Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Shaybo join the Grounded Sounds family!
Grounded Sounds is proud to announce the appointment of award-winning artist Leigh-Anne Pinnock and British-Nigerian rapper Shaybo as its newest patrons.
Our new patrons will support our music programmes for young people in South London. Both appointments follow their continued support and involvement with our work at Grounded Sounds, which has been hugely inspiring to the young people we work with.
Leigh-Anne is an award-winning artist, changemaker, and fierce advocate for equality whose journey through music has inspired millions around the world. Rising to global fame as a member of Little Mix, she has used her platform not only to break records but also to break down barriers. Now, a patron of Grounded Sounds, Leigh-Anne brings her passion, voice, and vision to champion the next generation of talent. Her unwavering belief in the power of music to heal, empower, and unite makes her the perfect guide and role model for young creatives everywhere. Grounded Sounds is honoured to welcome her as part of our mission to make music accessible to all.
Leigh-Anne has and continues to support and champion our summer holiday music programme The Bridge, both by visiting in-person to support and inspire participants, and with generous funding from her charitable foundation The Black Fund.
Shaybo is a groundbreaking British-Nigerian rapper whose raw lyricism, powerful voice, and unapologetic presence have reshaped the UK rap scene. Blending English and Yoruba with fierce authenticity, Shaybo has become a voice for young women and underrepresented communities, using music to share stories of strength, struggle, and resilience. Beyond her musical success, Grounded Sounds is proud to welcome Shaybo as an official patron of the organisation. Her journey from South London to international recognition reflects the transformative power of creativity—a message she now helps us to amplify in order to inspire and support a new generation of artists.
Shaybo is super invested and hands-on with our School Ground Sounds project and has visited multiple schools, often bringing with her fellow guest artists, to offer advice, support and inspiration to students there.
You can follow updates on Grounded Sounds programmes via our Instagram page.
Shaybo
“I’m super excited to be a patron for Grounded Sounds. I enjoy the work we have done so far and I am looking forward to building a long term relationship.”
Leigh-Anne Pinnock
“Supporting a charity like Grounded Sounds—who use it to help young people learn, express themselves, and grow—is deeply meaningful to me. This is exactly the kind of work we set out to support when we founded The Black Fund. I’m honoured to be a patron and truly inspired by all that they do. We look forward to continuing this important journey together.”
Anna Uzande, Under 18s Programme Manager and Grounded Sounds Alumna:
"To have Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Shaybo as patrons of Grounded Sounds is an honour. Their commitment to creative expression and community empowerment aligns powerfully with our mission. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation, and we are truly inspired to join forces with two trailblazing artists to support and elevate the next generation of young creatives."
Jess Loveless, Creative Director:
“We’re beyond excited to be working with Leigh-Anne and Shaybo across our music programmes, and to welcome them as official patrons of Grounded Sounds. Having recently celebrated our tenth anniversary, it is an exciting and pivotal time for the organisation as we seek to grow and develop not only our reach but the depth of our engagement with young creatives. The work of young and emerging artists doesn’t often get the profile it deserves and having such inspirational and brilliant artists as patrons offers our programmes and participants a sense of prestige, as well as crucial insights into the music industry.”