NextGen Spotlight: Fyah Kamp

You started the music platform Fyah Kamp to create positive change in Coventry’s community of young creatives. Where did the idea to create the platform come from?

In Coventry, talent was on the rise, but so was the crime rate. My generation had a story to share and creative energy which had no home, our community needed a space to gather to tell our stories and confide in one another, so we built a space where our elders used to gather - Fyah Kamp. 

Fyah Kamp has had such an impact – what have been some of the biggest highlights so far?

Give thanks, it has been a journey and it is true when they say the journey is the best part. Highlights upon highlights but it would be smart to say CELB3RATION where we spent an evening with all of the creatives we have worked with reminiscing on our achievements and giving awards to our creatives that have achieved so much. It is key to CEL3BRATE the journey and the milestones we make along the way. 

You received a NextGen Fund grant to create the ‘LIB3RATE’ EP, which collaborated with six other artists to shine a light on the struggles of young people in today’s society. How did receiving the grant help bring your vision for the EP to life?

The NextGen Fund mobilised us, it helped creatives take that step up to the next level of working on a high quality production. It brought around new opportunities such as working on a larger video shoot & spending hours upon hours in the studio purely just for songwriting. For everyone involved executing this project was the start of a new chapter and since we have saw great progression in not only our own career but also the creatives we worked with!

The project inspired others in your community and beyond. How do you think LIB3RATE has shifted perceptions of what’s possible for young artists in Coventry?

LIB3RATE, one word that can mean many things depending on your situation and how you perceive the word. Why it is spelt with a 3 instead of an E? What does LIB3RATE mean? How do I LIB3RATE myself from this current situation? We witnessed the launch of LIB3RATE shift perceptions in various ways, LIBERATION from what feels like a creative suffocation in the city of Coventry, LIBERATION from the issues faced in society, LIBERATION of the mind. The point is the music comes with a strong message in a unique style, which moved people in ways that are unique to them. Our main takeaway is that it’s a story that must continue. 

You’ve spoken about how the ‘LIB3RATE’ project helped you to break through a “glass ceiling.” What advice would you give to other young people feeling stuck or lacking resources?

Keep pushing, reach out to people in your community and ask how you can take the next steps, it may be going to a networking event which doesn’t feel like progress but that could unlock a door to finding out about a funding application that can bring your creative vision to life. There is no manual to the creative industry but remain consistent and don’t be afraid to ask for advice!

What does the future hold for LIB3RATE? How do you envision it continuing to grow?

Our audiences will see an international remix of LIBERATION being released in the near future! Followed by a series where we will begin exploring the minds of creatives One Mind At A Time ;) 

Live events are a big focus for you. How are you using performances to expand the reach and impact of LIB3RATE?

Live performances bring music to life, listening digitally is convenient and brings so much joy. But bringing LIBERATION into rooms with like-minded people has seen the artists connect with all ages and bring the positive message live, allowing us to make organic connections and most importantly lasting memories for all. 

As you step into artist management and new creative ventures, what excites you most about helping other artists succeed?

Being able to share an artists story, is powerful. In a world full of possibility and advanced technology, there has been such a growth in both communication and information, there are so many stories to be told and so much the next generation need educating about, stories that should be passed down creatively as that is how our ancestors would share their messages. It is important we document what is happening right now and what better way than doing it in style. 

Lastly, how can people get involved with or support Fyah Kamp and your mission?

Reach out, reach out & reach out - fyahkamp@gmail.com we want to support your creative works and if we can’t we will sure know someone who can! 

Connect with Fyah Kamp:

Instagram: @fyahkamp

TikTok: @fyahkamp

Find out more about the Youth Music NextGen Fund here.

The Youth Music NextGen Fund has been made possible thanks to our principal partners the Players of People’s Postcode Lottery and support from PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited). We are also grateful for our vital support from the National Lottery via Arts Council England.