Labrinth donates his guitar to the amnesty
Singer-songwriter Labrinth visited Oxfam's shop on Marylebone High Street to donate his acoustic guitar to the Don't Stop The Music instrument amnesty.
Labrinth was at the store for the official launch of the amnesty. He is also set to appear in the second and final episode of the Don't Stop The Music TV series on Channel 4 (tomorrow night at 9pm), in which the London artist is shown performing in Basildon, Essex.
"We’re living in an age where you can virtually ‘play’ a guitar or the drums on your iPhone," he said. "It kind of exempts you from the real thing – actual instruments have lost their cool. Kids don’t understand how expressive playing an instrument is, especially as a live performer. That’s why it’s so important to get as many instruments into schools as possible – and why people need to donate!"
Labrinth was joined at the Oxfam shop by James Rhodes – the driving force behind the whole project. The classical pianist shared his gratitude for amnesty partners Oxfam and YodelDirect, saying: "Being able to partner with someone like Oxfam is just the most amazing opportunity. There are some 700 shops up and down the country where people can just fill out a quick form and drop in their instruments.
"YodelDirect will then take them to a warehouse, where they'll be cleaned and undergo minor repairs, if necessary, and then put into the hands of these kids. It’s brilliant. It’s a simple idea and it could really work!"
“We’re incredibly excited about the number of people signing up," said Yodel's Executive Chairman Dick Stead. "Every parcel we deliver is important to its recipient and that is especially the case with this initiative. Giving the gift of music can turn a life around and we are immensely proud to be a part of this wonderful opportunity. School isn’t just about English and maths, it’s allowing a child to reach their full potential – whatever that might be.”
Oxfam Shop Manager Martin Penny seconded his amnesty partner, adding: "All children like playing instruments and making noise, don’t they? Oxfam has always been heavily involved in music – we have a big music month coming up in October [with Oxjam], so this project is the perfect fit."
