Bashy, Ny and the UD Vocalists lit up Stratford Circus on Sunday, March 9th, setting the stage for LSR and Divided Fusions to showcase the stars of tomorrow.

It was bound to be something special as soon as it was announced. Uprogress: The Throwdown was a chance for young stars of secondary school age to showcase their talents, singing, dancing and rocking the mic.

After five months learning about the music industry, the students were finally ready to put their knowledge to the test. Representing as LSR (Lister School Records) and Divided Fusions (St Bon Adventures and Sarah Bonnell), the two school-based labels went head to head for the love of the energized youth audience.

Each label threw down with a 20-minute live performance, aided by comedic hosts, big screen visuals and some well chosen props. The boys had their flyest fitted caps and jeans on, the girls got their ?hair did? and dressed up. This was an event where school friends showed up to support their peers, (soft) drinks were flowing, competition was friendly and the show was a sell-out. By the interval, young stars had their first taste of celebrity and guests HAV:UK & New Era Boy had enticed a few forward females to join them on stage for some bashment business.

After the break we were taken on a unique journey through the evolution of music, courtesy of Urban Development?s Vocal Collective and DJ?s. The set was followed by surprise guest Ny. Despite a few minor setbacks in the DJ area, grime?s first lady shone through, delivering hits ?Fire? and ?Willow?. Ny exited the stage, leaving the crowd buzzing. The audience knew what was coming up next and they got what was promised to them. Bashy ran onto the stage, camera in hand, bag on his back with the baseline kicking behind him and a few hundred teenagers screaming in front of him.

Words: Kaio Grizzelle