RAPPERS, poets, dancers, comedians and singers brought a showcase of youth talent to life last night.

Performers from across north west London brought crowds to Byron Hall, off Christchurch Avenue, for Shooting Stars, an event designed to display a positive image of young people.

Many of the poems and hip hop lyrics on show carried warnings against the dangers of youth crime and painted a picture of the confusion faced by teenagers growing up in the capital.

Rapper Todd “Razor” Allison, 23, of Old Kenton Lane, Kingsbury, drew the inspiration for his work from his own experiences.

He said: “This event is important because its for young people. The song I'm performing is an educational song. It's to get across to young people the message about gun and knife crime.

“I've had family members who have been in trouble with the law. I feel like when I'm writing basically all of it comes from my own experience.

“Everything I say is basically about my life and experiences I've been through.”

Wise Santos, 17, of Neasden, read two poems about life in London and the different influences on teenagers growing up.

She said: “I write from what I see, mostly about equality and about young people and about me as an individual – what I feel I'm going through.”

Acts came from a variety of cultural traditions with Smang It performing street dance as well as African and Caribbean influenced routines.

Tosin Ajala, 17, Korreen White, 16, and Simone Downer, 17, make up the group and Tosin said: “It's a great experience to be part of the community and to give back to the community because they give to us.”

DJ Quincy said: “I think the acts are good, there's a lot of talent there. It's good to see a lot of females, a lot of poetry here too and a lot of words of wisdom.

“I think the messages are greatly important and a lot of people talked about growing up in London, a lot people talked about religion, going to prison and staying out of prison, and making the most of opportunities.”