The Princess Royal was presented with an unexpected opportunity to learn the art of rap during a recent investiture ceremony at St James's Palace, but gracefully declined the offer. The moment occurred as Bhishma Asare, a 34-year-old English teacher and founder of the innovative Rap Therapy programme, was honoured with an MBE for his outstanding services to education and mental health awareness.
A Creative Approach to Youth Support
Mr Asare, who teaches at the Royal Russell School in Croydon and has long been involved in rap music, established Rap Therapy as a means to empower young people through creative expression. The programme encourages participants to write lyrics about specific emotions, helping them to decipher and articulate their feelings in a positive manner. During his conversation with the Princess Royal, Mr Asare explained this process and extended an invitation for her to join a rap session.
"I was explaining the process and saying that we get children to write about a specific emotion, to explicitly mention that emotion so they can decipher those feelings," Mr Asare recounted. "Then I said to her 'maybe I could teach you to rap?' She said she used to sing and that is about it. She kind of declined and said her time is up."
Breaking Stigmas and Building Skills
Rap Therapy operates under clear guidelines: no swearing, no cussing, and no degrading of anyone's race, religion, or gender. This structured approach aims to break the stigma often associated with rap music, transforming it into a tool for constructive communication. Mr Asare emphasised that rap, which stands for rhythm and poetry, is a popular and powerful genre that many young people enjoy but may not have been taught how to use effectively for self-expression.
The programme has demonstrated significant impact, with children experiencing high levels of anxiety coming out of their shells and others learning to channel anger productively. Workshops focus on improving communication, teamwork, and listening skills, which participants can apply both in and out of the classroom. Additionally, a mentoring scheme allows students to discuss sensitive issues with mentors who share similar backgrounds, fostering a safe space for openness.
A Mission to Prevent Social Tragedies
Mr Asare's work is driven by a profound mission: to help prevent social tragedies such as mental health crises, incarceration, gang involvement, or even loss of life. He formed Rap Therapy in response to the vulnerability many young people face, particularly in communities where youth clubs have closed and refuge options are limited.
"The overall mission is to help prevent social tragedies – things like ending up in mental health institutes, in prisons, not having the right outlets for expressions or even ending up dead sometimes, or in gangs," he stated. Since its inception in 2018, the programme has sought to grow and reach as many children as possible, with the MBE honour seen as a recognition not just for Mr Asare, but for the entire community he serves.
He added that the award opens doors to important discussions in spaces that might otherwise be inaccessible, especially in deprived communities. This honour underscores the value of innovative educational approaches in addressing critical issues like mental health and youth development.
