I'm giving my support to a performance by Ctrl.Alt.Shift, in association with Sadler's Wells, which is presenting five young contemporary dance companies from the UK and Africa, tackling issues surrounding HIV through dance and movement.
I'm used to making music, and have been doing so since I was in school. Being given the opportunity to collaborate with another creative body isn't something I was sure I'd be into, but when I saw Tinchy Stryder taking part in a protest, I was impressed. I'm happy for my music to be used for young people to help make a difference. What they're doing is using music from Boy Better Know (my label), Mike Skinner, Mystery Jets and Goldielocks, for street dancers to explore the issues around HIV. It's with Sadler's Wells, the country's leading dance venue, and Ctrl.Alt.Shift, Britain's first user-generated initiative, which aims to engage with issues of global development, so it's something of a first. The big day is tomorrow at the Peacock Theatre, with performances from hip-hop dancers and musicians. I think it's important for as many of you to come and see the show as possible, but if you can't make it visit and sign up to Ctrl.Alt.Shift. I definitely believe that artists, like myself, can have a big influence on young people and I think if more of us get the opportunity we should get as involved. The more artists that get involved with projects like this, the more young people will want to get involved with issues directly affecting the world we live in.
I'm aware that in this day and age my words and actions as an artist can be more powerful at times than any type of authority figure. But once we all start to realise and work together, we could come up with a powerful movement. It's about time the good that young people do becomes recognised, youths are discriminated against rather shown for what they truly are - our future. The more we invest in and respect them, the better integrated with society they'll be. Lend your support by signing up to Ctrl.Alt.Shift and by coming to the show.
• Hear more from JME at www.boybetterknow.com