Hackney’s 17-year old up-and-coming singing superstar Jermain Jackman walked away with a prestigious prize recognising his musical talents last night at a star-studded award ceremony featuring performances from Stooshe, McFly and Maverick Sabre.

Jackman had already beat off 4,000 other contenders to reach the final three in one of the 10 Spirit of London Award (SOLA) categories, and was over the moon when his name was announced as the winner at Greenwich’s O2 Arena.

SOLA, aims to shine a spotlight on young people who are making a positive difference in their communities and is run by the Damilola Taylor Trust – set up in honour of the 10-year old killed in a senseless act of violence by a 12 and 13-year old in 2000.

Jermain’s category was judged by Hackney musical talents Labrinth and Leona Lewis, along with late singer Amy Winehouse’s dad Mitch, who said: “It is so important that we celebrate all of the wonderful things that young people are doing, people like Jermain who aged just 17 is already being recognised not only for his outstanding musical talent, but also for his active involvement in politics and his local community.

“Jermain should be really proud of all his achievements, and we look forward to seeing him progress even further.”

The Finsbury Park lad is on a winning streak this year, snatching first place this summer in the international singing Competition ‘Hackney versus Harlem’, winning a performance slot at the world renowned Apollo theatre in Harlem, New York.

Jermain who was a member of the Hackney Youth Parliament last year has also campaigned against knife crime, and for better communication between young people and the police.

“I feel privileged to have such stars on the judging panel, I feel privileged to represent Hackney’s young people and to be a beacon for youth positivity,” he said.

“It’s bitter but sweet, the bitter bit was the death of Damilola Taylor 12 years ago but the positive bit is the way his death was used to inspire a generation.”

Jermain hopes 2013 will bring even bigger and brighter things, and he is currently writing his own musical.