A Chadwell Heath rapper who dedicates his time to changing the lives of troubled young people has been nominated for the Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club Young Citizen Award.

Jonathan Kabamba, aka Rychus Ryter, 21, has spent the last two years performing to local audiences, but will soon take to the stage at the Indigo2, Peninsula Square, London which he says could be “the gateway” to bigger things.

Having pulled through a turbulent youth involving local gangs, Jonathan now looks to guide others and spread his message of “change” which has earned him the nomination for the award sponsored by Exchange Ilford.

He said: “I come from a rough background where I was always in trouble, but now I have got the right people behind me and I’m trying make other people feel positive about their future.

“I have a friend who has been in jail and I have put him in the recording studio to try and help him stay on the right path.”

Not content with simply doing good through music, Jonathan often visits hospitals, including King George Hospital, Barley Lane, Goodmayes, to speak with patients and even hand out presents to young children.

He added: “I would not say I’m trying to be a role model, I just want people to know it’s never too late to change and stay positive.

“I have the support of my family and I go to hospitals, or get out on the streets, to try and speak to people.”

Jonathan has been changing the lives of others for more than three years, but has begun to pursue a recording career more recently. His first London tour begins in Barking on April 14, culminating at Indigo2 where acts such as Cher Lloyd and UB40 frontman Ali Campbell will soon be performing.