Each of the young people wrote a line expressing their thoughts and feelings about the failure of community leaders to listen to what they have to say, the lack of opportunities available to them and their cultural identity. They were joined together into verses and recorded on to a CD at the Winterbourne Youth Centre in Thornton Heath.
The CD was produced with the help of Catherine Pestano, from Croydon Intercultural Singing Project, and music industry professionals including Croydon singer/songwriter Lorraine Cato and DJ and producer JD aka Dready from the So Solid Crew.
The project also gave young Asians the chance to experience song writing and see the technical side to producing a track, which many would never have the opportunity to do. The finished song was presented and played at Croydon's Community Network Meeting in front of key decision makers and stakeholders.
The Song - Who Am I? What am I?
[FIRST VERSE]
It’s just my identity, it’s who I am
No matter what you say, you don’t understand
Look to the future, leave the past behind
Whatever you’re feeling it’s all in your mind.
What am I? Who am I? Which box do I tick?
Hindu, Muslim, British, Asian, Sikh.
Does it even matter, does it make you sick?
[CHORUS]
I’m only 17 but my mind is much, much older
All I want is opportunities, to make me go so much further
I don’t think that I get what I truly deserve,
No longer ignored, just wanna be heard
People my age aint speaking out
Voices need to be heard
Yo! Desi’s shout……….
[SECOND VERSE]
It’s just my identity, it’s who I am
No matter what you say, you don’t understand
Look to the future, leave the past behind
Whatever you’re feeling it’s all in your mind.
What am I? Who am I? Do I own a cornershop?
Actually I own half the street.
Does it even matter? What’s it mean to you?
We have to make our own living too
I aint getting no job from you.
[CHORUS]
[POEM]
Doors need to be opened for people like us
Coz we’re feeling neglected and we’re ready to cuss.
We’re having forums, discussions and debates.
But you’re not listening; it’s turning like the states.
Two million march and you still don’t hear
Open your ears or you won’t have a salary next year.
Listen to it, think about it, don’t make haste
We’ll still be here coz this is our place.
[LAST VERSE]
It’s just my identity, it’s who I am
No matter what you say, you don’t understand
Look to the future, leave the past behind
Whatever you’re feeling it’s all in your mind.
What am I? Who am I? Doctor, accountant or engineer
Or a member of the Taliban?
What have you given me? No career.
The doors are closed, we have to bang them down.
There’s no way you can hold us down.