Hey, how cool is that? We did a hip-hop workshop with rapper Rameen at the end of April and produced a song about Europe. In just one day! :))

You can find out how it came about here.

But first of all: The new RAP song "Europa Flow" is online!

Listen to it here and write us your comments and ideas about Europe.

First Time in History

For the first time in Germany's history, 16-year-olds are allowed to vote in the European elections! An absolute novelty! "What's in it for me?", "Nobody has informed us yet" - these were the questions and statements we were confronted with by young people in the run-up to the elections. 10 participants made their way to Würzburg. The two girls who wanted to come unfortunately fell ill or had to cancel.

Once the boys had arrived at the recording studio, greeted each other and felt comfortable, the first thing we did together was to choose the beat to which the planned song was to be rapped from a selection made in advance. We quickly came to an agreement. After a round of introductions, in which we also talked about what connects us to Europe in our lives so far, we thought about what Europe has to do with our everyday lives. That was quite a lot, even if you don't always realize it.

After an improv rap exercise on the beats, we put our own ideas into lines while the beats played in the background to get into the flow for the rhythm. Feedback rounds, in which the boys gave each other suggestions for improvement and encouraged each other, and also bonded with us, were interposed before the final major agreement was reached in order to arrange the lyrics and to work on the hook as the central message. (Hook: = refrain in rap)

Once the lyrics were finalized, they went into the recording studio one by one in front of the microphone, which Ali set up the microphone for each participant. While some of the participants worked in front of the microphone, the technicians among them joined Ali at the control desk to assist and learn from him during the recording.
Shorts and behind-the-scenes footage were shot throughout the day, which were subsequently used for social media and the production of the music video.

The result of the long and intensive day was a song for Europe, which clearly addresses both the opportunities and the problems, and which, in the hook, calls on everyone to participate in the European elections.

The diverse mix of participants was proud of what they had achieved in just one day. Afterwards, they networked in a WhatsApp group and want to continue their collaboration. A great achievement by all! Congratulations!

The workshop was a cooperation between the Institute for Political Education of the HSS and pics4peace e.V. for young people between 16 and 21 on the occasion of the European elections 2024.