Talent Train Has The X-Factor

He may not have won The X-Factor but Duane Lamonte is still riding high. Championed by pop stars Cheryl Cole and Alexandra Burke, the X-Factor hopeful is lending his support and vocal prowess to a forthcoming talent show in South East London.

UK Arising Starz's heaving line-up of talented performers includes 30 singers, DJs, rappers and dancers. They are some of today's freshest new acts and all will be vying for a chance of stardom.

Organiser Nubian Anderson, co-director of UK Talent Train Promotions, said the "hotly anticipated" event will offer hopefuls a platform to gain "invaluable" exposure and experience.

"The aim of the UK Arising Starz concert is to create a platform for all acts to showcase their talent while providing a friendly and welcoming environment and it is our intention for artists to secure a recording deal as this is our first concert," says Nubian.

"It is a golden opportunity for new talents to perform in front of a large audience and gain invaluable promotion that will only help them grow in confidence. We hope to have scouts from the music industry at the event so there's every chance of going on to bigger, brighter things."

Nubian and her business partner Michael Mantock founded UK Talent Train in 2008. Between them they have over 30 years' experience in the entertainment industry and hold regular showcases and talent competitions across London.

One such competition - the UK Talent Train Showcase – reaches the quarter finals stage this June with a £5,000 cash prize for the eventual overall winner.

Nubian, from Croydon, says that in addition to helping tomorrow's stars get a first footing on the fame ladder, her promotion company actively tries to steer people away from a life of crime.

The 24-year-old thinks youngsters turn to crime because of frustration and a lack of outlets for their energy. She adds, "We believe in people and know that many of them have hidden talents that with the right encouragement and backing can lead away from a life of crime and make them an asset to their communities."

The concert is split into two shows, with under-18s performing between 12 noon and 4.30pm, and 18s and over taking to the stage from 5.30 – 10.30pm. The evening ends with an 'after show rave' until 2am.

London-based singer/songwriter Duane, who is a special guest on the night, said he's extra excited" about performing for Arising Starz.

"I've been singing for many years, but some of the greatest moments of my life are the competitions because they keep you prepared and disciplined for your future opponents while giving you a drive and dedication towards yourself to believe you can achieve further. I am truly grateful to be a part of such a competition. I respect UK Talent Train's ethos."

Other special guest MC Versatile will be performing on the night, along with other talents including Jamm-Tyme, Joy Olamide, V.I.C, Fly Prince, P-Man, Desparado, Knytro, Miss Teejah, K-Wizzle, Stylo-Gee, Hya P, Lady Danger, Lady Mercedez, Trilogy and Missolaniouse.

With tickets selling fast attendance promises to be huge and Nubian adds that there are a few additional sponsorship places still available for businesses interested in supporting both the concert and UK Talent Train Showcase competition.

The quarter finals of the talent show takes place on June 12 at St Marys Centre, in Ladywell but for now the UK Arising Starz concert takes place on Saturday 22nd May at the JK Banqueting Hall, Perry Vale, Forest Hill, London. Adm: £15 adv, £20 on door. Info: www.uktalenttrain.com for Businesses looking to sponsor email Michael Mantock at: Michael@uktalenttrainshowcase.com