Rapper Benji makes it through to the semis

A BROMSGROVE musician has his sights firmly set on the O2 Arena after rapping his way to the semi-finals of a national music competition.

Sidemoor rapper Benji Blake beat 15 other contestants in the quarter finals of Live and Unsigned, Britain's largest music competition for unsigned acts. He will now compete with five others for £10,000 in prize money and opportunities to perform at festivals and at major UK venues.

Twenty-one-year-old Benji makes indie, dubstep and pop music and had fought off 50,000 other musicians to reach the final 20.

Benji, known as Bb, said: "During the quarter finals, I remember looking up and seeing everyone's eyes on me, and they were all clapping and smiling.

"My friends were over the moon.

"They all started a big chant in the voting stages and it sounded like the whole of the arena joined in."

And Benji was particularly proud of one judge's comment, who said: "I know we've said we wouldn't name drop or pick favorites, but that Bb was brilliant.

"I don't know his name though."

Benji, who is also studying business at NEW College in Redditch, said 'I'm aiming for the finals now.

"I just need to get a half decent following to come to the semis in Bedford with me, so I can reach the final.'

The semi-finals will be held at the Corn Exchange, in Bedford on May 13.

For more on Live and Unsigned visit www.liveandunsigned.uk.com

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