- Words Miriam Balanescu
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Mahalia and Ivor-Novello-nominated rapper Kojey Radical are the latest to join Dr. Martens’ 'Tough As You' initiative.
Paving the way for the next generation of music-makers, beloved footwear brand Dr. Martens has enlisted Mahalia and Kojey Radical for their latest Tough As You initiative. The Europe-spanning programme will encompass mentoring for underrepresented artists, collectives, and grassroots organisations, with one-to-one industry guidance, financial aid and wider support on offer.
Mahalia and Kojey Radical will join Kelvyn Colt and Serious Klein who are working from Germany, and Luidji and Claire Laffut in France. Each will take on two mentees for the duration of the year-long programme, setting their sights on opening up the music industry to marginalised groups and improving creative access. The Tough As You initiative includes a pledge to support 12 projects over the course of one year. These projects aim to involve local communities in the fight for change.
This is not Dr. Martens’ first campaign for change in music culture: the brand has enabled Liverpool radio station Melodic Distraction to secure permanent studio space, worked with producer Batu to set up a community music studio in Bristol, and supported The Black Curriculum in publishing Nova Twins’ ‘Voices For the Unheard’ album – all in the past year. It seems these boots aren’t just made for walking.
More information can be found on the Dr. Martens website.