Determined to shake off the tragic memories of the past, Harvey Augusto is a man on a mission.
The 21-year-old musician was keen for someone to nominate his garage act LDN Connection for an Arts Champion award.
And over a dozen people have since written in to push for Harvey and his seven-strong group to be awarded for a Croydon Champion award.
The Homesdale Road resident was clearly excited when we spoke to him as LDN Connection were set to perform in Sheffield. Harvey said it is only the first step in helping to strengthen Croydon's reputation.
He said: “Growing up, we all had to deal with all kinds of dangerous crime on the streets – you realise it's just not worth it.
“We want the violence to stop and we got this group together a year ago to promote a message of happiness and unity.”
LDN Connection was formed a year ago and Harvey's determination to succeed is influenced heavily by the murder of Harvey's close friend Oliver Kingonzila, who was stabbed to death in a Croydon bar last September.
“Oliver was a close friend of mine and it was a very sad time where we all had to support one another.
“We have to stand up and be counted if we want things to change for the better.”
The group's music is a multi-lingual effort which brings together different languages such as English, French and Portuguese – a deliberate attempt to show that music can transcend culture and language to become a unifying force.
While Harvey admits it is difficult to fit in regular group practice sessions while holding down a job, he maintains that the experience has brought him closer together with his school friends and their ambition continues to drive them forward.
And with such passion and enthusiasm behind his music, it is not hard to imagine that this exuberant community champion will eventually be all over our radio stations promoting his message of hope.
“This summer is the best time for us to give it everything we've got.
“Hopefully in five years time our message will have become so strong that we can represent Croydon to the whole world.”
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