UProgress was a lively demonstration of the best pre-16 talent in Newham. Those gathered were blessed with performances from creative young singers, songwriters, dancers and emcees from the Street Symphony collective. The evening's hosts had more than enough comic spirit to kick-start the show and did a perfect job keeping the revelers engaged between sets.

Little Ilford performers Irma, Rushida and Sindy set it off with a heartfelt performance. Their song ‘In The Sky' gathered momentum as the girls grew in confidence. The lead vocalist in particular showed outstanding potential and earned the show of appreciation from the audience.

The act that proceeded was nothing short of a marvel. Natural ability and showmanship made them a standout performance on the night. Emcee Intact and crew kept things grimey with raw bass and bars to test the sound system. Verbal gymnastics were put on pause towards the end of the first half as the Lies Dance Crew put movement to beats in an awe-inspiring routine.

A feisty Rainer contributed to the wealth of lyrical content with her passionate poetics on ‘Dream'.

The interval provided an opportunity for the audience to recharge and prepare for Street Symphony. Edith opened proceedings with the rocky ‘Now I'm Gone', a tale of heartbreak delivered with all the swagger and attitude of a young Avril Lavigne. Soulful double act Darlene & Charlotte impressed with ‘Pressure' and Sara painted a dramatic picture of inner city woe with ‘Streets Are Cold'. If the young homeless person pleading for change in the background seemed meek, then the lady in question was ready to shake off misconceptions with her debut performance. A feisty Rainer contributed to the wealth of lyrical content with her passionate poetics on ‘Dream'. Voicing the song with power and confidence she delivered her uplifting  message. Her song - like Dynamic's energetic ‘Moving Hot' and Eshay's ‘Won't Stop' posse cut - captured the true spirit of the event.

Roles reversed as the elated entertainers became the entertained for the show after the show. Special guest Young Nate preceded a Tinie Tempah in superb form. The rising R&B star swept up applause with club anthem ‘Heartbroken' and a slew of quality tracks. Tinie flicked on the funky switch and turned the place to a skankers asylum with two words, "bubbly, bubbly". He lapped up the adoration from the "get down low" ladies, loosing marbles to reconstituted nursery rhyme.

By the end of the private show there could be no doubt that Street Symphony's hard work had paid off.

WORDS: WILLIAM OKOBI