The winners of the first ever Elephant’s Got Talent competition have been announced.
Magician Loic Dilane and singer-rappers Copy and Paste – aka Kai Rogers and Zach Chappell – were crowned joint winners at the hotly anticipated competition finals on Thursday, September 6.
Their victory came after several months of auditions and three heats at Draper Hall, Mercato Metropolitano and The Artworks, before the final was held at Elephant Park, where the audience enjoyed guest performances from students at local performing arts school Superarts.
In total, nine acts took to the stage, but the judges won over by the ‘professionalism and uniqueness’ of the winners.
Susan Hayes, principal at Superarts Academy of Performing Arts, who organised the event said: “It’s fantastic to see the variety of talents we have in the neighbourhood.
“Running Superarts Performing Arts Academy and the Superarts agency for young people who work in the West End, TV and Film, I’m always interested in seeing the wonderful talent we have in this area.
“To nurture those who are new to the business as well as encourage those who have been in this industry for many years, is a privilege.
“As you saw this evening it’s the passion of all the finalists that shone through and I hope all of them continue to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.”
The judging panel included ballerina Pietra Mello Pittman, former Superarts student Sadie Nine, a singer, performer and BBC radio broadcaster, and Mike Smith, the joint creative director at Uplands TV.
“Elephant Castle has a unique energy where talent can flourish. It’s been my pleasure to organise this event, with the assistance of a great team. Though this is the first Elephant’s Got Talent, we hope it won’t be the last.
“I have even bigger ideas for next time.” Susan said.