Hundreds of shoppers at West 12 Shopping Centre in Shepherd's Bush saw 25 year-old solo artist Jumeee triumph in the finals of the centre's first Search for a Star competition on Sunday October 30.

On Saturday, Jumeee and the other shortlisted acts, Jessica Sharman, Tir Eolas, Andreas Liberos and Freak Static- all from West London - battled it out in the semi-finals.

After superb performances from all the acts, Jumeee and 23 year-old Jessica Sharman were chosen by judges, including Matt Chambers from Insomnia Music, to go head-to-head in the finals on Sunday 30th October.

Singer songwriter Jessica, who is also a part-time music teacher sang two of her favourite tracks in Sunday's final event and drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowds with her pop-country style.

Next up was Jumeee, who also performed two of his alternative pop songs accompanied by backing dancers and live band.

Two members of the crowd helped to choose the final winner, while compere Yemi Sawyyerr, who has several MTV presenting jobs under his belt, kept the crowds entertained.

As well as being named West 12’s Star of the Future, Jumeee wins half a day at Wendyhouse Productions, a top London recording studio where he will be able to fine tune his talent and produce a professional demo.

Jumeee is also an entrepreneur in his own right, running a performing arts company called Child of Zion which runs arts workshops for young people, performance showcases, artist development programmes and project consultation. He says: " I was absolutely delighted to win. It has been such a rewarding experience for me with so many 'firsts' that I can say were down to West 12's support.

" I completed my first radio interview, performed with a live band for the first time and I've had the chance to really be exposed to a wider audience outside of my friendship groups. I'm so grateful for the experience and the opportunity, and to think, it all began with me coming itno the centre wanting some ice cream!"

He adds: " " I'm releasing myfirst music single 'baCk tO tHE futuRE on November 25, and I want more people to know about it!"

Gavin Waller, centre manager at West 12 says: " We had so many fantastic quality entries for the search for a star competition so it was really difficult to whittle these down to just five semi-finalists.

" All our performers really wowed the crowds at West 12 on Saturday but according to our judges Jessica and Jumeee proved to be head and shoulders above the rest. In the end it was Jumeee’s eclectic mix of pop and personality which helped him bag the winning position."

November 2, 2011