A teenage schoolgirl from Sutton has won £2000 after being crowned winner of the Jack Petchey Anthem song writing competition last month.
Tanushree Nag from Nonsuch High School for Girls was awarded the money to spend on music equipment or education, as well as the chance to professionally record the song that won her the award and perform it at a high-profile Jack Petchey Foundation event.
The song, Pave the Way saw the 16-year-old see off over 100 young people from across London and Essex to make the final four, and then go on to win the competition.
Tanushree said: “I was thrilled when I found out that I won. Song writing and singing have always been a huge passion of mine and to see that my song will inspire other young people is truly humbling.
“I really enjoyed the whole experience of taking my original song idea and working with an industry professional to make this song so special. I am grateful to the Jack Petchey Foundation for encouraging me to pursue my passion for music.”
As she made the final four, Tanushree got the chance to work with composer and music producer Arun Sethi, who gave her professional feedback to develop her song.
She also received a special message from the 2018 winner of The Voice UK Ruti Olajugbagbe, who served on the judging panel for the competition.
The Jack Petchey Foundation was created in 1999 by Sir Jack Petchey CBE to help invest in helping young people aged 11-25 across London and Essex acheive their potential.
Every year they host the Jack Petchey Achievement Awards which last year included 15 young people from south west London.
This competition was one of a number established as part of the foundation’s 21st birthday celebrations, in an attempt to encourage young people to get creative over lockdown, and to get them to look positively towards the future.
Sir Jack, now aged 95, said: “It is right that we should invest in our youth in this way. It is right that we encourage and nurture them to grow their talents – whatever those talents may be.
“We should make sure they have as much fun as possible on the way! After all, it is our young people who will lead, inspire and influence how the world develops. Let’s invest in them NOW!”
