A new documentary about the emergence of grime music from a subculture to international success has been commissioned by BBC Three. ‘Grime Kids’ will be a six-part drama and air in 2022. It will be produced by BAFTA-nominated and BIFA-winning writer Theresa Ikoko and it was inspired by DJ Target’s book with the same name.
Speaking of the documentary, writer Theresa Ikoko said: “I’m really excited to be part of bringing this show to life. I hope it celebrates and cements the contribution of young people across the country to British history, art and culture.” DJ Target added: “I’m beyond excited for this story to be brought to life on screen. It’s a real testament to how far UK music has come over the years, which is something that needs to be celebrated. Working with Theresa Ikoko and the mighty Mammoth Screen is a real honour, and I can’t wait for everybody to see this.”
‘Grime Kids’ will focus on the beginnings and the rise of a fictional group of British young adults in the late 90s, inspired by real life and events. The documentary will follow the extraordinary story of how grime music was a means of having their voices heard for young people in housing estates and how it eventually became a global phenomenon.
DJ Target, the co-music lead at BBC Radio 1Xtra, and former member of grime crew Roll Deep in which former members include successful solo artists Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Stryder, released his book ‘Grime Kids’ in 2018. The book has very personal touches from DJ Target, reflecting on his own experiences growing up surrounded by grime music and culture as a young adult and the documentary will draw upon these unique insights.
Target expressed his excitement on Instagram: “I wrote this book to celebrate and document the journey of UK music over the last 20 plus years. I’ve been lucky enough to be there first hand to witness the growth and evolution since I first heard Jungle as a school kid, then Garage, Grime, all the way to the present day. I NEVER expected it to be picked up by one of the biggest TV productions companies.”
More information, including a release date, is yet to be announced.
