9000 acts signed up for Open Mic UK but Shak was crowned champion in front of a capacity crowd at the Indigo 02. He won the grand final competition with his take on Mac Miller’s ‘Best Day Ever’. Competition was stiff with many talented contestants, but his charismatic charm and talent pushed him to beat the other contestants within the 16 and under category and as the overall winner of Open Mic UK.
The sixteen year-old A-level student admits it still hasn’t sunk in; ‘I’m still shocked. I hoped I’d win but didn’t expect it. I woke up on Sunday and thought “what happened last night”, I still couldn’t believe it’!
The grand final judges included Radio 1’s Annie Nightingale, Pete Cunnah, Shola Ama, BGM’s Michael King, Chris Grayston from Future Music and E Plus from Choice FM. Also picked by them as winners were Sham from Brixton who won the 17-22 category, and Sheena McHugh from Coalville who took home the 23’s and over title.
(from left to right) Chris Grayston – Future Music, Pete Cunnah – D:Ream, Michael King – BGM), Shola Ama, Shak, Ben Price – Future Music, Semper Azeez-Harris – Flavour Magazine and E Plus – Choice FM.
Winning Open Mic UK is a great opportunity for any young aspiring artist and we have seen the great success of previous winners such as Birdy who has enjoyed chart success at the tender age of 15. Hatty Keane has gone on to support the likes of Ed Sheeran, Wretch 32 and Tinchy Stryder since her success since last year.
Shak now has a management contract with investment towards a single release and a comprehensive consultation package which includes social marketing, image and brand with Future Music.
Now if that wasn’t enough Relentless Boardmasters wants two Live and Unsigned acts to perform during their main stage slots during their summer festival! Expect to see more of Shak as this type of opportunity will catapult him into success throughout 2012. The Relentless Boardmasters’ festival has seen some massive acts perform in the past such as Fat Boy Slim, The Streets and Bombay Bicycle Club and now this summer Shak will be joining the List.
