Grime artist Wiley returns to Bow School

Rapper Wiley has today been presented with the MOBO Paving the Way award at the school he attended as a boy, Bow School.
Wiley attended a ceremony which unveiled a commemorative stone installed at Bow School, which recognises his accomplishments within the world of music. The stone features lyrics from Wiley’s song Bow, E3: “I’m so E3, the whole of E3 got so much talent I hope you see.”
He was joined by pupils at the school – who gave the artist a big cheer – along with Founder of the MOBO Awards, Kanya King MBE.
Speaking to the students at the school, Wiley said: “I am honoured to have received this award to celebrate my achievements in music so far. MOBO have supported my music career from the very beginning and its humbling to have this paving stone laid at one of the places which shaped me – Bow School. It’s extra special as my father also attended this school as a young lad. I hope it inspires all young people and encourages them to know that, if I can do it, so can they!”
Paving the Way forms a key part of the MOBO Season, with ITV2 and MOBO collaborating to create this brand new MOBO Award, celebrating 20 years of providing a mainstream platform for a generation of emerging talent.
The artist, often called the Godfather of Grime, is an English grime MC, songwriter and record producer who has pioneered the world of underground music through his numerous hits and collaborations. The 36-year old shot to fame from the material released with his grime crew Roll Deep, which included world-famous icons Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Stryder – both of whom also grew up in Tower Hamlets.
Whilst continuing to make grime music, Wiley has also managed to release UK Singles top 10 hits including Wearing My Rolex, Never Be Your Womn and his UK number-one Heatwave.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, said: “Wiley is an extraordinary local boy who has, through his career, helped to put Bow on the map as a hub for diverse musical talent. It’s important for local pupils to see and learn from local heroes they can identify with, and Wiley has proved himself to be a great role model they can look up to. I’m glad that we can take the time to recognise our local heroes today. They are a shining example of what an upbringing in one of the most culturally diverse and interesting parts of London can do for you.”
Cllr Rachael Saunders, cabinet member for children and education, said: “Bow School is a brilliant school, based in a brand new, state of the art building. It offers excellent opportunities for the boys who go there to really establish themselves in whatever they wish to go on to. Wiley is a great example of what you can achieve – and I hope this encourages the boys to be ambitious and dream big.”
Cath Smith, Headteacher at Bow School, said: “Our job as educators is to find ways of inspiring our students, encouraging them to go the extra mile and to put in the extra effort in order to be successful in whatever way they choose.
“It was fantastic, therefore, to be able to welcome back to Bow School one of our ex-students who has followed his passion and used his steely determination to make a success of himself in a highly competitive world. Wiley spoke to the students today and told them about what and who had inspired him over the past 20 years and made it clear that he had worked hard to get to this point. Answering questions about his journey to success, Wiley inspired Bow School students and left us a permanent and motivational reminder on our playground – a paving stone marking his success as the ‘Godfather of Grime’ and the first person to be awarded a Paving the Way Award