Nine acts make it through to talent contest: 'Alter Ego 2016'
Nine exciting and gifted young acts will battle it out on the Hackney Empire stage, at the Alter Ego finals, on Friday 5 February.
This year’s acts were chosen after tough live auditions on Friday 8 January at the Hackney Empire. Judges, Hackney Empire’s, Director Susie McKenna; Musical Director, Renell Shaw; show host Kat B; and Producer, Yamin Choudury choose the line-up from over 50 up-and-coming young acts.
Yamin Choudury, Alter Ego Producer, said: "Auditions for Alter Ego were probably the best I've ever seen. Deciding who was actually going to go through to the finals was incredibly difficult. If all of the judges had their way we probably would have had about 30 finalists!
“The sheer amount of talent that comes out of Hackney, to audition for Alter Ego, always manages to surprise me. We have got nine incredible finalists, the audience are in for an amazing night!"
I always look forward to the Alter Ego finals and each year I’m blown away by the talent that takes to the stage. It’s a great part of the Discover Young Hackney programme that’s designed to give young people the practical tools and information they need to get on the right career path
Alter Ego 2016 Finalists
Aysia Edwards, 17
Singer
Rio-Cavelle Phillips, 16
Dancer
Jessica Fernandes, 16
Singer
Urban Vinyls,
Three singers
Line up TBC
Josh Tenor, 15
Singer and guitarist
City Academy Choir, (Choir name will be changed)
Eight singers
Line up TBC
Katie Wilson, 15
Singer
Princess Olowogboye, 17
Singer
Steppaz,
Dance Crew
Line up TBC
Alter Ego will feature performances by headline acts Ghetts, Rude Kid and Paigey Cakey. The talent contest 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, access for all. Workshops include film-making, animation, drama and vocal workshops.
Tickets cost £4 in advance (plus £1 per ticket online and £1.25 over the phone). Or £5 on the door. Box office: 020 8985 2424.