Reprezent Radio, a station that has helped launch the careers of young musicians and broadcasters including Stormzy, Maya Jama and Jamz Supernova, has issued a plea for funding to ensure its survival. The station, which was visited by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018, has been hit by a lack of funding and is seeking to raise £50,000 ($69,000) to keep itself running. Reprezent has called on donors to help support its training and mentoring programmes as part of its efforts to become a registered charity. Although some private funders have already pledged support, pandemic backlogs have caused delays in the charity registration process.
Reprezent has raised more than half of its target so far, with established broadcasters such as Annie Mac and organisations including Youth Music supporting its campaign. CEO of Youth Music, Matt Griffiths, has highlighted that Reprezent is one of many diverse projects that are struggling due to a crisis in grassroots music. Griffiths stressed that funding cuts would deny young creatives the opportunity to break into the industry, foreclosing the possibility of greater diversity and inclusivity in music. Annie Mac has described the Chester-based radio station as an essential learning and growth pathway for young people in the industry, and urged supporters to back the campaign.
If Reprezent becomes a registered charity, it would have access to additional support and funding. Its campaign to secure approval has been held back by pandemic delays, which has heightened the urgency of the station’s fundraising appeal. Those interested in supporting the cause can donate on Reprezent’s fundraising page
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