Poet George Mpanga (OE 2002-2009) has been recognised as one of 2015’s brightest prospects after he was named among the finalists in two national awards schemes for emerging artists this winter.
George, known professionally as George the Poet, was runner-up in the Brits Critics’ Choice Award announced in December and now he has come fifth in the BBC Sound of 2015 competition.
The Sound of 2015 list was compiled from the favourite new acts named by DJs, critics and broadcasters, while the Critics’ Choice winners are picked by music industry experts, print and online music editors and representatives from major TV and radio stations. Previous winners of both competitions include Adele and Sam Smith.
George, 23, who is a spoken word performer and rapper, is now preparing to release his debut album on Island Records and to publish his first poetry collection.
MTV's head of music, Anna Karatziva, who voted for George in the Sound Of 2015, called him "engaging and mesmerising".
"No matter what he is talking about, you find yourself clinging to his every word and the venue always erupts when he breaks into song."
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After gaining A grades in English Literature, Sociology and Politics A-levels, George won a place at King’s College, Cambridge, to read Politics, Psychology and Sociology (PPS). He was elected Chair of King’s College Student Union.
Earlier highlights of his career included winning a £16,000 prize from The Stake competition, sponsored by Barclays and Channel Four. The prize funded a series of poetry workshops called The Jubilee Line (TJL) aimed at empowering underprivileged young people.
George previously performed as MC Shawalin, before deciding to focus on the spoken word. He appears at venues across London and his performances of poems have gained a significant following on youtube.
BBC interview with George the Poet
George, known professionally as George the Poet, was runner-up in the Brits Critics’ Choice Award announced in December and now he has come fifth in the BBC Sound of 2015 competition.
George, 23, who is a spoken word performer and rapper, is now preparing to release his debut album on Island Records and to publish his first poetry collection.
MTV's head of music, Anna Karatziva, who voted for George in the Sound Of 2015, called him "engaging and mesmerising".
"No matter what he is talking about, you find yourself clinging to his every word and the venue always erupts when he breaks into song."
Interviewed by the BBC, George said he wanted to use his poetry to inspire social and political change. “It’s about talking to people in the most creative way possible,” he said. He draws on his experiences as he grew up on the Stonebridge Park estate. Primary-school classmates would casually mention witnessing domestic violence. “They didn’t understand the gravity of what they were saying. But this disturbed me. I remember trying to fight everything, trying to save everyone from every calamity. At some point I realised that I'm not going to be able to save everyone, but that when I do have the platform I will do everything to enact structural change…”
Earlier highlights of his career included winning a £16,000 prize from The Stake competition, sponsored by Barclays and Channel Four. The prize funded a series of poetry workshops called The Jubilee Line (TJL) aimed at empowering underprivileged young people.
George previously performed as MC Shawalin, before deciding to focus on the spoken word. He appears at venues across London and his performances of poems have gained a significant following on Youtube.
BBC interview with George the Poet