Joy Crookes captures the beauty of diversity on “London Mine”
Joy Crookes' “London Mine” is a celebration of city life. Growing up as a child of four in Elephant and Castle, the young artist has been shaped by her environment, creating music which recognises the importance of migrant communities in Britain.
An ode to her cultural heritage, “London Mine” is a celebration of Joy Crookes’ home as well as her Irish and Bangladeshi roots. The accompanying visuals are an intimate collection of portraits, candid snapshots of London’s multi-culturalism and idiosyncrasies.
“The song celebrates the invisible people and how London belongs to no one but everyone,” Crookes explains. “It’s a celebration of immigrants who make up this country.”
Her soft R&B melodies and soulful lyrical inflections encompass the social and political dichotomies of living in the metropolis. It’s impossible to ignore the devastating effects of gentrification; the public hostility towards immigrants who call this bold, beautiful city their home.
Set against the glittering skyline, every street corner holds its own identity, a colourful patchwork of dialects and cultures. Joy makes the anonymous city feel comforting and familiar – a tender portrayal of London’s inherent diversity.
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