Przemysław Kaca - a man with a big heart
For many people, hip-hop culture and the associated rap music is the embodiment of the worst in society. It turns out, however, that there are people trying to get the best out of this music genre. This is the idea behind Przemysław Kacy from Słupsk - the initiator of the idea of "Hip-Hop Second Chance".
"You can't leave the world as it is"
These words were spoken by Janusz Korczak. Przemysław Kaca took them to himself. He followed the needs of his heart and decided to make the world a little better. Even if it is supposed to affect the lives of only a few people. This is why he began to help people who are cared for in care and educational institutions. He was also inspired by the broadly understood hip-hop culture. He noticed that rap music related to it speaks strongly to the consciousness of young people. This is why he decided to use this genre, because as it turns out - rap is not only about complaining about your fate. There are many artists who try to smuggle much higher values in their texts, talk about their experiences and even describe reality in a poetic way.
A few questions for Przemysław Kacy
What made you start helping people?
I treat it as an unconditional reflex. It takes a heart. Following Janusz Korczak, "you must not leave the world as it is".
Why hip-hop and why rehabilitation?
I actually started listening to hip-hop in my first year of college, previously I was indifferent to it. As a volunteer in a care and educational facility, I learned how important a place this music genre has in the place of young people. I heard songs by many Polish rappers in the rooms. I must admit that many of these texts did not convey a positive message. It was then that I decided that I should "search around". Polish hip-hop and look for these rappers and find them those pieces that talk about friendship, love, loyalty, patriotism or respect for other people. And so the machine started (smile).
During my studies, I wrote my thesis on the role of hip-hop in shaping the attitudes and behavior of young people at risk of social maladjustment. The diploma thesis turned into a popular science publication, which was published by the Novae Res publishing house on December 11, 2014, i.e. on my birthday (smile). The book is still available at Interncie's mail order bookstores.
Hip-hop is very authentic and real to me, it connects people. Sometimes it is a raft for lonely people flowing through life and for lost people. He can get rid of stimulants, revealing a better tomorrow. It is a way to express your opinion, it can often turn out to be an appeal to the public. Sometimes it is brutal, but let us notice that the world around it is also often brutal. I perceive it as a voice of rebellion and protest against the existing reality, against stereotypes and against materialism. To be clear, I'm talking about real hip-hop with values, not about the urge to have money and material goods.
The issue of rehabilitation? Currently, I am not a supporter of this word.
Since when have you been running the action "Hip-hop as a second chance in rehabilitation"?
Hip-Hop Druga Szansa - these activities have been carried out for over five years. As I mentioned before, from the moment I noticed how important hip-hop is in the lives of young people. I believe that this is a kind of mission of adults who should become familiar with this culture in order to enter the world of young people, more and more often 9-10-year-old children who start listening to hip-hop songs. In many cases, it is necessary to direct the audience, show a constructive message. By closing your ears to hip-hop, you will not be able to enter into dialogue with a young listener. You won't be able to help him. You need to open the latch to the door of the young man's vestibule, in which hip-hop is located.
The effect of the project "REACT and RESPECT", carried out together with the Provincial Pedagogical Library in Słupsk, photo: Facebook "Hip-Hop Second Chance"
Przemysław Kaca - a man with a big heart-How many people do you currently have?
I wouldn't treat it that way (smile). I work with a few young guys who make rap. Currently, there are six of them, the most persistent. The guys have some idea for free time, so why shouldn't I support them. There are also two guys, adult bulls in total, who draw great. One teenager deals with editing and graphics. Strength in a pile (laughs)!
Read about Polish rappers in Norway
How many people have passed through your project?
More than 20 young people from Słupsk and the Słupsk poviat actively representing hip-hop culture were involved in the project: rap, brekadance, graffiti, bmx, drawing, beatbox. In addition, about 25 people regularly participate in organized meetings and workshops. I do not count here the recipients of educational and preventive meetings in schools.
What effects do you notice as a result of your actions?
First of all, regaining faith in their abilities and skills by young people. Some of them have just started to discover their potential and this diamond is still polished today. The young man begins to notice his strengths, his self-esteem increases, he looks at the other person with empathy and respect, he begins to engage in charity actions and volunteering - this is the sweetest fruit of activities.
Tell me a little about "Hip-hop as a second chance in rehabilitation". What actions have you taken, what have been achieved and what are you going to do?
