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Battersea singers get all Jaz’ed up

Summary:

BBC The Voice’s Jaz Ellington is giving other aspiring singers hope for their future careers.

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By Leah Quinn

Battersea soulman Jaz Ellington is giving other aspiring singers hope for their future careers through his appearance on BBC’s The Voice.

The former singing teacher, who made a shock exit from the semi-final of the hit TV show, looks set to continue belting out the tunes with the help of mentor Will.i.am.

The father-to-be left the American superstar in tears when he first appeared on the show with his rendition of John Legend’s Ordinary People.

Although the final curtain has fallen on his time on The Voice, his friendship with Will.i.am has already blossomed into a musical collaboration since he left the show, proving that we have not seen the last of his vocal talents.

American singer/songwriter Will.i.am recently tweeted: “this is just the beginning for our work together in the near future… Let’s take this to outer space :)”

Former colleagues and students are also inspired by Jaz’s voice and success.

A community orientated gospel singing group, where the 27-year-old taught and wrote songs for five years, is attracting many South-West Londoners to their uplifting workshops at the Wandsworth’s Professional Centre.

Rachel Thomas, producer at igospel.uk and former colleague of Jaz, said: “Jaz has been a regular singer and songwriter with the team – co-writing numerous songs that have been taught to thousands of children over the years in schools across the capital.

“He is a fabulous singer and also talented songwriter and fantastic tutor. We have always known that all Jaz needed was the opportunity to show the world his talents for him to go places – the talent and star quality he has in abundance!”

The former Battersea music teacher has certainly come a long way from his days in the classroom but when we spoke to him he was keen to offer his former students and local singing enthusiasts a piece of inspiring advice: “ Don’t let nothing hold you down…reach for the sky and live your dream.”

The igospel adult choir in Wandsworth rehearses at the Professional Centre in Tooting during term time on Thursdays, 6.00 – 7.30pm. 

To take part contact Ashley Redman, Life Long Learning Co-ordinator at the Professional Centre on 020 8871 8627.

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