Teenage poet takes first prize in hard-fought Hackney talent show

Victor: Chifa K celebrates after winning Alter Ego. Photograph: Hackney Council

A teenage poet triumphed in council talent show Alter Ego at a jam-packed Hackney Empire last week.

Chifa Khelfaoui, 18, wowed the audience and judges with an original spoken word piece, beating a choir and a solo singer to take the crown.

She said: “I wasn’t expecting to win tonight! I loved every minute of Alter Ego, I love Hackney, there are so many talented people here.”

She hoped other youngsters would be inspired by the show, adding: “Don’t ever listen to the bad things people say, whatever you want to do just go do it, work hard for it.”

The contest, which saw nine acts perform, was hosted by DJ and model Snoochie Shy and comedian Kat B.

It kicked off the council’s Discover Young Hackney festival, which runs until September and features free taster sessions, workshops and performances aimed at attracting young people across the borough to the arts.

Shy said: “Alter Ego is such a great event for young people to get involved in, showcase their talent, get out there and believe in themselves. It’s all about having confidence, every young person in Hackney should get involved in the festival.”

Fifteen-strong choir Urban Flames, made up of singers aged between 16 and 18, finished in second place, while solo artist Cai Rowe took third with a rendition of ‘Say Yes’ by Floetry.

Rowe said: “I liked working with the other contestants, I didn’t really see it as a competition because everyone was so good and I kind of fed off everyone’s energy, it felt really good.”

The top three earned a host of prizes, including a free course at music talent agency Urban Development, a studio recording session, and mentoring from top showbiz professionals.

They will also have a chance to perform at Well Street Market as part of Discover Young Hackney’s takeover day on 1 July.

For more information about the festival and its events programme, please visit the website here