OUR TIMELINE
Since our inception, GTown Talents has evolved from a bold idea into a dynamic platform for young creators. We started with the vision of providing a professional environment where emerging artists could write, produce, and share their own music.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, our commitment deepened as we launched impactful projects—a thought-provoking rap for Ellenor Hospice to challenge societal taboos and a mental health drama to support those facing pandemic challenges. As we progressed, strategic collaborations with local schools, charities, and youth organizations helped transform our initiative into a vibrant community hub. Today, with over 12,000 followers and a reach of more than 150,000 young people in Kent, our timeline reflects a journey of growth, resilience, and unwavering dedication to empowering the next generation of voices.
2019
In 2019, GTown Talents set the stage for a transformative journey in youth empowerment through music. The year began with a bold idea—to create a professional space where young artists could write, produce, and share their own music. By March, the initiative had officially launched with engaging workshops that introduced participants to the basics of music production and recording.
As spring progressed, strategic partnerships with local schools and youth organizations helped shape tailored sessions, nurturing the creative spark in each participant. In July, the organization held its first public showcases, providing a platform for live performances and real-world experience. By September, GTown Talents expanded its digital presence, sharing behind-the-scenes footage and early demo recordings to connect with a broader audience. The year closed in November with a reflective review of these milestones, laying a solid foundation for future growth and innovative projects.
2020
In 2020, GTown Talents demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that young artists continued to have opportunities for creative expression and community engagement. As the pandemic imposed restrictions on in-person gatherings, the organization swiftly transitioned its workshops and sessions to virtual platforms, maintaining an essential support system for emerging talents.
During this period, GTown Talents embarked on significant projects that addressed pressing societal issues exacerbated by the pandemic. They produced a compelling rap in collaboration with Ellenor Hospice, aiming to raise awareness about sensitive topics and generate crucial funds for hospice care. Additionally, they developed a mental health drama to support individuals struggling with isolation and anxiety during the lockdown. These initiatives provided creative outlets for participants and fostered a sense of solidarity within the community.
2020 was a testament to GTown Talents’ dedication to empowering youth through music, exemplifying how adaptability and innovation can overcome adversity.
2021
In 2021, GTown Talents continued to empower young artists in Kent, adapting to ongoing challenges and seizing new opportunities for creative expression.
Early in the year, the organization addressed the mental health impact of prolonged lockdowns by producing “Lockdown Dreams,” a music video featuring aspiring rappers sharing messages of hope and solidarity. Supported by a £2,000 grant from the Postcode Community Trust, this project aimed to provide a creative outlet for youth and support their mental well-being.
As restrictions eased, GTown Talents organized live events to showcase local talent. In December, they hosted a performance at the Albion Rooms, highlighting young artists from Kent and providing them with a platform to reach broader audiences.
Additionally, GTown Talents participated in the Gravesham Fringe Festival with the “Made In Kent” event, featuring up-and-coming MCs and rap acts aged 18-26 from Maidstone, Dartford, Gravesend, and Medway. Performances took place across five locations in Gravesham, celebrating the region’s diverse musical talent.
Throughout 2021, GTown Talents demonstrated resilience and innovation, adapting to changing circumstances and continuing to provide valuable platforms for young artists in Kent.
2022
In 2022, GTown Talents continued to champion young artists in Kent, orchestrating events and collaborations that underscored the region’s vibrant urban music scene.
A highlight of the year was the GTown Talents Youth Concert 2022, a free event that welcomed families and friends to experience live performances spanning genres such as Afrobeats and hip hop. This concert provided a professional platform for emerging artists aged 18-27 from Kent and the South East to showcase their skills, reflecting the organization’s commitment to nurturing and promoting young talent.
In July, GTown Talents participated in IntraFest 2022, a vibrant music festival held in Chatham Intra. The festival featured concerts, workshops, DJs, and storytelling across various venues, championing local musicians and offering diverse cultural experiences to the community. GTown Talents’ involvement underscored its dedication to integrating with broader artistic movements and supporting regional festivals.
Throughout the year, the organization continued to strengthen community ties by collaborating with local entities to host workshops and performances. These partnerships facilitated cultural exchange and unity within Gravesham and beyond, aligning with GTown Talents’ mission to empower young individuals through creative expression.
2023
In 2023, GTown Talents marked a significant milestone with the inaugural GTown Fest, a free community festival held on September 16th at Gravesend Promenade. The event aimed to champion Kent’s urban music scene and promote cultural diversity by providing a platform for aspiring Hip-hop, R&B, rap, and Afrobeat artists. Hundreds of attendees gathered to witness performances from both local talents and renowned headliners. Notably, rapper Devlin, known for his collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Labrinth, and Backroad Gee, celebrated for his viral hit “Party Popper,” captivated the audience with their dynamic sets.
Beyond the musical performances, GTown Fest featured community stalls, food vendors, a VIP area, and a music industry panel, creating a holistic cultural experience for attendees. The festival’s success garnered widespread media coverage, including features in KentOnline and segments on BBC South East News, highlighting GTown Talents’ growing influence in the region’s cultural landscape.
Reflecting on the event, GTown Talents’ founder, Jimmy Babalola, expressed enthusiasm for the future, stating, “We will continue to grow and get bigger. This is the first of what is hoped to be an annual festival.”
The success of GTown Fest 2023 underscored GTown Talents’ commitment to nurturing young artists and fostering community engagement through the arts.
2024
The year 2024 marked an important chapter in GTown Talents’ journey of empowering young creatives across Kent. It was a year that balanced vibrant celebration with meaningful storytelling, showcasing the organisation’s ability to blend culture with community impact.
In June, GTown Talents took centre stage at the Gravesham Fringe Festival with their showcase event, Hip-Hop is Alive 2024. Hosted at Woodville Studios, the evening was designed to pay homage to recent hip-hop affairs and the genre’s enduring cultural influence. The showcase brought together 15 emerging artists, offering them the chance to share the stage with established professionals in a buzzing environment of music, energy, and connection. With performances curated to highlight the diversity of talent in Kent, and the atmosphere fuelled by DJ Cat under the lively hosting of Man Like Nells, the event embodied GTown Talents’ vision of creating inclusive platforms where new voices can be heard.
Beyond the stage, GTown Talents also invested their creativity into film and storytelling. The short drama “A Crisis in Kent” was completed in 2024, developed in collaboration with @mrandredwayne, @talentmediamatrix, and written by Samuel Mark. Rooted in the lived experiences of local young people, the film tackled the financial struggles that many continue to face in the aftermath of the pandemic. GTown Talents sought to make the story as realistic as possible, blending artistry with authenticity to reflect the challenges of youth in Kent. Its release was eagerly anticipated, signalling GTown’s growth into new mediums of expression while remaining committed to amplifying the issues most relevant to their community.
Taken together, these milestones reflect GTown Talents’ evolving identity. 2024 was not only a year of performance but also of reflection, a balance between celebrating the culture that inspires their work and addressing the social realities that shape their community. Through Hip-Hop is Alive 2024 and A Crisis in Kent, GTown Talents demonstrated once again that their mission is more than entertainment—it is about giving young people a platform to be seen, heard, and understood.
