Show Me What You Got Showcase

New International Company of Live Arts (NICOLA) has teamed up with Sadie Flower, winner of BBC1’s Strictly Dance Fever 2005, to bring together London and Leeds in a new youth initiative, as pre-selected young singers and rappers from both cities compete in a final competition at the NICOLA Talent Factory Showcase, Show Me What You Got.

The Showcase will begin with improvised performances before rappers and singers - judged to appear from the previous open auditions in London and Leeds - showcase their skills in the final competition. This is an opportunity for all aspiring young rappers and singers to be exposed to music industry A & R talent scouts. The most-voted rapper and singer is each set to win a cash prize, intended to support him or her gain access to further musical training.

Prior to the Showcase on the 22nd June NICOLA is hosting Music Connection, a youth exchange programme between the UK (through NICOLA), Italy (through JAM), Turkey (through Youth A.R.T), France (through FRENCH TOUCH) and the Netherlands (through UNtold), which commences on 16 June. In producing original songs and shooting music videos, this project intends to explore cultural influences in music and the way in which people come together through music. After a week of creative collaboration, the work produced during Music Connection will be presented at the Showcase, as young artists perform original song material, bringing their blend of cultures to The Tabernacle in a performance which incorporates a variety of musical styles and influences.