#WESTLDNSTANDTALL Charity Event For Grenfell Tower Victims.

“The Government don’t really care, but as a community us man have come together…”

On the 14th June 2017 a devastating fire destroyed a residential tower block in West London, changing the lives of those affected forever. In one of London’s richest boroughs, Kensington and Chelsea, decisions were made to forego safety systems that  would have saved lives. The stark contrast between the rich and the poor in the Capital is an issue that was finally brought to the attention of many, after the tragedy that took place. It took the current Prime Minister Theresa May days to visit the site, and even when she did, she only met with firefighters and none of the newly homeless. Two youths, Seshie [@mriamnext] and Cosmo [@cosmotivation], decided that they would organise a charity event in order to help the victims, and unite the youth in a time of anger and frustration.

As soon as the flyer for the event was released, people were eager to get involved and do all they could to help. Whether it was performing or helping to collect donations, youths from all corners of London wanted to show love and support. A day before the event was going to take place the venue (Notting Hill Arts Centre) dropped out, citing that the venue would be too small for an event that had gained so much publicity. But this was a minor set back to two Londoners that wanted to support those affected. The event therefore took place in a West London skatepark, Meanwhile Gardens. 

“When everyone comes together, big things happen…we all made this happen.”

Musicians from all over London came to show support and love, and give what they could to a community that had been so deeply affected by a tragedy that shouldn’t have happened. DJs Jamo Beatz and p-rallel got the vibe going, as the crowd in the park kept on growing, playing everything from hip-hop to bashment to grime. There were performances from Finn Foxell, Lava La Rue, Central Cee, Pharoah, Crits, Society of Alumni, Life, E.Mak, Cosmo, Shizz McNaughty, Jammin MC, Snowy Danger, Big Zuu, House of Pharaohs, Macca Wiles, Swoosh and many more. Lethal Bizzle came out to do a surprise performance, doing tracks ‘Pow’ and ‘I Win’, whilst AJ Tracey, Santan Dave and Mike Skinner came to support.

“Imagine making it out, but you lost your kid…”

The atmosphere was amazing and the performances were fantastic, with Big Zuu’s A cappella of his ‘Grenfell Tower Tribute’ standing out in particular. His video already has over 170,000 views on YouTube; if you haven’t seen it already, then go and watch it now. The way the community came together that day to show love and support to the victims of the Grenfell Tower block fire, was an amazing thing to witness. In a time where postcode wars still exist, the fact that the youth were able to unite in the face of tragedy is highly commendable, and an achievement that everybody who was involved should be extremely proud of.

#WESTLDNSTANDTALL

@mriamnext

@iamnextplatform

@cosmotivation

http://bit.ly/2tsD2Wr