Supporting new voices: How PPL Giving helps Baby People empower emerging female artists

Baby People is not your typical music school. Founded in Derby by music producers Baby J and Rukus, this organisation focuses on using hip-hop, music, culture and the arts as powerful tools for expression.

For over 20 years, Baby People has created opportunities for music creators of Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds, providing them with the resources, platforms and skills they need to build careers in the music industry.

Known as the UK’s first dedicated hip-hop school, Baby People offer workshops in music production, lyric writing, breakdance, graffiti art and more, all led by experts who work in the field. This hands-on approach has opened doors for many artists to showcase their talent and reach new audiences.

Baby People has had many successful artists and staff members who are working within the industry, releasing music albums and art pieces and performing live across the UK. As a nonprofit organisation, Baby People also delivers community evening sessions across Derby to provide young people with music making and art opportunities.

Recognised by the voluntary sector, Baby People was awarded as the winner of the Arts, Culture and Heritage award at the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE Awards) 2024.

Unifying Melodies – a new project supported by PPL Giving

Earlier this year, Baby People launched a new initiative with support from PPL Giving, our annual £1 million programme designed to support organisations which champion and develop the musical performer community. Called Unifying Melodies, this 12-month, female-led project aims to support emerging artists from disadvantaged communities and minority backgrounds, primarily in the East Midlands.

PPL’s Member Relations Coordinator Esther Bolaji (far-left) with the Baby People team and some of their participants.

The project selected six participants, providing them with individual mentoring, studio time and group training sessions tailored to their needs.

Baby People recruited artists through social media, cultural networks and word-of-mouth. The applications they received were far higher than previous programmes, which traditionally had low numbers of female applicants. Here’s a closer look at some of the artists involved:

• Bonnie: An R&B singer from Derby. Began the programme with limited experience and confidence but was making progress before stepping away for personal reasons.
• Audioills (formerly EMZ): A DJ/producer specialising in drum and bass. Audioills is back and has released three singles from her debut EP, ‘TRab’. The EP aims to raise awareness around her health challenges.
• N.E.V.E: An R&B singer-songwriter and mother of two. She’s been performing live for five years and is finalising her first single for release later this year.
• L.V.T: A rapper and singer with Zimbabwean roots from Leicester. She has released three singles so far this year (‘How Could You’, ‘100^th Time’ and ‘Changes 2’) and is still refining her sound and working with new producers to create a new EP.
• Davina Songbird: An artist blending neo-soul, jazz and spoken word. She has been writing since 2022 and and has just released her debut three-part spoken word piece, ‘Still Soaring’.
• Lily Blu: A folk-pop singer-songwriter from Derby. Lily has recorded several tracks at home and is now re-recording them in the studio to improve their production quality. Lily has some forthcoming singles ready to be released early 2025.

What the programme involves

Each artist benefits from monthly one-on-one mentoring and planning sessions, weekly studio sessions, and group training that includes:

• Creative mentoring and marketing consultations
• Music production guidance
• Songwriting and neuro-performance workshops
• Training on distribution platforms, streaming data, and monetisation options
• Group studio sessions focused on collaboration across different genres

Artistic Director Rukus with participant Lily

This combination of individual and group support has given participants a mix of technical and creative skills, as well as peer support and collaboration opportunities. Baby People’s staff include UK champion breakdancers, producers and songwriters, who bring industry experience and connections invaluable for the artists.

Next steps for Unifying Melodies

The Unifying Melodies participants are working toward releasing their own music, with several set to launch singles or EPs by the end of the year. A group project is also in development, with plans to release a collaborative ‘Unifying Melodies’ EP or single showcasing each artist’s style.

Why supporting female artists matters

Rukus, Baby People’s Artistic Director and Ambassador, shared his thoughts on the project: “PPL’s support and generosity has meant that Baby People can help develop and support six emerging female artists, some who may never have accessed this level of support before.

“Supporting female artists is essential for a more inclusive music industry. This project celebrates their talent and inspires future generations to pursue their musical dreams. We are stronger when we unify our melodies.”

Baby People’s Unifying Melodies project shows that with the right support, up and coming artists from diverse backgrounds can develop their voices, share their stories, and strengthen the Midlands’ music scene. Through programmes like this, PPL Giving continues its commitment to ensuring an inclusive and vibrant music community.

For more information on how PPL Giving supports organisations like Baby People, visit our PPL Giving page.