Rap Workshops Offer Emotional Outlet for Youth in Custody

Turquoise Prince Launches Rap Workshops at Youth Justice Centre

Teon Lolesio, performing as Turquoise Prince, has initiated rap workshops at the Riverina Youth Justice Centre in Wagga Wagga. The program, which began last year, aims to provide young people in custody with an emotional outlet and a means of creative expression. Lolesio stated that rap music can help individuals channel and regulate emotions, and that the workshops seek to demonstrate alternative life paths.

"Rap music can help individuals channel and regulate emotions, and...the workshops seek to demonstrate alternative life paths."

Program Aims: Expression and Emotional Regulation

Ian Robertson, assistant manager at the centre, highlighted the importance of programs that resonate with young people in detention. He noted that creative expression offers a necessary outlet for exploring feelings. Lolesio observed that many participants had not been taught healthy emotion management skills and that rap provides a positive focus for their energy.

Creative expression offers a necessary outlet for exploring feelings, providing a positive focus for energy.

Addressing Recidivism: A Component of Broader Strategy

According to New South Wales government data from 2023-24, nearly half of young people in the youth justice system reoffended within 12 months of release. Robertson clarified that the rap program is not presented as a complete solution to youth recidivism but is viewed as a component of a broader strategy. He noted that participation in the program can lead to contemplation and motivation for change among the youth.

The rap program is not a complete solution to youth recidivism but a component of a broader strategy, fostering contemplation and motivation for change.

Rap Music: Addressing Misconceptions and Trauma

Rap music has faced criticism due to perceived associations with crime, exemplified by a ban at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2023 following a stabbing incident. However, Jioji Ravulo, a Professor of Social Work and Policy Studies at the University of Sydney, stated there is no evidence linking rap, drill, or similar genres to social crime. Ravulo added that rap often reflects the realities of marginalized individuals, providing a platform for their experiences, which can be confronting to some.

"There is no evidence linking rap, drill, or similar genres to social crime. Rap often reflects the realities of marginalized individuals, providing a platform for their experiences."

Emma Colvin, a Law and Criminology Professor at Charles Sturt University, noted that many young people in custody have experienced trauma. She emphasized that effective programs should address trauma, manage its effects, and engage with young people who have experienced it. Colvin stated that the goal should be for individuals to leave custody better equipped to contribute positively to the community.

"Effective programs should address trauma, manage its effects, and engage with young people who have experienced it, with the goal for individuals to leave custody better equipped to contribute positively to the community."

Looking Ahead: Expanding Positive Pathways

Lolesio expressed intentions to expand the workshops to other juvenile correctional facilities. He emphasized the importance of equipping young people with tools to navigate life positively, noting that participants often become relaxed and engaged by the end of a session.

Equipping young people with tools to navigate life positively is paramount, as participants often become relaxed and engaged by the end of a session.