A teenage singer has been crowned the winner of the Waltham Forest’s Got Talent competition.

Habone Mohammed, 18, of Big Creative Education in Blackhorse Lane, was selected by judges for her version of Bon Iver’s Skinny Love at the event organised by the Barbican Centre and Circle 33 housing association at Priory Court Community Centre on Saturday.  

After her victory was announced and giving a final performance, Habone said: “I am absolutely shocked to win this.

“This is the first competition I have ever entered.

“I have never won anything before except for a scratch card once. 

“My heart is beating so fast it is better than energy drinks.”

Habone will now perform a one-hour set at the Walthamstow Garden Party in Lloyd Park, which is expected to be attended by 30,000 people in July, supported by the runners-up.

The Priory Court estate has had problems with gang crime and anti-social behaviour in recent years.

Tian Glasgow, Barbican community engagement coordinator, said: “There is a stigma attached to this estate.

"But we haven’t dealt with that for over a year, so it is time now to shed that reputation.

“We need young people to become engaged with the community centre and through sport, music and regular events like this we will succeed.”

During the competition teenagers performed a range of musical styles including soul, spoken word, hip-hop and pop.

The runners-up were Alexys Reid, Elliot Ezra and Justine Carame.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Habone Mohammed performs Skinny Love by Bon Iver to claim the headline slot (Credit: Camilla Greenwell)