Hackney ,
18
January
2015
|
23:00
Europe/London

Finalists announced for talent contest, 'Alter Ego 2015’

allfinalists-3.jpg

Eight exciting acts have been chosen to take to the Hackney Empire stage for the finals of the talent contest, ‘Alter Ego 2015, on Friday 30 January.

This year’s talented bunch are:

Singers and guitarists, Charla & Begum, both 14

Rapper, Dee Riginal, 18

Street dance crew Ebonessence,

Kelan Mahbeer, 16; Brian Ilunga, 15; Mia Bramble, 13; Jaida Elias, 13; Ebony Taylor-West, 16; Akeisha Natalia Fraser, 15; Iman Coudoux, 14; Kertreece Seraphin, 15; Janay Seivwright, 16; Djamila Pires 14; Jessica Agbola and J'nai Toney. Joint choreographers Josh and Michelle Kwarteng.

Spoken word artists, Jamilah & Kyanne; Kyanne Richards, 13; and Jamilah Usman, 14

Guitarist, Josh Tenor, 14

Singer, Kali McLoughlin, 16

Dance group M.I.N.D. (Moving In New Directions)

Tashana Alamutu, 19

Kyra Mills, 18

Chloma Ekemezie, 19

Ife Rachel Davies, 19

Sheneka Walcott-Nelson, 19

Rapper, Nicki Knightz, 19

Kyanne & Jamilah were so excited to reach the finals. Jamilah said: “We were so happy to be able to enjoy this experience and overcome our obstacles together as best friends.”

Josh Tenor said: “I was so astonished when I heard that I was through to the finals. So many acts auditioned for the show and to be one of the successful ones is so awesome. In the show I just want to show what I am all about and hopefully win this competition.”

The excited final acts will receive two full days and five evenings of mentoring by professional Hackney Empire artists, before final night, Friday 30 January, 7.30pm. Tickets will be £5 on the door. Tickets can be bought in advance from the Hackney Empire website or, by calling 020 8985 2424.

Alter Ego, the launch event for Hackney Council’s youth arts and culture festival, Discover Young Hackney is hosted by Kat B and will feature performances by Mandem on the Wall. Finalists will be judged by industry professionals including Ghetts, Bless Beats and Leroy FX from Flawless.

Alter Ego is part of Hackney Council’s youth arts and culture festival. This year Discover Young Hackney has a packed programme of performance, visual and media arts events. Partnering with the vibrant local cultural and arts community, the activities offer insights into the creative industries, giving young people more opportunities to prepare for the future.

The live auditions were held at the Hackney Empire, Saturday 10 January. Contestants not selected will receive feedback on their audition. Many were recommended to participate in the Hackney Empire's Artist Development Programme.