BBC News, Birmingham
BBCJust half an hour after broadcasting live across the UK, a BBC radio presenter found himself in a dance studio at a Birmingham secondary school looking to inspire the next generation.
BBC Radio 1Xtra’s daytime presenter DJ Day Day travelled the four miles from the BBC’s Mailbox studios to Holy Trinity Catholic School in Small Heath to run a DJ workshop.
His visit was part of art teacher James Bennett’s Hip Hop Healing programme, where he uses hip-hop, art and dance to engage his students.
The young people are working on a series of performances, which will be presented to the rest of the school on the last day of term on Friday.
“I have a lot of younger people around me, my nephews, my nieces, not necessarily academically smart, but I can see the potential within them,” said DJ Day Day.
“And some kids, they learn in different ways. Music is definitely something they can learn from.
“And when I was in school, I did a DJ workshop and I guess that was the beginning for me, so I could be that person for somebody here today.”
Asked if he could be seen as a role model, DJ Day Day said the thought made him “feel good”.
“It’s important to have role models and somebody to look up to,” he said.
“I’m from Birmingham so it’s important for me to come up and try to inspire.
“We are in an age where you don’t necessarily need to be a doctor or a lawyer or traditional things. You can be a DJ or a radio presenter and still do well for yourself.
“If I’m able to encourage people to get into the creative fields, that’s my main objective.”
