"Voting, as well as wider participation in the political system, is crucial to ensure that our voices are heard"

Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Streatham Chuka Umunna joined Mercury Music Prize winner Speech Debelle to support Operation Black Vote (OBV) and encourage young people to make their voices heard by voting this year.

Speech Debelle was one of the judges for a talent contest at a community event organised by Mr. Umunna, along with Leo Ihenacho, singer with The Streets.

The Celebrating Streatham event was held to bring together local businesses, charities and community groups and celebrate the talent and diversity of the South London neighbourhood, which has one of the largest African Caribbean populations in the country.

The event showcased the talent of local performers to the wider community and challenged the negative perception of both Streatham and young people which is too often put forward by the national media.

Dancer Jerayle, who is studying for his GCSEs, won the contest after an audience vote. As well as winning the chance to record his own video with youth foundation Generation Next, Speech Debelle was so impressed that she also asked him to feature in her next video.

Mr. Umunna said: "This year, people face an important choice which will affect the future of the country and its many diverse communities.

"Voting, as well as wider participation in the political system, is crucial to ensure that our voices are heard."

Speech Debelle, who grew up and still lives in Streatham, won the Mercury Music Prize last year for her album “Speech Therapy”.

In January, Mr. Umunna took part in Operation Black Vote's 'Express Yourself' event, which promoted young people becoming more active members of society and their communities and also featured performances from young musicians and comedians.

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