MOBO award-winning grime artists Krept and Konan have been celebrating the success of their pioneering project to inspire and support Croydon pupils with ambitions in music.

The duo launched Positive Directions Foundation with the backing of Croydon Council last November at Krept's old secondary school, Harris Academy South Norwood.

Pupils from Year 9 and Year 10 were offered an array of workshops in music production, engineering and songwriting, all taught by industry professionals as well as personal friends of Krept and Konan. Kritikal, who is responsible for all of their musical artwork, shared his knowledge in a range of graphic design workshops.

At the closing event for the project this week, students involved showcased their work to council leaders, parents, carers and other guests. The event was attended by Krept and Konan, who presented the students with certificates with extra gifts for the highest performers during the project.

The Positive Direction Foundation now plans to expand the programme to other Croydon secondary schools.

Former Thornton Heath resident Konan said: “We always wanted to give something back to the community where we grew up and we are in a position now to help and offer others opportunities that we wished we had – it’s a good thing to do.

"We felt it was key to get people involved who are actually helping us in the industry right now and break down some doors for these young people – it’s been really good and I hope the young people are happy.”

Harris Academy South Norwood's executive principal Nick Soar said: "Our school has a long heritage of providing innovative ways of teaching and of excellence in the creative and performing arts since our founding in 1907. We are proud to have been able to work with two of our alumni who have done so well. Krept and Konan bring a sense of vitality and imagination to their music and our pupils loved working with them. Krept and Konan have really engaged with what our pupils need and the programme has had a lasting effect.”