Plymouth will soon see the opening of a new bar opening on 29 April under the stewardship of award-winning Hip Hop Artist and Includability Ambassador, Toby Gorniak MBE.
Plymouth will soon see the opening of a new bar opening on 29 April under the stewardship of award-winning Hip Hop Artist and Includability Ambassador, Toby Gorniak MBE.
Toby G is known across the UK for his transformational work which has supported 1000’s of young people giving them access to Hip Hop dance sessions, mentoring, mental health and wellbeing support, clothing, food and transport. Training thousands of people, all from a range of backgrounds and cultures, Toby’s ethos in life is, ‘we are one’.
After 18 years of serving the community, Toby’s social enterprise Street Factory sadly closed its doors in January 2023 as government support after the pandemic dwindled.
Toby and his wife, Jo, are now looking to continue their great work by opening the Havana bar on Plymouth’s waterfront. They hope the new business will help them continue their great work helping young people live their best lives by having their work continue on a freelance basis with workshops still being delivered and bookable dance master classes available.
The couple also aim to help their young mentees learn new skills and entrepreneurship by eventually expanding to open carpentry and vinyl printing businesses.
“Our building has closed but our work still stands strong, we are adapting, and using the power of entrepreneurship to keep our community connected, thriving and resilient.”
Toby G is a multi-award-winning Transformational coach, Hip Hop artist, Mentor, Entrepreneur and Inspirational speaker. Who uses his lived experiences to help people to live their best lives.
He empowers people to build themselves and mindset through coaching, mentoring, educating and Hip-Hop dance, positively transforming the lives of people in the community through the influence of hip hop culture.
During his coaching, Toby talks about lived experiences of being a teenage refugee, fleeing Poland due to violence, hatred and discrimination toward the Romany Gypsies at the time, then coming to UK homeless and not speaking a word of English. Determined to live a different life. He dug deep to change his situation and found his natural talent of connecting with people like him who felt like there was no hope for the future.
Toby wanted to be seen and wanted the same for everyone he met and worked with. He wanted them to feel valued and heard, amplifying their voices and following through with action. He talks about case studies of people who he has worked with, going from gangs to graduating top universities, travelling the world as artists, and how they are all also giving back to their communities. He also works with people with complex needs, helping them find their voice to express how can build their aspirations.
His work earned him an MBE honour from The Queen in 2018.
Toby has been overwhelmed with support from his community as he ventures into his new chapter.
He intends to keep supporting the local community as he makes his mark on the entertainment and hospitality sector. Havana bar and club will feature a stage local bands, acts and dancers, and feature open mic nights where young artists can make their mark as Toby G did before them.
“Like I always say- this is only the beginning, my work will grow, evolve, and will always be based on the need of the community I work with. This year is all about life changes, opportunities and launches, this will enable me to live the lifestyle I deserve, opening the doors for my community, so they can elevate and live their dreams.”
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