We will act, as Jurek Owsiak says, until the end of the world and one day longer. Much more work to do. You can't change the world by yourself, you can't fix it. But it is enough for each of us to help a few people around us, and this world becomes better. Let us not close our eyes to the suffering of others. Each person has a potential to be perceived, each of us has strengths.
Many constructive activities have been undertaken as part of the Hip-Hop Druga Szansa project. We have carried out two large series of educational and preventive meetings in schools and rehabilitation centers in the Pomeranian Voivodeship (nearly 50 meetings in nearly 30 institutions). Meetings were also held in the Wielkopolskie, Zachodniopomorskie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie voivodeships. This year, the third edition of HIP-HOP Bakcyl is planned, we will again visit students of junior high schools, high schools and social rehabilitation centers.
The official logo of "Hip-Hop Second Chance", photo: Facebook "Hip-Hop Second Chance"
Over 10 meetings with rappers from all over Poland took place in Słupsk. We also managed to make an interview with Gural in the boxing ring ("12 rounds with donGURALesko"), during which the rapper answered questions from the youth. We also made 3 music videos with the participation of young people: "Nasza Pasja" - EndRiu x StaChu, "Muszkieterowie Szpiku" - EndRiu feat. Dj Zel, Patrycja Woszczyna and "Łap Ster" - EndRiu feat. Ewelina Bogucka. On our YouTube channel you can listen to more songs from the project. As part of the project, it was also possible to release a physical CD entitled "Per aspera ad astra" by the Słupsk rapper EndRiu.
We also carried out several graffiti campaigns, during which young people, under the watchful eye of a graffiti artist, painted works in the city space. We touched on the topic of counteracting violence, children's rights and preventing the use of legal highs. It is important to act for youth with youth. We cannot be teachers who dictate. I would like to reach the largest possible group of young people with my message.
Przemysław Kaca - a man with a big heart-What other social actions do you take part in?
A group of volunteers Every Good Heart of Słupsk, whose activities I coordinate, promotes the Korczak idea of children's rights in the society. For years, we have been organizing numerous events for the local community (eg Children's Day, St. Nicholas' Day), involving young people in volunteering. In addition, in cooperation with the owners of Słupsk premises, we organize collections of school supplies for the charges of foster care. We also organize graffiti workshops for young people, the result of which are murals in the urban space.
Last year, together with my friend Seweryn, I founded an informal group called Słupscy Korczakowcy. We conducted a series of Oxford debates on children's rights in upper secondary schools in Słupsk. This year, together with the EC Representation in Poland, we organized the XNUMXst Festival of Children's Rights in Słupsk. As Irena Sendlerowa used to say, "everyone who drowns should be given a hand."
Are there people who support you in any way?
The whole lot (smile). Over the years of working for the good of others, I have met many creative and willing to help people. It is impossible to list them all. Together with a group of friends and close acquaintances, we create a group of volunteers and organize numerous activities for the local community. I receive support from many people who run their own businesses, e.g. owners of premises and pubs, drone recording company. Representatives of sports clubs and non-governmental organizations, as well as representatives of hip-hop culture, show great support in the activities undertaken. At this point, I would like to thank Marta Nizio and the Bashesh team from the bottom of my heart for their fruitful cooperation for several years. It was thanks to Marta and the rappers' willingness to meet young people - Kali, Paluch, KęKę, Słoń and Shellerini visited us several times. Noise for Bashesh! In addition, donGURALesko and Zeus also extended a helping hand.
The greatest support comes from my closest people, from my fiancée and friends - for which I thank them with all my heart.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Many people inspire me, a special place among them is occupied by: Janusz Korczak, Jakub Błaszczykowski and Marek Michalak. They are all friends of children and young people, respect the rights of the child and say firmly NO to violence against children. A very important place among "inspirations" is occupied by Radom rapper KęKa - Piotrek has made a huge change in recent years, he has become a mature man responsible for his loved ones, which he talks about in his songs. In addition, Piotrek regularly visits young people in care, education and rehabilitation centers, he has also auctioned gold and platinum records for the benefit of the youth from Słupsk. It motivates me every day. Never over the limit, consistently a step forward.
Rapper Kęka during the project meeting, photo: Instagram "Hip-Hop Second Chance"
Przemysław Kaca - a man with a big heart. Would you like to say something to the Norwegian Polish community?
I invite you to familiarize yourself with the idea of our educational and preventive project HIP-HOP Druga Szansa: Facebook / Hip Hop Second Chance and Instagram/ hip_hop_druga_szansa
I am open to cooperation, we can do more together!
