A refugee-turned-rapper has teamed up with a renowned school of fine art to give young people from the bush a chance to kickstart careers in filmmaking.
The McGregor School in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, is part of the University of Southern Queensland and is known for Australia’s longest-running visual arts workshops.
It has a reputation for teaching traditional techniques like ceramics, charcoal portraiture and printmaking.
McGregor School students produce works of art that are exhibited at the university. (Supplied: McGregor School)
But this year, students produced something different: a professional music video for 24-year-old Moses Quoibia, better known as rapper Youngmoze.
Rapping from early age
Quoibia and his family fled war-torn Liberia in West Africa when he was just seven years old.
Moses Quoibia was in high school when he released his first song as Youngmoze. (Supplied: Moses Quoibia)
“We are refugees,” he said.
“There was war back in my country, and I think we came here because of that. It took me a little bit of time to adjust, but really, we adjusted pretty well.”
By high school, he had released his first single.
“It was just more of a track to dance to. It didn’t have much meaning to it,” he said.
Positive message
Now, his music focuses on positivity and personal growth.
“All these influencers, all these rappers, the things they’re putting out, I feel like it’s not good for you.
“If I’m going to share my talent with the world, I want it to be good content. Encouraging stuff. About life. About being a better version of yourself.”
Youngmoze’s song Enter The Game is about working hard to “level up” and achieve your dreams. (Supplied: Rare Squid Creative)
That message struck a chord with Paddy Long, co-founder of Toowoomba multimedia company Rare Squid Creative.
Along with Joshua Willson, Mr Long had previously been brought in to run the McGregor School’s film workshop, and to help find talent for the project.
He jumped on Instagram and found the perfect artist in Youngmoze.
“He was local, very talented, clearly charismatic and has a lot of stage presence which makes it easier,”
Mr Long said.
“The idea was to attract a younger demographic, and we absolutely have.”
A clash of worlds
Five high school students from all over the region signed up to take the workshop — some from private schools, some from flexi-programs and others from out bush.
“It was a really eclectic group of kids with a passion for doing this,” Mr Long said.
“To have kids from totally different walks of life and have them all contribute to one vision and collaborate — it’s beautiful.”
Youngmoze teamed up with five high school students to make his latest music video. (Supplied: Rare Squid Creative)
From the bush to the rap scene
One of the students was 17-year-old Kiera Cousen.
“I grew up on a 3,000-acre farm,” she said.
“We do cattle and crops. I’m one of four siblings and went to Pittsworth State School.
“Films [are] not really funded where I’m from. It’s not as important as other subjects.”
Kiera wasn’t a rap fan and admitted she was nervous going into the week-long workshop.
Kiera Cousen jumped at the opportunity to work with industry-standard equipment. (ABC Southern Queensland: Dan McCray)
“I’d never associated with anything like it,” she said.
“But then I met Youngmoze and listened to the song. It was like, ‘Oh, he’s actually a vibe’.“
The experience left a lasting impact. Kiera is now studying for a degree in film and screen at the University of Southern Queensland.
“I definitely feel more confident,” she said.
“It encouraged me to be braver and more excited for it all. I just want to absorb everything I can and see where it takes me.”
The cost of rapping
McGregor School coordinator Johanna Guerin said Kiera’s story showed the value of engaging with young people, but admitted cost could be a barrier.
Dr Guerin successfully applied for a grant through the not-for-profit Flying Arts Alliance to make the program cheaper for aspiring filmmakers.
Johanna Guerin applied for grants to help younger people afford the workshops. (ABC Southern Queensland: Dan McCray)
“We used that funding to lower the price point and offer scholarships for young adults,” Dr Guerin said.
“The cost of living is affecting everyone, young and old, and we recognise that.”
The school also received support from the local council and a theatre group.
For Youngmoze, who is used to inspiring others through his music, it was a new experience.
“When I watched it on the TV, I felt like I was performing live,” he said.
“I just started imagining all this stuff, you know, just getting ideas, feeling inspired.”