Judges praise '˜awesome' talent at Sheffield school after music showcase

Young Sheffield musicians put their talents on show in front of industry professionals at a showcase competition.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Mar 2016, 05:30 BST
Updated 2nd Apr 2016, 05:58 BST
Pupils from King Edward VII School in Sheffield show off their talents in the KESJam competition. Emily FoggPupils from King Edward VII School in Sheffield show off their talents in the KESJam competition. Emily Fogg
Pupils from King Edward VII School in Sheffield show off their talents in the KESJam competition. Emily Fogg

King Edward VII School in Broomhall held its second annual KESJam contest, bringing together a diverse range of performers from the upper school to audition for a place in the final.

They performed in front of family, friends and teachers, but were also judged by a panel of industry experts headed by BAFTA-nominated composer and music producer Chris Mann, who is also an Ivor Novello and BAFTA judge.

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Chris said: “There’s some awesome talent at King Edward’s at the moment and such a great atmosphere and energy at the school, which seems spot on for nurturing this talent.

“The standards are very high and we’ve seen several acts who could develop into something special.”

The judges chose Zoe Helena, aged 18 and a regular busker, as the top acoustic act. Winning singer was Melissa Bako, 15, while battle of the bands was won by Seamonsters, an all-female six-piece group of 16 and 17-year-olds who have already made appearances at a number of Sheffield venues including the O2 and the Leadmill.

Head of Year 10 Dave Musgrove said: “Everyone involved has been really impressed not only by the talent, hard work and dedication of all the performers but by the support they give each other.

“It was a competition but it was also a celebration of our young performance talent.”