Steppaz crowned Alter Ego 2016 winners
Dance Crew Steppaz were crowned winners of Alter Ego 2016, in front of a sell-out crowd at the Hackney Empire on Friday 5 February.
Nine acts performed in the final of Hackney’s number one talent contest, hosted by Kat B with special guests, Hackney singer, rapper and Waterloo Road actress, Paigey Cakey, grime artist Ghetts and grime DJ and producer, Rude Kid, who took to the decks. Comedy trio, Mandem on The Wall performed comical renditions of well known songs.
The 10-strong street dance crew, made up of girls aged between 12 and 16 years old, wowed the audience with their high-energy routine.
Shakira, 14, said: “We’re just going to keep training, reach our dreams and make sure we stick together.”
Steppaz were selected through a 50/50 combination of audience text votes and judges votes. The panel was made up of CeCe Sammy, vocal coach (X Factor, BGT, The Voice), Caroline SM, XL Recordings, Layal Manoochehri, Salt Music Director & Sony Music A&R and Hackney Empire’s, Susie McKenna.
Second place went to singer, Alexia Fernandes, 16 and third, to 15 year-old, singer and guitarist, Josh Tenor.
Yet again Alter Ego delivered the talent. The hard and work and dedication of everyone on the stage was there for all to see.
“This year our arts festival, Discover Young Hackney runs until the end of March, giving young people practical tools and information to help them choose a future career path.
Alter Ego is part of Hackney Council’s youth arts and culture festival Discover Young Hackney (#DYH16). This year, the programme is running until March 2016 and with input from industry professionals, thousands of young people can take part in a range of free or low cost taster sessions, workshops and performances. This year’s themes focus on film, digital, music and access for all. Workshops include film-making, animation, drama and vocal workshops.