A FAMOUS rapper has helped inspire upcoming musicians in Colchester as he made a new dance move for the city and revealed it's the place where he "failed" his driving test.
Tyrone Lindo, better known by his moniker Big Narstie, is a rapper, songwriter, author, and television presenter from London.
Big Narstie was the main guest at a bank holiday weekend event, Art of the Roadz Part Two, held at The Minories art Gallery, in Colchester's High Street.
Musician Owen Louis also known as Project Lando teamed up with the venue and Gassed Clothing to organise the event which aim to encourage young people with talent and develop their skills, while those in the industry provide inspiration.
The owner of Gassed Clothing, Sir Gassed, grew up with Big Narstie as childhood friends and Sir Gassed’s father was at a church youth club they attended as kids.
Big Narstie exclusively spoke to The Gazette after his thrilling half an hour set as the ultimate hype-man and explained exactly why he wanted to be involved.
He said: “I’ve always grown up within a community, Brixton and Stockwell are very community-based.
“Fortunately, we had good community centres which helped us and that’s the key thing.
“Remember, I wouldn’t be able to do this stuff if I never experienced it.
“If I never had a person put a positive influence into my life, it would be hard for me to show that influence to other people.
“The fact that I’ve come up in my life’s journey, there have been a few people who have helped me, they pointed me in a good direction.
“It’s left an imprint in my brain which is normal for me to show to other people.
“There is a saying, with great power comes great responsibility.
“It’s all good doing the cool things that come with a status, but you’ve also got to do the things with substance as well.
“This sort of thing is good for the soul.”
During his performance, the artist was charismatic, engaging and at one point invited a very young fan called Ted Woodcraft to help make the "Colchester wave" dance move with him.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Big Narstie has visited Colchester, he’s been here a “few times” in the past given he has connections in the area.
During the conversation, he revealed that Colchester is the place where he “failed” his driving test.
But this was the first time he visited the Grade II listed building, The Minories.
The MC has praised the venue and hopes that any attending youngster found it a positive experience.
He said: “I think it is lovely.
“Truth be told, this event could have been done in a dustbin.
“With the people the event had, it would have been epic anyway.
“It’s the people who make a home, they make the environment of a house.
“So with all the people from the upcoming artists to the local people of the Colchester area, and the artist’s that came down with myself, the energy was just right.
“Hopefully, one kid could be inspired from the event and say, ‘you know what, music is actually for me’.
“So instead of them doing something they shouldn’t, they may go to the studio, write lyrics or not be afraid to talk with their emotions through music.”
“From one step, comes a run, so hopefully we have done something.”
During the conversation, he has confirmed he would “of course” return to Colchester for another headline show in the future, he’s happy to go wherever there is a “good vibe”.
He’s also stressed the importance for younger musicians to connect and perform in their local communities as a rite of passage.
He said: “This is what it is about, our forefathers when you talk about The Beatles and bands, them playing local pubs, communities, and then spreading out, that was the first step of raw talent.
“Anyone can throw loads of money behind something and make it glam, but can you actually go into your local communities and perform your music and people like it? That’s the first step.
“When you can do that, you can go to Beverly Hills. But can you conquer your own backyard first?”
With the night being a massive success, Big Narstie said: “I had a lovely time, it has been inspiring meeting new up and coming artists, people, met a new journalist like yourself, you know what I mean?”
To find out more about Big Narstie, visit instagram.com/bignarstie.
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