Talented Central Sussex College music student Shak Forbes is celebrating after being named winner of the Open Mic UK competition.
The 16-year-old won the national search for new young music talent at the O2 after blowing the judges away with his original rap performance of Mac Miller’s ‘Best Day Ever’, backed by a full choir.
Shak is now set to take the charts by storm after he beat 9,000 other young musicians from across the UK, to scoop first prize of a recording contract worth £30,000, and the chance to release his own single.
Shak, who has been writing original compositions since the age of eight, said: “I have always loved the creativity of making music, and being on stage feels like the right place for me to be.
“However, I never thought I’d win this competition, so it feels amazing!”
Music teacher at the college Steve McCarthy said: “This is an amazing achievement for a young talent and the combination of winning a national competition in addition to his music studies at College is preparing Shak for a strong career in the industry.”
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