ABOUT MRF
MRF was founded in 2011 by Magdalene Usikaro, inspired by her first-hand experience of being a teenage parent. She wanted to give young mothers a place to find refuge and believed in the transformative power of music. Since MRF was formed, the charity has expanded its scope to include all young people and their families.
OUR HISTORY
The charity was inspired by Magdalene’s first-hand experience of the hardships, isolation and challenges faced as a teenage parent. At this time, she discovered the positive impact that music could have, and how important it was to bring teenage mothers together to share experiences. From these two revelations, the idea for Music Relief Foundation was born.
OUR MISSION
To empower and develop the potential of young people and their families using the medium of music. Through music, we aim to improve the wellbeing of individuals through increased resilience, confidence and hope.
OUR VISION
To provide a range of opportunities to young people through music, partnering with different bodies to secure funding.
OUR VALUES
1. Opening up opportunities to unleash creative spirits.
2. Providing a nurturing environment.
3. Offering a platform for youth voices to be heard.
MEET THE TEAM
Magdalene Usikaro,
FOUNDER AND CEO
She/Her
As the founder and chief visionary officer of MRF, with over thirteen years of experience running MRF, I am passionate about changing people’s lives by influencing government, businesses and educators to empower youth and grassroots communities. My role includes vision, strategy, innovation and partnership development. I’m also our primary spokesperson, providing briefings to the media and posting comments on social media. I don’t see this as a job but as my life’s calling: giving a voice to the voiceless. I am also the chair of governors for both a primary and secondary school, a trustee at AFRUCA, a network member of the UK BME Anti-Slavery Network, co-chair of the Croydon North East Locality Partnership and a member of the Croydon Youth Crime Board. I am a singer/songwriter, an author and a coach. First Aid trained, CPD qualified and designated safeguarding lead.
Connor Robinson
Youth and Community Coordinator
He/Him
Yemi Ogunrinola
Volunteer Admin Support
She/Her
Gozia Janek
Music School Coordinator (Wednesday – Friday)
She/Her
Isabel Marquex-Leaman
Music School Coordinator (Monday – Wednesday)
She/Her
Music Relief helps us to go to places that as young people we would not usually go to, to help us see a different life
JOSH, MRF AMBASSADOR
OUR TRUSTEES
Kofi Dowinfour
CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
He/Him
Provides strategy, marketing and digital transformation advice. The founder and managing partner of 3WC is an independent consulting firm that focuses on the charity and non-profit sectors. Pioneer of creating synergy between television and online content, gaining recognition in the USA.
Adrian Thompson
He/Him
Adrian is an accomplished programme manager with 10 years of experience delivering a variety of major projects, programmes, and portfolios in the public sector in a local authority setting. Having always had a passion for music and the arts, he became aware of the Music Relief Foundation and their work after enrolling his daughter for guitar lessons at the music school. Seeing the positive effect that music can have on a child’s life firsthand has inspired him to become actively involved in the organisation, which has culminated in serving as a trustee where he will use his experience as both a client and programme professional to help enhance the organisation’s work and reach in the local community.
Blyth Weston
She/Her
Accounting specialist with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry. Specialises in working with small- and medium-sized businesses to structure their accounts. A survivor of domestic abuse and shares her experience to help others.
OUR PATRON
CeCe Lightfoot (nee Sammy) She/Her
CeCe Lightfoot (nee Sammy) is a British vocal and performance coach, known for her TV appearances and behind the scenes contributions as a vocal coach, judge, talent scout, advisor and troubleshooter on various music and entertainment shows, such as Pop Idol, The X Factor: Battle of the Stars, The Voice UK, ITV series Get Your Act Together, Gareth Malone’s BAFTA award-winning TV series The Choir, E! Entertainment in the USA, American Idol and America’s Got Talent. In 2016, she was the British jury’s chairperson for Eurovision Song Contest; the following year CeCe Sammy acted as the Eurovision judge on You Decide. In 2017, CeCe Sammy was the Series Head Vocal Coach on BBC One’s Let’s Sing and Dance for Comic Relief. She also worked on the making/selling of the music programme Pitch Battle to the BBC and rounded off the year as Head Vocal Coach on BBC One’s new singing show All Together Now. CeCe Sammy is also a regular vocal judge for UK singing competitions Open Mic UK and TeenStar UK. CeCe Sammy, a member of the BRIT Awards Voting Academy, is also known for her voluntary work, sits as a board member (Creative Learning and Community Advisor) at the Hackney Empire and works closely with the organisation Education Through Music Los Angeles. CeCe Sammy, now CeCe Lightfoot, is married to Charles Lightfoot. [SB: Should she be called CeCe Lightfoot throughout or just CeCe?]
OUR FUNDERS
We have partnerships with many organisations who believe in what we do and want to help us continue to bring music into the lives of as many young people as possible.
DONATE
No matter how big or small the amount, all donations are welcome. Your contribution will go towards the growth of the Music School and the projects we are currently working on.
JOIN THE MRF FAMILY
VOLUNTEER & FUNDRAISE
We’re always looking for keen and reliable volunteers to support our various work areas. In return, you will be able to develop your skills, meet new people and work as a part of a team.
WORK PLACEMENT
We can accommodate students for work experience and have previously welcomed students from Croydon College, Newham College, Greenwich University and Impact Futures.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Sign up to receive the latest news and updates on the projects and events that we have planned.