The audience “went willd” with applause at a ceremony which celebrated young achievers of African and Caribbean descent.
The 11th Descendants Dr John Roberts CBE QC annual achievement awards 2015 was held on July 3 at the Double Tree by Hilton in Ealing Common, with a performance from recent Britain’s Got Talent finalists Sakyi Four.
Founder of the Descendants, Margaret Noel, welcomed everyone before handing over to the two young compères, Jamal and Jodie, who kept the audience entertained and the evening flowing.
Special cheers were heard as they introduced the now 10-year-old genius, Joshua Beckford, the youngest person to attend Oxford University at the age of six.
The overall winner of the achievement awards was Deborah Alowade of Twyford High School.
Ms Noel said: “The award ceremony itself was breathtaking, so much talent in one room, just brilliant. The winning child received a trophy, all shortlisted children were awarded certificates, book vouchers and goody bags.
“The evening was so inspirational, a room packed with the next generation of world changers; a resounding success.
“We were treated to a memorising performance from Kianja, a talented 17 year old, who played the guitar whilst singing. A star in the making. Also an exhilarating dance performance from Hybrid, a dance duo of two young best friends, and the brilliant Camara, last year’s winner of the first Steve McQueen arts award, had the audience dancing to her sweet accomplished voice.
"The audience were finally given a taste of what is to come for the new Sakyi Four, who were recent semi-finalists in Britain’s Got Talent 2015."
Africa Blagrove, the winner of the first Kwame-Kwei-Armah award 2015, received a special message: “I cannot be prouder that the first ‘student who excels in the arts award’ to bare my name is being awarded to such an outstanding young woman.
"Someone who seems to excel from playing chess to performing Michael Jackson’s thriller. From being a published storyteller to a West Twyford footballer.
"Africa you are a true renaissance woman and the world needs more and more of you. Congratulations, from the heart. Love Kwame.”
Mayor of Ealing councillor Harbhajan Kaur Dheer was in attendance as well as Ealing & Acton MP Rupa Huq who gave the opening speech at the event.
Winners of Primary Awards
- Emmanuel Ukwenu- Students who excel in all areas of their education
- Akeem Sulley- Students who work hard and achieve against all the odds
- Tyler Falzon- Student of the year - male
- Esther Engola- Student of the year - female
- Africa Blagrove - Students who excel in arts
- Vivienne Cadogan - Students who excel in Sports
- Amal Ali- Future leader
- Esther Engola - Overall outstanding primary “The Lord Paul Boateng”
Winners of Secondary Awards
- Osob Dahir - Students who excel in all areas of their education
- Breon Ramdeen -Students who work hard and achieve against all the odds
- Saeed Warsame- Students who work hard and achieve against all the odds
- Aaron Ajayi – Male student of the year
- Lauren Smith –Female student of the year
- Markell Charles-Bailey- Winner of the Steve McQueen OBE CBE arts award
- Chantelle Malcolm- Students who excel in sports
- Akeno McKenzie- Future leader
Descendants special awards to celebrate people in the community who were inspirational and committed extraordinary people:
- Quianna Farquharson – Willis Wilkie Award
- Rianna Black –Connie Mark BEM MBE Award
- Kamiah Dawkins-Grant –Kim Noel Award
