BBC viewers have begun calling for drill rapper duo Pete and Bas – who are both in their 70s – to represent the UK in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
This comes after the elderly rappers appeared on The One Show this evening (25 May) to speak about their experience in the music business and bonding over rap music in their 70s.
Peter Bowditch, 70, was a retired Royal Mail worker and didn’t know what UK grime or drill music was, and his musical partner Basil Bellgrave, who is 73, told the BBC he worked as a helicopter engineer and carpet seller.
But now against the odds, the unlikely rap act from South London have become major players in the UK rap scene.
(Image: BBC)
Host Alex Jones said to the pair: “The thing about you two is you met five years ago and became friends. Can you believe five years later that you’re kind of the kings of rap?”
On what their family say about their new career, Pete joked to Alex and co-host Jermaine Jenas, saying: “Well we say fame won’t change me but my friends say ‘well that’s a pity we were hoping for some improvement’.”
The comment prompted a laugh from Alex and Jermaine.
Bas continued saying that his family “love it,” and the pair add that they come to their live gigs with their motorcycles.
And fans on social media flocked to support the duo during the show, with one delighted fan taking to Twitter calling for the pair to represent the UK on the Eurovision 2022 stage.
(Image: BBC)
The excited fan wrote: “These two for Eurovision 2021 #theoneshow”, receiving a handful of likes on her tweet.
This comes after the UK finished in last place with 0 points under James Newman on Saturday at Eurovision 2021 – so clearly some fans reckon the new faces of rap can take on the challenge next year.
A second joined in the compliments, penning: “Pete and Bas on The One Show. Two old blokes killing the rap game”.
A third admirer weighed in to say: “I love you guys so much. Biggest brummie fan.” before adding a large set of high-five emojis.
And a fourth fan added: “Pete and Bas on The One Show! That’s mad!!!!” adding a crying-laughing face emoji.
(Image: BBC)
After starting to write songs in 2017 and then releasing their first single Shut Your Mouth in 2018, the pair have now featured on famous rap platforms such as GRM Daily and Pressplay Media.
Pete revealed he met Bas in a shop in south London after hearing Bas giving a piano lesson.
Pete, who loves Ska bands Madness and The Specials, found rap music and grime through his granddaughter, and eventually persuaded Bas – a Frank Sinatra lover – to his new genres.
And the pair even collaborated with rap stars Tion Wayne and Russ Million, which Jermaine said is an “incredible” achievement for the pair.
The pair agreed, saying both fellow London artists were: “Nice guys” with Pete adding: “They’re all very nice. You’d think they were a little bit antagonistic towards us wouldn’t you but they’re not they’re very nice guys.”
The One Show airs every week night at 7pm on BBC One.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
