2018-11-30 10:17:43
A talented rapper with learning disabilities from Leeds is preparing to release his third album after embarking on an inspiring music career.
Supported by Hft, Famara has gone from strength to strength after being discovered by dedicated support worker David Rees, who heard him rapping in his bedroom in 2013. David and Famara realised they had a mutual love of hip-hop, with Famara dreaming of releasing and selling an album of his own. The pair initially started working on a music video for Famara’s song, followed by another video which was filmed on location in London and Leeds.
David observed how Famara thrived and grew in confidence during the creation of his first videos, leading to them starting work on his first album. The pair used copyright free songs found online and recorded vocals on top. This album was released in 2016, with Famara’s second album, this time containing all of his own music, released mid-2017.
Describing the pair as being ‘lucky to have been in the same place at the same time’, David says that he and Famara work closely together. He describes their work as a ‘constant project that’s always growing’, with Famara creating lyrics and part-time musician David taking care of production. They’ve recently been working on Famara’s third album, which will be available to stream on leading streaming services including Spotify early next year.
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After the release of his first two albums, Famara has enjoyed significant success locally, including air-play and interviews on local radio stations. Despite the cold weather, the musician has recently started busking in Leeds city centre and has received a warm reception, with fellow music fans stopping for a chat and to pick up a CD.
Famara has a background in care and uses his music as a form of therapy after a difficult upbringing. His Hft support workers have observed how music has brought him out of his shell and provided him with a vital creative outlet, as well as inspiring Famara to take up reading and writing lessons, which they say he’s already making strong progress with.
Famara said:
“I am very proud of what I have achieved with my music and that I can share it with other people. Music is my way of expressing myself and helps me to deal with things that bother me. David has become my friend and has really helped me to get the best out of me and has been a big support for me. David has helped me to create music albums and get my music out there.”
Monday 3 December marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with this year’s theme focusing on empowering people with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.
Support worker David Rees says this is a fitting time to reflect on Famara’s progress and achievements:
“Music has given Famara the tools to be who he wants to be and his musical achievements show that people with disabilities can do whatever they want to do. Famara is a huge inspiration to me – what he’s achieved and overcome is amazing. There’s no stopping him now.”
Famara has been supported by Hft for over five years. The charity supports almost 80 people in Leeds, including supporting people with learning disabilities to live independently in their own homes, providing employment services to help people develop skills and experience for work and helping people to pursue hobbies, make new friends and get involved in their local communities.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
Location: Hft Leeds
