Talented Tooting music student makes it to the Alpha Unsigned final at Indigo O2

A music student from Tooting has made it to the finals of a new talent show where she will get the chance to compete for a £100,000 record deal.

Ania Praesek, from Tooting Broadway, will join eight other musicians at the Alpha Unsigned final at Indigo O2 on March 30.

The  Academy of  Contemporary Music (ACM) student said she was honoured to be a finalist, adding: “The opportunity to just be there and perform means a lot to me and I hope I will show it on the final night.”

Ms Praesek has been studying music since she was a child and graduated from the Polish Music School of Percussion Instruments before studying at the ACM in Clapham .

She said: “I love playing, singing and composing because it makes me feel free, joyful and grateful for what I have..

“I write all of my lyrics and music. My inspiration comes from daily life – from different relationships, from happiness, from sadness.

“I share my stories and let my heart sing them.”

Other finalists include Mim Grey, a singer and  musician who has performed with Paul McCartney, Iranian artist  Gola, who was a member of Iran’s first female pop group and LaMont, a versatile artist who won Pride’s Got Talent 2018.

All the artists have been supported and mentored through their performances by British singer  and The X Factor winner Ben Haenow, who will host the final at the Indigo O2.

The musicians submitted their entries in 2021 and the best were selected for the heats.

The winners of each heat and the final will be chosen by a judging panel of music industry professionals and the live audience.

The winner will get a record deal with Alpha Music & Records with the aim of releasing their own album by the end of the year.

Director of Alpha Music and Records Haydn Williams said: “The quality of the acts we have  in the Alpha Unsigned Grand Final is incredible – and is a testament to the creative energy and  vibrancy of UK developing artists.

“We can’t wait to start working with the winner at Alpha Music & Records, helping them make the album they’ve always dreamed of.”