News & Media

On Tuesday 9 August, members of Legacy Youth Zones Performing Arts activities took part in the ultimate talent show.

Held at BOXPARK Croydon, and hosted by BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Nadia Jae – 11 acts took to the stage to perform in front of industry professionals who were the judges for the evening.

The Beat Box room at BOXPARK was fittingly lit green, and over 100 audience members piled in, with eager anticipation of the performances that were about to take place from members aged between 8 and the oldest at 19. We were in awe at the amazing talent that showcased their skills including energy filled dance performances from seniors Shai and Montoye, and Junior member Bailey-Rose. Montoye based her dance on the idea of substance of another consciousness. The process of Montoyé’s idea comes from a feminine and masculine approach to produce movement. Other inspiration came from her interest in Japanese anime and her dual heritage of Jamaican and Chinese – she even had a Samurai Sword which she back flipped with and completed other acrobatics (don’t worry the sword was fake!)

We also had many singers including junior members Lilyanna, Lexi, Charlie and our brand new Legacy choir – we heard a beautiful rendition of Alicia Key’s ‘Girl on Fire’ from Lexi, a sterling performance of Christina Perri’s ‘A Thousand Years’ from Lilyanna, ‘Seasons of Love’ from hit musical RENT was performed by the choir, and Khaled’s ‘Location’ was sung by Charlie – who was also playing their guitar.

Charlie said “I really Like Khaled’s music, as its always a vibe listening to his music and I feel my voice compensates the flow of music.”

We also had singers and a rapper from seniors which included Alia, Shanda and Leeland (who’s stage name is Shakes). The audience were wowed by Alia who sung and rapped her way through a song she’d written herself, and Shakes also performed his own track A-A where he waxed lyrics through the Alphabet A-Z and then back to A. Finally, Shanda blessed us with a song by Yebba called ‘Boomerang’.

Last but by no means least is last year’s Legacy’s Got Talent Winner – Micah, who showed us his skills on the drums (not blind folded this year I’m afraid), but the precision and purpose to every beat was felt by the audience throughout his 4mins performance.

The judges had a tough time on their hands making a decision, and after a 20mins deliberation the audience and performers were called to hear the results.

It was stressed by Nadia, how incredible each and every performer was on the night, and how performers like Ed Sheeran started in small venues like the Beat Box Room.

In 3rd place

Alia (Senior member) – who rapped and performed her own song.

In 2nd place

Charlie (Junior member) – who sang and played guitar to ‘Location’

In 1st place

Skate (Senior member) – rapping to his own track A-A.

A massive congratulations to them, and big shout out to BOXPARK for providing us the venue and prizes to each winner, plus vouchers to all participants.