In today’s uncertain world, young people often face a difficult choice: stay unseen or be heard. Youth spaces offer a vital third option—safe, creative environments where identity, ambition, and culture come to life.
Across the UK, these spaces continue to shape the national music scene, even while funding cuts threaten their survival.
Introducing ‘The Centre’
To spotlight the value of youth spaces, Spotify partnered with Mentivity to produce a powerful short film, The Centre.
Directed by Adeyemi Michael, the film captures how youth clubs have shaped UK music. It also highlights the real-life impact these spaces have on the lives of young artists.
Featuring talents like Young T & Bugsey, Ms Banks, Femi Koleoso (Ezra Collective), and Novelist, the documentary shows how youth centres helped launch their careers.
Mentivity House: A Space Reclaimed
At the heart of this initiative is Mentivity House, located in Peckham, Southeast London.
Founded by Sayce Holmes-Lewis, the space stands as a symbol of resilience. It reclaims community ground for youth development. As Holmes-Lewis puts it,
“Mentivity House is an example of how we reclaim our block.”
Here, young people find support, structure, and inspiration—all within a safe and nurturing space.
The Decline of Youth Spaces
Despite their value, youth spaces in the UK are disappearing. Since 2010, over 750 centres have closed—mostly due to government funding cuts.
This loss has left many young people without places to explore music, build friendships, or access mentorship.
A Spotify-commissioned survey reveals that:
- 70% of young people say youth clubs support creative talent
- 77% believe these spaces are essential for personal growth
Clearly, the demand still exists.
Fueling Cultural Movements
Youth spaces have long nurtured creative breakthroughs. Genres like grime and UK drill owe much of their rise to youth centres.
Take Young T & Bugsey as an example. The duo met at 15 and began making music at a local youth club. Today, they’ve racked up over 850 million streams on Spotify.
These spaces offer more than music lessons. They’re platforms where stories are shared, identities are affirmed, and communities are built.
Looking Ahead: What Needs to Happen
To keep youth spaces alive, investment is crucial. Spotify’s partnership with Youth Music is one such example.
This collaboration aims to fund grassroots youth centres at risk of closure. It ensures young creatives continue to access vital tools, training, and mentorship.
Conclusion
Youth spaces aren’t just buildings. They are cultural lifelines.
As The Centre film makes clear, these hubs have shaped the journeys of many of today’s top artists. With the right support, they’ll continue nurturing the next generation of musical talent.
Let’s not wait until more doors close. It’s time to champion youth spaces—for creativity, for community, and for the future of UK music.
https://insidesuccessmagazine.com/category/opinion
Zita Salum, a British, Tanzanian journalist with a London heart, is making waves in the world of media. Born and Raised in Hackney London, she discovered her passion for storytelling at a young age. Her journey began as an admin for the Inside Success magazine, but her talent quickly shone through. Zita's ability to craft compelling narratives and her knack for capturing the essence of a story led her to become an editor for the magazine.
From there, her career soared. Zita has contributed to a diverse range of publications, including the prestigious W magazine, showcasing her versatility as a writer. Her expertise spans across industries such as music, corporate, political, sports, arts, and fashion. Beyond her written work, Zita has also excelled in broadcast journalism. Her natural ability to connect with interviewees and her engaging hosting style have made her a sought-after talent in the industry.
In her free time, Zita is a dedicated networker, attending industry events and immersing herself in the latest trends. She is also passionate about investigative journalism and has produced creative documentaries that shed light on important issues. With her talent, drive, and unwavering commitment to her craft, Zita Salum is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of journalism.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.