Tinchy Stryder today launches a scheme to bring artists, musicians and writers to London’s first new "Olympic legacy village" in Stratford.
The 27-year-old rapper, who grew up in Bow, is the first of a series of artists-in-residence in East Village, a community of 1,800 homes which was formerly the athletes’ accommodation near Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
He has worked with sixth-form students at Chobham Academy to compose a school anthem as the first arts project under the plan to create a cultural legacy for the residents of the new neighbourhood.
Stryder said: "I’m always willing to help in any way, to help the legacy. I definitely think you have to give back.
"The area I grew up in is just around the corner but when I was growing up in east London we didn’t really have much given to us in that way. I didn’t have many opportunities."
He said some musicians were stars who seemed "not reachable" but it was important for there to be figures who were real and hands-on.
The musician, who studied at the University of East London and recorded the official Olympic torch relay song with Dionne Bromfield, said the students he worked with at the performing arts academy showed real potential. "They were really cool. When I first walked in they were a bit shocked and I had to break the ice and make them feel comfortable," he said.
"But they were up for trying. Nobody held back. There was definitely some talent there."
Stryder, who is recording his fourth album, said he was "really proud" of the finished anthem which was receiving its first performance today.
