The host of The Traitors discovered how “beats and rhymes can build confidence and change young lives” during a visit to AudioActive, a National Lottery-funded project in Brighton.
The project, founded in 1999, aims to “make music accessible to all young people, regardless of background”. It offers free sessions in music production and genres ranging from grime to jazz for young people aged 12–25 from across Sussex.
Over the years, AudioActive has supported the early journeys of several well-known artists including Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander-Sule of Rizzle Kicks, Rag’n’Bone Man, Celeste, and ArrDee.
Claudia Winkleman visited as part of her role as The National Lottery’s Ambassador-in-Chief, shining a spotlight on the extraordinary good that happens in communities every week because of National Lottery players.
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She was joined by Bradley, a National Lottery player from South London who works in a children’s home and runs a music studio. He was eager to see how National Lottery funding supports grassroots music projects like AudioActive and soon joined in, rapping alongside the young artists.
Claudia began her visit listening to rising star Lilly Wolfe. Before long, she was taking part in a Cypher – a group session where a DJ plays music while young artists rap, sing or perform spoken word before passing the microphone to the next person.
She said: “Spending time with AudioActive was completely joyful. The talent and community spirit that this group supports is something I’ll never forget.
“I’m so delighted to be part of this National Lottery campaign because everything you see here, the joy, the confidence, the sense of belonging, is only possible because of you, the National Lottery players. Your support genuinely changes lives.”
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This isn’t the first time Winkleman’s work has brought her to Brighton.
In July 2024, the former Strictly host was photographed at Brighton Station, filming The Piano.
Michelle Hunter, AudioActive’s Director of Programmes and Operations, said: “Claudia’s visit created huge excitement. There were lots of selfies at the end of the Cypher. Claudia was warm, generous with her time, and the young people absolutely loved having her there.
“Nurturing future stars is only one part of AudioActive’s work. Alongside its open-access sessions, the charity offers one-to-one mentoring to children and young people who may be at risk of serious violence or navigating difficult circumstances.”
“Lyric writing, singing or rapping is cathartic – it gives young people a way to express what’s happening in their lives. If you really want to understand a moment in history, listen to the music. It’s written by the people, for the people.”
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