Barney Artists and Guvna B are combating stereotypes at BINGO. (Image: Courtesy of Mecca Bingo Dagenham)

Have you ever tried rapping? It isn’t as straightforward as it sounds or looks. It's not often the type of music you associate with gambling or casinos. But now two rappers have decided to try and buck that trend. How're they going to do it? Word up, B-I-N-G-O. Yeah, bingo. You heard right.

Barney Artists and Guvna B have taken to YouTube, not to tout a new rap but to break down some of the negative stereotypes surrounding rappers, and they are working with Mecca Bingo, who may or may not be trying to do the same thing, if ya get me.

As part of a new series ‘Rappers Try Things,’ the duo visits Mecca Bingo in Dagenham in an attempt to try something new, innit.

The episode was filmed in January of this year and the two rappers are featured at the Dagenham site, taking part in a number of activities and having been welcomed by Mecca Bingo Dagenham’s Peter Houston and Charlotte Craythorne Allan. 

Rapper’s First Bingo Experience: a Success 

Speaking about the experience, Guvna B said, “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!”   

Peter Houston, Assistant Manager at Mecca Dagenham, said: “It was great to welcome Barney and Guvna into our club and show them what a fantastic 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 Trying to Shake off Stereotypical Image of Bingo 

This is not the first time Mecca has used celebrities in an attempt to change perceptions of bingo. 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." 

We were not at the afterparty to witness the rapper’s delight, but we imagine they came up with a neat Bingo Rap for Mecca. For copyright reasons (and for fun), we have chosen to write our own rime. Yo! Eyes Down and Don’t Frown. 

 Yo, step into the hall it's a bingo night,   

Cards in my hand, I'm feeling just right,   

Got my dauber ready, man, I'm on the attack,   

Waiting for that number, ain't no holding back.

B-I-N-G-O, let the good times flow,   

Crossing off the numbers, watch my luck grow,   

In this game of chance, everybody knows,   

When I shout “Bingo!” that excitement glows.

Rows and columns, gotta keep it tight,   

Eyes on the prize, yeah, I'm poised for flight,   

Forty-five and forty-six, I'm counting real fast,   

Hope that winning moment ain't a thing of the past.

Chillin' at the tables, laughter in the air,   

Friends by my side, it's a friendly affair,   

But when that number drops, it’s a thrilling ride,   

Gotta keep it cool, can't let joy slide.

B-I-N-G-O, light up the show,   

Every call I hear, got me feeling that glow,   

In this game of chance, everybody knows,   

When I shout “Bingo!” the excitement flows.

Jackpot dreams, I’m stacking up the chips,   

One lucky card got me dreaming in flips,   

Big wins on the line, yeah, it's an adrenaline race,   

But win or lose, I'm just here for the grace.

So grab your cards, let’s play till we drop,   

In the game of bingo, we’re never gonna stop,   

From the shout of victory to the friendly banter,   

We’re living in the moment, let the good vibes prance!

B-I-N-G-O, let the good times flow,   

Crossing off the numbers, watch my luck grow,   

In this game of chance, everybody knows,   

When I shout “Bingo!” that excitement glows!