Warren Hooley felt music was a way he could show his peers and his little cousin that music can change how you see the world.
Taking a genre that is sometimes associated with violence, mysogeny and cuss words, Hooley has cut a niche as a positive rap artist appealing to all generations. It is why he was chosen to take part in this Sunday’s Children’s Showcase with his cousin Austin George, who is in Grade 9 at Princess Margaret Secondary School.
Hooley was a solo artist but saw the potential of bringing in his cousin George. It was at that time Hooley made a conscious effort to use the genre of music in a positive way.
“The more I learned about that world, I realized the more you feed energy into the negative you almost give power to it. I started to become more conscious of that and when Austin came in it became clear,” said Hooley. “I have always been passionate about things and that same passion has brought me down a negative path but has also allowed me to find this positive path. I started getting in touch with my culture and it ignited a passion that made me feel amazing for days, weeks on end.”
Warren is half Caucasian and Okanagan Indigenous and through workshop facilitation and hip hop performances he delivers an empowering and uplifting message that he believes people of all races and ages can enjoy and relate to. He credits working with the En’owkin Centre and instructors Jeannette Armstrong and others for helping him discover his culture.
Hooley said his message is told through not only his music but setting an example by eating healthy food, having positive thoughts and following his heart. That has been passed along to George. The teen said he has also realized his own potential.
“It’s fun. It makes me not scared and took away stage fright from me. Now when I am up in front of people I feel like I can do anything,” said George.
The hip hop duo will be guest performers sitting in with the Super Cooligans during the Children’s Showcase on Sunday at the Cleland Theatre. Showtime is 2 p.m. and tickets are $12. They are available at the door on the day of the show. Advance purchase tickets are only available in the form of a season ticket ($40 for three shows). They are found at Tumbleweed Gallery or The Beanery Coffee Company.
