To celebrate our new nationwide schools partnership, we are working with celebrated performance poet Duke Al and music producer MAK on a bespoke piece of new content.
This unique piece of work underlines The Paul Canoville Foundation’s commitment to developing initiatives that not only help develop children and young people, but provide paid opportunities for practitioners from a diverse range of communities.
Our exciting new video will debut at the education partner launch on Friday 5th July across four schools — Nuneaton Academy, Hartshill Academy, George Eliot Academy and Heath Lane Academy – more details about that special day will follow in the coming weeks.
Who is Duke Al?
Duke Al is a published poet, spoken word artist, hip hop artist and creative practitioner.
Writing rhymes is Duke Al’s therapy. From a young age, Duke Al would scribble raps and poems in his old lyric book. It was his way of expressing himself; an escapism to challenge his OCD. A passion of words, flow and rhyme flared.
After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 23, the pen was there to help him understand and articulate how he felt. Now he aims to make an impactful change using one rhyme at a time. He is the author of ‘Bittersweet: The Highs, The Lows, Hypers and Hypos of Living with Type 1 Diabetes’.
You can find Duke Al’s recent published work on Cardiff Rugby, Creative Cardiff, Cardiff Metropolitan University ‘Graduation’ and ‘Move More Cardiff’ initiative, TNT Sports ‘Sport in Words’ for Black History Month on Sir Lewis Hamilton, BBC Wales, BBC Scrum V for The Six Nations.
To learn more about his work please follow him on Instagram and X @dukealdurham.
Duke Al photos courtesy of Chillee Noir @photoswithnoir
Who is MAK?
MKFWI (aka Mak) is a music producer and songwriter who has had successes with his work being championed by BBC Introducing South East.
Mak’s production can be heard mainly as part of the band Solomon’s Garden, and through this has been awarded the prestigious ‘Record of the Week’ title on two separate singles.
Mak has also had his production featured on Emmy Award-nominated web series Pillow Talk.
Keep in touch with MAK on Instagram @mkfwitheproducer
