duties, Drew will participate in forthcoming The Big Music Project Live free-ticketed events, due to be held in Glasgow, London, Cardiff and Belfast, where he will meet with aspiring artists, producers, engineers, managers and promoters and offer first-hand advice.
“The Big Music Project will help many young people discover new opportunities through music and at the same time unearth young leaders who will shape our business in the years ahead,” commented BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor, who called on other industry supporters to come onboard.
“We’re inviting the whole industry to get involved — to consider offering internships, attend the events, be a judge in our competition, or to get even more artists talking to their fans about it. It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage young people around the country with a positive experience of our industry,” Taylor went on to say.
