Listen to this article:In recent years, bingo operators have been working hard to attract a younger audience by running special events and themed nights. While they have been largely successful, bingo’s reputation as a game for pensioners lingers and puts many people off trying it for themselves.
However, recently, help arrived from unexpected quarters when two rappers were seen at the Mecca Bingo hall in Dagenham as part of a new YouTube series that aims to break down stereotypes.
Players at the bingo club were astonished to see the award-winning musicians Barney Artist and Guvna B arrive at the venue. The two were there for the filming of their new series Rappers Try Things, which sees the pair take on activities that you would not normally associate with rappers. Bingo was the first challenge in the series, and the full episode can be viewed on YouTube or here:
These two aren’t the only ones enjoying a round of bingo. Last month, we shared the news about footballer Harry Maguire spotted playing bingo at Haven Holiday Park.
Upon arrival at the bingo club, the rappers were greeted by the assistant managers Peter Houston and Charlotte Craythorne Allan, who explained how things work. Guvna B, who is also known to be an avid West Ham fan and who regularly works with his cousin, the actress Michaela Coel, said that they knew it was going to be a “great night” from the moment they arrived.
Speaking about the experience afterwards, he said:
“It was such a fun environment and there was a strong sense of community. The bingo itself was a lot more of an adrenaline rush than we anticipated but thoroughly enjoyable. Special thanks to the staff, the regulars and everyone else that made our first ever bingo experience a great one.”
Unsurprisingly, assistant manager Houston judged the evening to be a great success:
“It was great to welcome Barney and Guvna into our club and show them what a great value, fun night out bingo can be. They joined us for a traditional bingo session and immediately made friends with some of our regulars. We can’t wait to have them back for one of our special event nights.”
Following rappers’ night at the bingo, they have gone on to try a wide range of activities, including butchery, fishing, chess, ballet, pottery, afternoon tea, stretch therapy, and non-league football. All the videos are available to watch free of charge on YouTube.
Guvna B has a hugely varied CV. He is a rapper, author, and broadcaster from London who was raised in Custom House by Ghanaian parents. In the past he has spoken of how he used his upbringing as a driving force to inspire others. As a rapper, Guvna B has released 10 albums and has been recognised with a number of MOBO and Urban Music Awards. His lyrics are built upon the idea of faith and positivity with the aim of challenging negative stereotypes.
When not recording music, Guvna B is also a football pundit and a familiar face on TV and radio, having worked on the BBC. Furthermore, he is an advocate for underprivileged youth who often speaks in schools and uses his platform to address issues facing young people today.
His partner in the series, Barney Artist, is another East Londoner. Barney blends 90s boom-bap hip-hop with jazz influences to create a distinctive sound influenced by acts such as A Tribe Called Quest. He was raised in a single-parent household in Forest Gate and used his music to reflect on his experiences with love, loss, and religion. His confessional style is known for appealing to fans as he explores his journey of growth and self-discovery. While he may not yet be as successful as Guvna B, Barney has already gathered millions of streams across various platforms and looks set to become a major presence in the UK hip-hop scene.
It is not often that the worlds of bingo and rap collide, but following their experience at Mecca Bingo Dagenham, there is every chance that the pair may be inspired to try their luck at online bingo.
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