Thamesmead Isis prisoners record album with Crofton Park musician

Dream Chaser was produced at Isis prison near Belmarsh by the Finding Rhythms charity, co-founded by Crofton Park musician Robin Harris. The project is aimed at helping prisoners to reform by improving their employability as well as musical skills. 

Mr Harris said: "The guys committed 100 per cent to the work. We took them on a journey through song writing and it gave them a large boost in self confidence."

Nine prisoners in their early to mid 20s contributed to the 11-track album, which consists mostly of hip hop and RnB music.

The charity took professional musicians and technicians into the prison for 11 weekly sessions.

One of those was bass player Oroh Angiama who grew up in Woolwich and has worked with the likes of Professor Green, Katie Melua, Sir Tom Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

He said: "It’s a way of giving back that isn’t commercial. The music and singing I heard is exemplary."

Some of the participants, several of whom come from south east London, hope to make careers in music when they get out, while others hope it will boost their chances of finding other work.  

By completing the course the inmates get a BTEC qualification in employability skills as well as a copy of the album. They will also receive mentoring when they leave prison.

One of them, Kolade, said: "Being involved in this has made me a better person in terms of thinking, grammar and structuring my sentences.  We’re learning skills to impact our lives in positive ways when we get out of prison."

The tracks cover topics such as the birth of a child, the problems of addiction and, in the case of 21-year-old Anton, from Woolwich, the breakup of a relationship.

He said: "It’s good for me mentally to prepare myself for when I do get out."

The prison houses young men who have committed offences such as burglary, robbery and even acts of violence that have led to the fatalities. 

But governor Grahame Hawkings denied the prisoners are being given an easy time or rewarded for their crimes by getting the chance to make an album with professionals. He said it is one of a number of activities available to the prisoners and is paid for by the charity.

He said: "You can’t play music without developing skills in team work, accommodating others and giving other people’s needs greater priority than yours. Those are skills transferable to life." 

The prison’s managing chaplain Mother Susie Simpson added: "Before I worked in prison I thought all prisoners were bad, wicked people, but they’re human beings and they are capable of redemption. Music is a great way to redemption."

The tracks can be heard at findingrhythms.bandcamp.com/

For a donation of £15 or more people will get a copy of the CD and the proceeds will be used to fund similar projects in prisons.