Glasgow grannies learn to rap with Karen Dunbar for BBC show

Susan’s grief at the loss of her husband still catches her unawares, but she is ready to give any adventure a go; and best pals Betty and Wilma laugh and cry together as they remember those they have loved and lost.

Betty, Wilma, Jean, Maggie and Susan (Image: BBC)

These magnificent Possilpark grans are on a mission to write and perform their first ever rap, with a little help from comedian, actor and singer Karen Dunbar.

Their journey, from nervous beginnings to full-pelt performance in front of the local community, has been captured in a television documentary which will melt even the iciest of hearts.

“This is not a documentary about me teaching a bunch of old women how to rap,” says Karen, firmly.

Karen Dunbar (Image: BBC)

“This is a story about community and friendship and family, and about how rap, poetry and spoken word can empower people to tell their own stories – no matter who they are or where they come from.”

The idea grew out of a lockdown project, Karen explains.

“I was sitting there, watching a year of live work just disappear,” she says. “Everything was cancelled. And for me, lockdown wasn’t about making banana bread or learning Spanish, I was barely managing to do my washing.

“I desperately needed to do something for the sake of my sanity.”

A friend suggested Karen work with her on a rap workshop she had arranged with a group of refugees.

“I love music, and I love speaking, so this was perfect,” she says. “It just grew from there – now we run rap workshops for about 30 different groups, all ages, all backgrounds – I love it.”

She pauses. “This one though, was so emotional and inspirational. You can see in my face on the programme how much I loved it. To hear them talk with so much honesty, that rawness – it’s dead special.

“This will stay with me forever.”

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Over a handful of workshops at the NG Homes offices on Saracen Street, the five women put initial nerves aside to create a rap absolutely chock-full of F-words (like family, friendship and faith. Nothing too unsavoury).

With support from Karen and Amy Rew, of the Glasgow Girls Club, the women share their own stories of life, love and loss.

Karen Dunbar, left, and Amy Rew (Image: BBC)

We learn Maggie, who has five grandchildren and one great-grandson, is gradually rebuilding her confidence after lockdown knocked her for six.

“That’s why it’s been good to do this with Karen, and Amy,” she says.

Four years ago, Betty suffered complications after surgery.

“I needed intensive care and two more operations, it didn’t go well,” she says. “I didn’t go out for a year. I don’t know why I went to church, but I did, and that’s where I met Wilma, Mary and Irene. We had a lot of fun together.”

Irene was Wilma’s sister.

“She died of cancer, and a year later, Mary also died of cancer,” says Wilma. “It’s been a tough couple of years.”

Every Monday morning, Wilma and Betty visit Mosesfield Memorial Garden to “be with the lassies”.

Wilma smiles: “Rain, hail, snow, we always come up. This is what keeps us going.”

Jean makes tablet for the nearby Courtyard Pantry to sell to raise funds for Stobhill Hospital. The last lot made £2109, she says, proudly.

“I just enjoy giving,” she says. “A lot of people have helped me over the years, so it’s payback time.”

Recently, Jean was diagnosed with emphysema.

“It affects your lungs, your breathing – it saps your strength,” she says. “I knew when I was diagnosed it’s a progressive illness, it won’t get better. But I continue to be positive.

“I make the most of each day as it comes. I just love life. Whatever is thrown at me I’ll deal with it.”

Susan has lived in North Glasgow for more than 70 years. Her husband, Michael, sadly died 10 years ago from stomach cancer.

“He was a caring and giving person,” says Susan. “I miss him terribly. I still come in saying, ‘oh you’ll never guess...’.”

Taking part in the rap workshops has been a godsend, she says.

“It’s nice to feel you belong – social contact is essential,” she nods. “I haven’t laughed so much for a long time. It’s an adventure. There are peaks and troughs but you have to just think ‘aye, I can do this’.”

Karen Dunbar’s School of Rap is on BBC Scotland on Thursday, March 23, at 10pm.