Music students in Cardiff were left astounded last week when Ed Sheeran surprisingly showed up in Cardiff to launch his new foundation. Young people from Ministry of Life Education’s music programme even got to jam with the superstar during his visit to see what the alternative music provision programme, based at Eastmoors Youth Centre in Splott, is all about.
Former student and Cardiff rapper Junior, 21, who still visits MOL every week during their drop in sessions, said he “couldn’t believe it” when he saw Ed Sheeran at the youth centre. “We were told there would be a VIP guest but I wasn’t expecting someone that big. It took me back a bit.”
Ed spent some time with Junior, whose rap name is Kors, and listened to some of his music. “It’s such a big opportunity and I still feel a big buzz from it now,” he said.
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The megastar even asked MOL Director Zippy to keep playing Kors’ music after he tried to turn it down, worried that Ed was running short on time. After listening to Junior’s music and speaking with MOL directors Zippy and Tim Buckley about the importance of alternative music provision for those no longer involved in mainstream education, Ed then went into meet the class of around 40 who had been waiting for the special guest to make their appearance.
Student Jordanna Stevens, 21, said the room “went quiet” when Ed walked in. Ceridwen Cooper, 20, added: “I was so shocked when I found it was him.” For the latest Cardiff news, sign up to our newsletter here
“He went into the main room but I don’t think he was recognised instantly,” Tim laughed. “He’s a very unassuming guy – there’s no superstar or flash about him at all. He’s a very humble, down-to-earth guy.”
Ed watched another former student Jessika Kay perform a cover of one of his songs along with the MOL band, who had been keeping the rest of the class entertained while Eastmoors Youth Centre was on lockdown for the visit. Jessica then invited Ed up onto the stage and they performed Shape of You together.
Ed Sheeran performed Shape of You alongside former MOL student Jessica Kay and invited Kors to rap a verse -Credit:Ed Sheeran Foundation
Ed also spent some time at The Container during the visit, a shipper container that has been converted into a recording studio -Credit:Ed Sheeran Foundation
Ed then asked Kors to join them and rap some bars over the hit song. Kors said that it was a “crazy” opportunity, “It’s given me a lot of inspiration.” The Cardiff-born rapper attended MOL for a number of years and is now focusing on launching his music career, while working part-time as stage crew.
Zippy said that since the visit, Kors has been inspired to volunteer for MOL Education to help other young people in the city who also have a passion for music. Zippy said that the visit was “inspiring” to all the student and staff. “It gives us that rubber stamp to say that we are doing a good job. It’s given a real boost to all the staff and young people here,” he said.
After jamming with the students, Ed also spoke with the young people about how important it is to keep trying if music is something you’re passionate about. Tim said: “He was telling them that they shouldn’t let anybody say that they can’t do anything because it’s more of a mental block on their side than on your ability to do it. He also said that he’s learnt nothing from his success but everything from his failures and how important it is to get up and keep going.”
MOL began its journey in 2009 after Zippy, 41 and Tim, 49, who have been around music in the city for over 20 years, from producing to DJing and rapping decided to “give something back” to the community. There are currently over 70 students accessing the provision, which will now receive a boost after receiving funding from the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a UK-wide initiative committed to addressing inequalities in music education by supporting state schools and grassroots music organisations. The foundation is sponsoring MOL’s annual Cardiff Music Conference and will make the event “bigger and better” according to Zippy.
Ed with the MOL Education students -Credit:Ed Sheeran Foundation
As well as the funding, Zippy explained that it was just as important for Ed to come and see the project for himself, not only to inspire the students currently at MOL but also others in the city who may not have previously known that a provision like them existed. “We are so grateful to have been contacted by the ES Foundation and for them to offer support for our organisation.
“They asked us what we wanted and we said that for Ed to meet the young people would be more than any amount of money. They listened and low and behold he is here, jamming with our students. This means the world to us and it will inspire people for years to come. We will not forget this day in a hurry,” said Zippy.
Llantwit Fardre-based songwriter Amy Wadge – who co-wrote Grammy Award-winning Thinking Out Loud with Sheeran – also joined Ed on the visit, and promised to return to MOL to hold some song-writing sessions with the young people. Amy has also worked with Stormzy and 2022 Eurovision singer Sam Ryder – more on her, here.