Key points:
- The YouTube series aims to break down stereotypes moving forward
- The move is one of several by Mecca Bingo to change perceptions around bingo in the UK
As part of their new series, ‘Rappers Try Things,’ Barney Artist and Guvna B pay a visit to Mecca Bingos Dagenham site, as the rappers attempt to combat stereotypes of rap through trying new things – such as bingo.
Originally filmed in January 2024, the episode features the pair taking on the British past-time tradition. The episode sees Barney Artist and Guvna B greeted by Mecca Bingo Dagenham’s Peter Houston and Charlotte Craythorne Allan before taking part in various activities at the property.
Guvna B, a rapper and presenter, commented on the latest episode, saying: “As soon as we arrived, we knew we were in for a great night. It was such a fun environment and there was a strong sense of community. The bingo itself was a lot more of an adrenaline rush than we anticipated but thoroughly enjoyable! Special thanks to the staff, the regulars and everyone else that made our first-ever bingo experience a great one!”
Also speaking on this latest development, Peter Houston, Assistant Manager at Mecca Dagenham, said: “It was great to welcome Barney and Guvna into our club and show them what a great value, fun night out bingo can be. They joined us for a traditional bingo session and immediately made friends with some of our regulars. We can’t wait to have them back for one of our special event nights!”
Mecca Bingo has worked with a range of celebrities and brands in order to challenge perceptions of bingo in the UK, as well as the legacy status of Mecca Bingo itself. In a June interview for Trafficology, when asked about the benefits of working with a diverse range of popular figures, Mecca Bingo Head of PR and Social Media Mark Cheevers said: "We want to drive salience and consideration for Mecca among UK adults, so it feels really logical to work with a diverse range of influencers... Despite the fairly deeply ingrained stereotypes around bingo, we know our brand does appeal to an increasingly broad range of people."
In early August, Mecca Bingo announced a new five-year gaming machine servicing and supplication deal with Inspired – valued at $12.7m. More recently, the company announced its caller of the year at the end of September.
