Croydon Youth Club Cultivates Future Rap Stars with TikTok Icon DJ AG
While Croydon's musical acclaim often centers on institutions like the BRIT School, celebrated for alumni such as Olivia Dean and RAYE, a grassroots youth club in Thornton Heath is quietly shaping the borough's next wave of homegrown talent. Legacy Youth Zone, located just minutes from these famed venues, has become a vital hub for young rappers and producers, recently gaining momentum with support from social media star DJ AG and newly appointed Music Ambassador DJ Semtex.
A Safe Space for Artistic Growth and Community
Last Saturday, February 21, Legacy Youth Zone welcomed DJ AG (real name Ashley Gordon) and DJ Semtex to witness firsthand the emerging skills of its members. The youth club offers a purpose-built music studio where individuals aged eight to 19—extending to 25 for those with additional needs—can write lyrics, produce beats, and record original tracks. Beyond music, Legacy provides sports facilities and educational programs, creating a comprehensive environment for personal development.
DJ AG expressed admiration for the participants, noting, "The talent is amazing, but more importantly I love how respectful they are. A lot of that is missing in society today." He emphasized their eagerness to learn, adding that if he lived in Croydon or nearby, he would enroll his own children in the program. This sentiment underscores the club's role in fostering not just artistic ability but also positive social values.
Industry Expertise Amplifying Young Voices
DJ Semtex, a longtime advocate for UK hip hop and host on Capital Xtra, was recently named Legacy's official Music Ambassador through support from Sony Music UK's Social Justice Fund. Reflecting on the youth club's impact, he stated, "100 per cent, the next generation of stars are already in the room. It is just about how we help them. The starting point is giving them the education and getting them on the platforms." His appointment aims to equip young artists with industry insights and networking opportunities crucial for success in a competitive field.
Semtex highlighted the lyrical prowess emerging from Thornton Heath, praising Legacy graduate MK's track 'Adam and Ryan' as "incredible storytelling that's on a par with the greatest storytellers in hip hop." He drew connections to local legends like Slick Rick, born in nearby Mitcham, and invited MK onto his Capital Xtra show to reach a national audience, demonstrating the tangible pathways Legacy creates for its members.
Personal Impact and Community Resilience
For regular attendees, Legacy's influence extends beyond musical training. Kyran, 17, shared, "When I'm bored, instead of going outside, doing foolishness or going to a party, I come here. It gives me a breath of fresh air. I can go on the drums, I can go in the studio and spend time with my friends who make music as well." Similarly, Lee, 14, noted that the space fosters both creativity and social connections, helping young people build friendships in a supportive setting.
Legacy's Chief Executive, Myke Catterall, stressed the urgency of their mission in light of local challenges. He explained, "We know that Croydon Council lost its youth provision last year, so that means we need to come together even more to support the young people who need us most." Citing statistics on poverty, food insecurity, and youth violence, Catterall emphasized that Legacy offers a safe haven where young individuals can access universal services and trusted adults, countering negative stereotypes about the borough.
A Model for Youth Empowerment
DJ AG, who has previously hosted popular outdoor sessions in Croydon, remarked on the area's unique community spirit, saying, "Croydon is a really different place. For me, it's not just about the performance—it's about the community." His involvement, alongside Semtex's mentorship, amplifies Legacy's efforts to nurture talent while addressing broader social needs. As youth services face cuts across the UK, initiatives like Legacy Youth Zone demonstrate how creative spaces can empower the next generation, proving that Croydon's musical legacy continues to thrive from the ground up.
