Has Warwick actually got talent?

On Wednesday 28 January the university hosted a talent show – Warwick’s Got Talent – as part of the One World Week activities which took place across campus.

Before Wednesday night’s POP! the Copper Rooms staged 11 performers from countries such as Bulgaria, Cyprus, France and India. They showcased a variety of talents including dancing, singing and rapping, with three then being selected to compete for the final.

The event was judged by Mark Allison, Head of Coventry City Council’s Performing Arts Service, last year’s Warwick’s Got Talent winner Gabriele Mantuskaite, and the Students’ Union Societies Co-ordinator Indy Sanghera, who helped organise One World Week.

After the 11 acts had performed, the judges chose their top three, yet emphasised the importance of taking part over winning.

Josh Uwaifo, a rapper, was the overall winner, triumphing through audience voting. He confessed his surprise at winning, but stated that he was immensely happy.

Postgraduate Media Studies student Ankita Menon was the runner-up, performing a dance routine fusion to the music of Bollywood and Beyoncé.

First-year Economics student Navina Rajan, who came third for performing some original acoustic songs, commented: “Getting to perform for such a lively crowd felt amazing.”

From an audience member’s perspective, the event was also a success. First-year Economics, Politics and International Studies (EPAIS) student Juhi Mandloi said: “The event was amazing. It not only showcased many talented individuals but was a sheer delight for the audience who were constantly kept engaged. It was exciting and crisp in its conduct, and had a very well-selected, diverse group of contestants.”

The event was broadcast live in the piazza, with Warwick Pole society performing during the breaks.