Pearly Queens to Grime MCs was a participatory heritage project that explored how migration shaped the language, music and culture of East London over the past century. Through interviews with local residents, we documented the lived experiences, traditions and linguistic evolution that have defined the region—from Cockney rhyming slang and Music Hall to the rise of Grime and Drill MCs. The project was directed by Robin Lockhart and funded by Newham Heritage Month.

At its core, the project empowered young people to connect with their cultural roots, using their own social and artistic expressions as a lens to explore and celebrate heritage. Participants conducted oral history interviews with cultural figures, historians, and community elders, capturing stories that revealed the rich interplay of migration, identity, and creativity in East London. These personal narratives were then woven into a co-created digital archive, featuring audio recordings, short films, sound works and performance art.

Beyond research and documentation, Pearly Queens to Grime MCs was about ownership and expression. Young people from schools, colleges and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) across Hackney, Newham, Waltham Forest and Tower Hamlets collaborated to produce original creative works inspired by their findings. The project culminated in a showcase event at the University of East London, Docklands, where participants shared their films, performances and research with the wider community.

By bridging generations and cultures, the project demonstrated how East London’s ever-evolving linguistic and musical landscape continues to influence the wider world. Pearly Queens to Grime MCs provided a unique platform for young people to take agency over their heritage, ensuring that the voices and stories of East London’s communities remain heard, celebrated and preserved for future generations.