Correspondent, BBC Midlands
BBCAntony Baker was 15 when he was given his first DJ decks. He’d bury himself in his bedroom most nights.
It was an experience that helped to focus his mind on something creative and, he admits, it kept him out of trouble.
The 39-year-old is now a gigging DJ across the Midlands under the moniker MISTA Baker and proudly runs a weekly DJ school on Birmingham’s Bromford estate.
By day, he’s a railway worker, by night he’s helping teenagers mix beats for the first time.
“When I first started, I had to learn with vinyl, now that was hard”, the DJ said.
“Now, I’m helping kids make music digitally, they can write music, learn an instrument, how to DJ and upload their performance on YouTube… and they’re not on the streets bored.”
Dozens of youngsters attend the Thursday session at The Hub on Bromford Drive, funded by the charity Worth Unlimited which has been a mainstay on the Firs and Bromford estates, and credited with reducing social isolation for local families.
Kobie, 14, said he had always loved music and hopes other children would have the opportunity to make tracks.
“Playing the piano and drums makes me feel good. Antony is an MC and he’s done a lot for us, helping us on the decks and bringing in new beats”.
“You get to express yourself in your own way and people adjust their skills to come together.”
Another attendee, Amy, has produced a song called Neverland, getting help to improve her vocals at the DJ school.
“I’m going to start posting on my YouTube channel… I love singing.
“It unites people but only people that want to make a change can make a change”.
“I hope it gives me opportunities in a career when I’m older”.
Reis, 16, is at college doing carpentry and has been learning guitar at the weekly session.
“When I play it, all my worries go away. If I’ve had a bad day it just takes the edge off…it’s something you can take your anger out on and just make noise”.
Tonight, Snoop Dogg blasts from the speakers – accompanied by the enthusiastic young musicians – and it can be heard across the shopping precinct on Bromford Drive.
It is a sound of creativity, not to mention joy, for these teenagers, some who have struggled to find a place to socialise.
“To see their leap in confidence is so rewarding”, says MISTA Baker.
“I just want to reach as many people in the area as I possibly can – I’ve even been out posting leaflets telling families that we are here and they can drop by any time.”
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