Chiedu Oraka

Yorkshire-based rapper Chiedu Oraka mixes conscientious poetry with lively grime beats. Alongside his musical endeavors, Oraka has made a name for himself as a social activist, regularly supporting and engaging with various projects around his hometown of Hull. Born in Hull, East Yorkshire but of proud Nigerian descent, Oraka was raised on a council estate in a Christian household, listening to a mix of reggae, Fela Kuti, and R&B. He was one of the few minorities in the area, leading him to befriend people of different cultures, creating what he referred to as a misfit gang. He was involved with petty crime, such as shoplifting, and unfortunately landed a short stint in jail after a fight, begun in self-defense, went too far. Despite being a minor troublemaker, he wasn't deterred from pursuing education and eventually ending up at Lincoln University. He started teaching after he graduated, first as a sports tutor at a Pupil Referral Unit and later joining the pastoral team at a school in East Hull. As a teacher, he took great pride in keeping younger generations on the right path. His trajectory led to his interest in social issues, in particular his advocacy for the people of Hull and their often-overlooked problems.