Leicester rapper, engineer and producer Lloyd Luther says he is looking forward to joining the De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) event ‘Black Men on the Couch’ tonight, to encourage more people to open up about their emotions.
The free event, which is open to the public as well as students and staff, is designed to start discussions around mental health to help combat stigma, particularly among Black men.
Lloyd graduated from DMU with a degree in Music Technology and first made his name with the track Drugs on Tap, which featured on the critically-acclaimed Netflix show Top Boy.
Since then, it has racked up more than 7.7 million listens on Spotify and an accompanying video, filmed on the streets of Leicester, has had more than 2.4 million views on YouTube.
He is due to release a new album in spring next year after being chosen for the Power Up scheme by PRS for Music Foundation.
As well as Lloyd, panellists include DMU’s Professor of Public Health and Social Determinants Ivan Browne, DMU Pro-Chancellor and founder of award-winning brand Micro Fresh, Byron Dixon OBE, Mel Thomas QPM, a Positive Action Officer for Leicestershire Police, DJ and producer Deano Presto and DMU Pro-Chancellor, barrister and alumnus Jamal Jeffers.
The event takes place at DMU in the Hugh Aston Building tonight (Wednesday 6 November) from 5pm to 8.30pm.
Lloyd said: “It is important to talk. I believe that young black men are automatically seen as strong and do not often have that space to talk about their struggles without being vilified.
“There will be Black men of all ages on the couch talking to the audience so young people can see that people of all generations are able to come together and be united in talking about emotions.
“Everyone should come along and listen and contribute but I would encourage young Black men to be there to see a conversation that is about them and is part of them.
“I want to say it is okay for us to be a kaleidoscope of emotions and be eclectic in what we are feeling.
“We are multi-dimensional people rather than confirming to a stereotype.”
Lloyd says he faced challenges when growing up in Leicester that means he can empathise with younger people now.
He explained: “In the past, life was a lot different for me compared to what it is now. We got involved in stuff because we felt we had to be strong. You might not trust people, might not talk to people, and might not connect with people because everything is about keeping up an image of not being weak.
“Eventually, that approach to life affects your wellbeing.”
Lloyd is looking forward to sharing his experiences and telling his stories as it will be an opportunity for many people to see another side to him.
He said: “Sometimes I feel that, being a rapper, the only time people hear my voice is on a track.
“But the people who know me also know I have a lot to say outside of music. It is a great opportunity to say what my thoughts and opinions are on other things and maybe help other people, covering subjects I have not covered in my music…yet!”
Black Men on the Couch was founded by psychotherapist Rotimi Akinsete and has seen him set up a series of events across the UK over the last 10 years to openly discuss mental health.
For tickets, visit: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/about-dmu/events/events-calendar/2024/november/bhm24-black-men-on-the-couch.aspx
