A music voice for youth

DEANNA HARRIS

Becoming a teenage father has inspired a young Whangarei man to give back to the community.

Ryan Owen, 17 (Yung D), is a local artist with big plans.

After becoming a teenage dad in late 2008, he went into a programme at The Pulse called DADS – a group which supports young fathers in the community.

Inspired by the programme he now wants to give back by helping other Whangarei youth have a voice through music.

His aim is to start a programme for teenagers called Voice of the Youth.

"Growing up in Whangarei I know there is not a lot for youth to do up here music-wise, especially with urban music, which is why I want to start up Voice of the Youth.

"I know for a fact that youth would be really keen."

He says the programme will introduce young people to a positive creative outlet – urban music – where they can meet new people, gain confidence in themselves and their work while learning something new in a controlled environment.

Youth would be able to take home their own music and share what they have learnt with the local community.

Yung D has the support of other local artists and experienced audio engineers who are willing to give their expertise and time to the programme to help youth.

Unfortunately earlier this year Yung D was declined a Creative Communities grant to fund Voice of the Youth because of a lack of financial sponsorship.

He is now looking for support in the community to help turn his plan into a reality for talented youth.

At the moment Yung D is working with The Pulse to organise youth events for Youth Week where he and other local artist JUST.D will be performing at the national launch of Youth Week at Laurie Hall Park on May 22.

He is also working on his debut mix tape Ruff Kutz.

"I plan on having the mix tape released around Youth Week so youth can hear it and get inspired to take a chance and create their own music as well," says Yung D.

The mix tape will feature other local artists with topics covering youth issues.

To check out his music go to www.bebo.com/-YungD.

Anyone interested in sponsoring or helping with the Voice of the Youth programme can contact Yung D at V.O.T.Youth@gmail.com or 021-0235-3095.

Hannah excels at camp P12

Youth Week calendar P16-17

- © Fairfax NZ News