Kamal Moulton – one of the young performers (Picture: LoveBuzz project)
Disadvantaged youngsters are being given the chance to put their music skills to the test thanks to an Islington charity.
The LoveBuzz project has helped launch the careers of troubled teens – including songwriter and producer Kainee Boi Set, 18, who now works with Florence and the Machine’s songwriter.
Professional singer Michael Warren, 47, founded the project five years ago. He says he was inspired to help young people after the tragic deaths of two family members when he was 20 years old, living on Wedmore Estate in Holloway.
His 18-year-old cousin was battered to death and – just one week later – another teenage relative killed himself.
“It had a profound effect on me – seeing something like that happen to  people I grew up with. They could have turned their lives around and gone on to have a future. It was such a waste of potential.
“I saw so many similar things happen to people on my estate. I found my escape in music and it drove me to want to help others to do the same.
“A lot of young people fall through the cracks – it’s a crime for that to happen and I want to help change that.”
Michael first met Kainee Boi Set three years ago after he saw a video of him rapping on YouTube and noticed he had “a natural instinct for music”.
“He was always in trouble and in and out of the courts. But I saw that he had potential. He has now made a good name for himself in the music industry – he’s written around 30 songs with Florence and the Machine’s songwriter,” he said.
The LoveBuzz project has also helped former young offender Kamal Moulton (pictured above), now 18, to set up his own production company.
Michael provides young musicians with access to a recording studio and one-to-one mentoring. He teaches his students to play instruments and master the recording software.
“Sometimes kids just need stability and to know someone is on their side. If you treat them with enough respect and trust it can build their confidence and self-belief.
“They may not end up launching a music career, but the project can provide them with a period of stability away from family problems and financial issues.
“I care about these young people and I want to help them do well.
I enjoy it – it doesn’t feel like work.”
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