UK Talent Train

Some of today's freshest new acts will be hoping for a chance of stardom in a talent showcase concert being held in South East London this weekend.

Lending his support - and vocal prowess - will by X-Factor star Duane Lamonte, who has been championed by pop stars Cheryl Cole and Alexandra Burke. Duane will appear as part of a heaving line-up of over 30 singers, DJs, rappers and dancers being given their "chance to shine" at the Arising Starz concert, in Forest Hill this Saturday (May 22).

Organiser Nubian Anderson, co-director of UK Talent Train Promotions, said the "hotly anticipated" event will offer hopefuls a platform to gain "invaluable" exposure and experience She said: "The aim of the UK Arising Starz concert is to create a platform for all acts to showcase their talent while providing a friendly and welcoming environment and it is our intention for artists to secure a recording deal as this is our first concert."

"It is a golden opportunity for hot new talents to perform in front of a large audience and gain invaluable promotion exposure, something that will only help them grow in confidence." "We hope to have scouts from the music industry at the event so there's every chance of going on to bigger, brighter things."

Nubian co-founded UK Talent Train in 2008 with Michael Mantock. Between them they have over 30 years' experience in the entertainment industry and hold regular showcases and talent competitions across London.

One such competition - the UK Talent Train Showcase - reaches the quarter finals stage this June with a £5,000 cash prize for the eventual overall winner. Marketing student Nubian, from Croydon, says that in addition to helping tomorrow's stars get a first footing on the fame ladder, her promotion company actively tries to steer people away from a life of crime.

The 24-year-old said: "Often, people turn to crime because of frustration and a lack of outlets for their energy. With that in mind, our motto is "Why do crime when there's your talent you can get behind?"

"We believe in people and know that many of them have hidden talents that with the right encouragement and backing can lead away from a life of crime and make them an asset to their communities."

The UK Arising Starz concert takes place at the JK Banqueting Hall, Perry Vale, Forest Hill, on Saturday, May 22nd.

The concert is split into two shows, with under-18s performing between 12 noon and 4.30pm, and 18s and over taking to the stage from 5.30 - 10.30pm. The evening ends with an 'After Rave' until 2am.

Special guest MC Versatile will be performing on the night, along with other talents including Jamm-Tyme, Joy Olamide, V.I.C, Fly Prince, P-Man, Desparado, Knytro, Miss Teejah, K-Wizzle, Stylo-Gee, Hya P, Lady Danger, Lady Mercedez, Trilogy and Missolaniouse.

The X-Factor's Duane Lamonte, a close friend of pop diva Leona Lewis, will be adding extra star quality with a special guest set.

The London-based singer/songwriter has appeared in the last two series of the hit ITV show but says he is “extra excited” about performing for Arising Starz.

He said: "I am truly grateful to be a part of such a competition. I respect UK Talent Train's ethos of providing an awareness to young people to keep guns and knives off the street, but in an entertaining way.

"I've been singing for many years, but some of the greatest moments of my life are the competitions because they keep you prepared and disciplined for your future opponents while giving you a drive and dedication towards yourself to believe you can achieve further.

"I would like to thank UK Talent Train for having me perform at their show and I am extra excited about it. It's all for the love." Nubian says tickets are selling fast for the concert and she advises anyone interested in attending to buy sooner rather than later to "avoid disappointment".

Nubian adds that there are a few additional sponsorship places still available for businesses interested in supporting both the concert and UK Talent Train Showcase competition.

The quarter finals of the talent show takes place on June 12 at St Marys Centre, in Ladywell.
Tickets for the UK Arising Starz concert cost £15 advanced (£20 on the door), available from website: www.uktalenttrain.com.

Businesses looking to sponsor the event should email Michael Mantock at: Michael@uktalenttrainshowcase.com