Youth worker launches new bus for music project educating kids on knife crime

A youth worker has launched a new bus helping gang members swap a life of crime for the music business after his first double-decker was torched by vandals.

Justin Finlayson, 40, started the project United Borders after James Owusu-Agyekum, 22, was shot and killed across the street from Mr Finlayson’s mother’s house in Harlesden in 2016.

He launched the project the following year in a refurbished London bus, offering mentoring, music therapy, music production experience and education about knife crime.

Last April the bus was set on fire after being parked overnight in Hatfield Heath, Essex.

Mr Finlayson, a former bus driver and music producer, appealed for help and this week will re-launch in a double-decker donated by Merian Global Investors.

It is kitted out with recording equipment provided by Sonos Soundwaves, a youth music education initiative.

The project, which has two members of staff in addition to Mr Finlayson, is backed by rapper-poet Akala and will tour London, starting in Brent. Mr Finlayson said his family had inspired him.

Last January, his son, then 21, was stabbed and nearly died but he has learned to walk again. “I learned a lot from him in terms of perseverance,” Mr Finlayson said.

He also praised the private sector involvement, saying it showed what opportunities were possible “when companies are not too risk-averse”.

United Borders partnered with Sonos as part of the company's social impact programme, Sonos Soundwaves, which launched last year.

The partnership will enable to project to continue delivering quality studio production, music therapy workshops, well-being activities, knife safety classes and mentoring for vulnerable young people.

Soundwaves has committed financial funding, product donations and employee volunteers, with the bigger aim of delivering 100,000 hours of music education to young people around the world.

Shakira Payne, Communications and Sustainability for Sonos UK, said: “We’re excited to bring our passion for music education to life with Sonos Soundwaves. We know music has the power to transform lives and dramatically improve creativity and academic performance.

“Music can be an effective way to further young people’s capabilities, connecting them to opportunities that inspire ambitions and closes achievement gaps in the UK. We’re thrilled to partner with United Borders in helping us achieve the greater goal of supporting the next generation of creators and innovators to thrive."