Student raps way to £500 prize in college talent competition

A budding rapper took the top prize in a student-wide talent competition held at Hopwood Hall College.

Paulo Jorge Afonso – AKA ‘Smokey’ – won £500 in vouchers after wowing with his video entry submitted for Hopwood’s Hidden Talent.

It featured the 16-year-old performing one of his self-penned raps from his home in Rochdale.

The song dazzled judges at the college, as well as competition sponsors Reed Education.

Paulo, who attended Oulder Hill Community School and now studies Brickwork at Hopwood Hall, is hoping the win could mark his first steps in the music industry.

Meanwhile, two runners-up also took home prizes after just missing out on the top spot.

Uniformed Public Services student Leah Clare and Mechanical Engineering student William Baron both won an Amazon Echo Dot after showing off their talents.

Leah, who attended Newhouse Academy, impressed with a video entry revealing sketches that she’d done of Al Pacino, Morgan Freeman and Alicia Keys.

The 17-year-old is working towards a career in the police, but said drawing will always be a side hobby.

William’s entry demonstrated his extraordinary ability to play the organ. 

The 20-year-old, who attended Cardinal Langley RC High School, was filmed performing Battle Hymn of the Republican on the organ at Rochdale Town Hall.

Hopwood’s Hidden Talent was open to all learners and featured entries from students on all types of courses, including part-time and Higher Education.

The winner was initially announced on social media, with videos of Paulo’s performance racking up well over 1,000 views.

 

 

Julia Heap, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College, said: “We love nothing more than celebrating our students and their exceptional talents at Hopwood Hall.

“This competition allowed us to do just that and I couldn’t be more proud of all the learners who took part.

“I’d like to say a huge well done to Paulo for coming first in the face of such tough competition.”

Paulo Jorge Afonso said: “It feels amazing to win and I want to thank the other contestants because there were some really strong entries.

“I’ve been rapping since I was young and music is in my blood. 

“My top priority right now is college, but music will always be there with me.”

Leah Clare said: “I think this competition was a brilliant idea.

“If people don’t have a lot of confidence then it’s a great way to showcase their talents and realise how good they are.

“As soon as I could pick up a pencil I’ve been drawing. It’s my favourite thing to do.”

William Baron said: “I was pleased to hear that some people said my entry gave them goosebumps.

“For my entry I wanted to show people the power of the organ because it’s a versatile instrument which can play pretty much anything.”