Rapper Jay pens song to beat the bullies

Rapper Jay Fitz, whose real name is Jamie Fitzpatrick, wants to enlist schools and young people to raise awareness of bullying and show sufferers they are not alone.

He wants to produce a new version the Cindi Lauper hit True Colours but plans to rework the lyrics to suit the topic — and that’s where he’s appealing for help.

Jay, who hails from Thurcroft, said: “I’m hoping this issue will strike a chord with a few people and they will want to get involved.

“I want to put a positive message out there.

“I’d like the students to have a hand in the lyrics and also sing on the track.”

Inspired by reports on the rise of so-called “cyber-bullying”, Jay said he was keen to draw on the experience young people may have had of being bullied in developing the single, which he hopes to release and perform to mark National Anti-Bullying Week in November.

“I’d love to go into schools and talk to them about whar it’s really like,” he said.

“It does seem to have become a bigger issue since social media has been a lot more accessible.

“I’ve written some ideas down already but whatever ideas people can contribute would be great.

“I’m sure some schools have choirs, which would be the ideal backing for the song.

“I see this as an opportunity to come together and do something positive for Rotherham.”

Jay’s 2014 single Arms of the Angels, which raised money for road safety charity Brake, was inspired by driving past roadside tributes and urged young people to ensure they stayed safe on the roads.

If your school is interested in backing his latest campaign, email him at [email protected] or Tweet him @jayfitzmusic.