Jamie Archer
X Factor finalist Jamie 'Afro' Archer and his band Archer today announced the release of their debut single Insanity.
Jamie Archer and his band are also touring the country this month to meet with disadvantaged young people from communities hit by the summer riots.
Jamie is visiting young people at Prince’s Trust centres in Hackney, Kennington, Birmingham and Salford where he will perform Insanity. The single is raising funds to support The Prince’s Trust UK City Riots Appeal which will help disadvantaged young people from riot-torn communities.
Insanity was written by Jamie Archer in response to the riots, particularly around London where the band grew up. The video for the single highlights the devastation caused in London and features Maurice Reeves, whose 144 year old furniture store was razed to the ground.
The UK City Riots Appeal was launched by HRH The Prince of Wales in August 2011 in the aftermath of the riots. The Prince’s Trust announced that it would increase support for young people across five of the areas hardest hit, including Manchester, Birmingham and the London communities of Hackney, Tottenham and Croydon.
The Trust is committing a £2.5 million investment in these areas, giving disadvantaged young people positive opportunities to keep their live on track.
The Prince’s Trust’s latest Youth Index report* finds that the impact of the riots during August 2011 is still being felt nationwide, with 47 per cent of all young people believing that the riots have made life even harder for the worst off.
Two thirds (66 per cent) of young people think that the events had a negative impact on the prospects of young people in the affected areas.
Martina Milburn, chief executive of youth charity The Prince’s Trust says: "The Prince’s Trust is extremely grateful for Jamie’s support and his energy and passion will inspire young people living in riot-torn communities.
"Money raised for The Trust’s City Riots Appeal will help young people into jobs, education and training - and ultimately change young lives."
Jamie Archer says: "‘Insanity’ was written in response to the riots. The fact that sections of society are prepared to destroy their own cities is just beyond comprehension and that’s what the track was written about.
As a band it is important for us to write tracks that are engaging and thought provoking. I hope that by donating the proceeds of ‘Insanity’ to The Prince’s Trust UK City Riots Appeal I am giving the young people in affected communities a chance to make a difference and to improve their lives."