Return of the Broken Silence Talent Show - Saturday 26th September 2009 at Brent Town Hall in Wembley Central.

From left to right Marsha Mothersill, Edward Maughan, Cherelle Augustine, Nordia James

Broken Silence

Brent Has Got Talent!

Youth charity Broken Silence announces winning acts from talentshow to raise awareness of sickle cell disease

30th September 2009: On Saturday night (26th Sept) a group of young people suffering from the blood disorder, sickle cell disease, hosted a star-studded talent show at Brent Town Hall in Wembley in order to raise awareness and understanding of sickle cell disease (SCD) and to highlight its devastating effects on the lives of those people who have it.

The Broken Silence talent show was dedicated to Leona Dehaney (a close friend of Broken Silence) who died from complications relating to sickle cell disease.

The talent show finalists were split into four categories: under 14's, vocalists, lyricists and dancers and were judged by a panel of experts which included funky house sensation and 2009 MOBO award nominee, Donae'o.

The winning acts were as follows: Under 14's: Kronik Vocalists: Malachi Lewis Lyricists: M.Jewelz Dancers: The Dark Elite

Winning vocalist, Malachi, said "To hear my name called was one of the best moments any 14 year old could have. I looked out into the crowd to see the audience screaming, shouting and jumping and I saw all my family with big smiles on their faces. It was truly a remarkable moment for me."

The show was hosted by Angie Greaves, Drive Time Presenter of Magic 105.4FM. She said "Whilst this is something positive and inspirational, it is a poignant and unfortunate reminder of the existence of sickle cell disease. Broken Silence is a fantastic group of people to work with to raise awareness of the disease, particularly amongst the younger generation."

Broken Silence and their annual talent show are also supported by actor, playwright and broadcaster Kwame Kwei-Armah (Elimina's Kitchen / Newsnight Review / On Tour with the Queen)

"I am pleased to be involved with an inspirational group such as Broken Silence and support their annual talent show. Each year, the show gets better and better with increased endorsement from a variety of talented stars. Sickle cell is a very important issue that needs to be addressed. The group should be considered role models for being sufferers themselves and yet taking the initiative to use the arts and their talent contest to highlight the condition" said Kwame.

There were 16 acts in the final show representing a mix of talents including singers, MCs and dancers which were chosen from the hundreds of auditioning acts from across the UK.




About Broken Silence Broken Silence is a registered charity founded in 2004 by four teenagers with sickle cell disease in memory of their friend, Leona Dehaney who died from complications relating to the disease. Broken Silence campaigns for the rights of people with SCD.

Edward Maughan aged 21 from Wembley in London, is a member of Broken Silence. He was diagnosed with Sickle Cell at birth: "The most traumatic experience for me so far was when I had Osteomyelitis - which is basically a chronic infection of the bone and bone marrow at the age of 11. I honestly can't remember what it was like because at the time it felt like I was struggling just to stay alive."

Nordia James was diagnosed with sickle cell at six years old:
"I've experienced immense pain throughout my childhood because of sickle cell. I'm regularly rushed to hospital for blood transfusions or injections because of the disease." Sickle Cell is one of the most commonly inherited genetic disorders in the country.

The charity has gained the support of a number of celebrities (including MTV Base and Choice FM stars), community radio stations, well-known singers and stars from the stage and screen including: Choice FM, Unique FM, Roots FM, Shola Ama and her sister Sadie, reggae legend Tippa Irie and ITV's The Bill' actor Clifford Samuel. The team is also supported by a number of commercial and community organisations including; Genesis Community Chest, Brent Council's Harlesden and Stonebridge, Regeneration and Renewal Team and the Jack Petchey Foundation.

About sickle cell disease Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder affecting the red blood cells, and is mainly found in people of black and ethnic minorities. It is estimated that in the UK, 12,500 people have SCD. The condition can cause severe anaemia, damage to major organs and infections. Sickle cell is caused by inherited genes that create defective blood cells. People with sickle cell have sickle-shaped blood cells that can build up and cause blockages in small blood vessels, causing severe pain known as sickle cell crisis. Patients may require blood transfusions every 3-4 weeks.

For more information on Broken Silence, please visit the website.