ETAT here we come

Artist Shepherd Manyika worked with members of ETAT (Encouragement Through Arts And Talking) a Westminster based community group, to develop lyrics in response to their ideas of what hip-hop is. The workshops resulted in the production of a 8 track vinyl EP.

In 2019, INIVA hosted the launch of Manyika’s project Here We Come, The Release Party (2019).  The sound work involved Manyika working with the Westminster based community group ETAT (Encouragement Through the Arts and Talking) to respond to preconceived notions of hip-hop. Collectively they produced incredible tracks of spoken word and rap – combining inspiration from drill to wartime classics, recorded in an eight track vinyl EP. This LP became part of the Stuart Hall Library Collection in 2019, made possible by funding from #MyWestminster. He has also produced a special limited edition print, based on Here We Come, The Release Party (2019). 

Manyika has led workshops at Earlsmead Primary School in 2019 that were inspired by the model of Iniva Creative Learning’s integrated art and art therapy programme: ArtLab. Supported by therapist Anna Sikorska, the workshops focused on supporting a small group of children in developing their emotional and relational skills whilst providing space for individual creativity. Increasing confidence and broadening horizons were central to the workshop goals and the children were introduced to a wide range of art and artists.

The workshops were made possible in collaboration with Iniva's education programme and through funding from My Westminster.