Fresh from his win at BBC1 The Voice UK over the weekend, Jermain Jackman had pledged his support to the Mayor of London’s backBusking campaign to nurture capital’s street musicians

The 19-year-old Hackney teenager tweeted this morning a picture of himself with the Mayor of London at the #backbusking and Gigs 2014 competition launch at St Pancras International.

Jackman posted: “I’m backing busking with @MayorofLondon #Backbusking pic.twitter.com/ZloKh1qBuK.”

Rising X Factor star pop star and committed busker Luke Friend and London band King’s Parade who were heading to busk in Paris after winning the Eurostar prize in last year’s competition, also joined the Mayor at the launch today.

Boris Johnson’s wants to turn London into ‘the most busker friendly City in the world’, and is urging young artists to sign up to support capital’s street musicians.

The city has long been associated buskers using public spaces like Covent Garden and on the Tube however, the confusing rules often means musician are unsure about where they can perform.

Some parts of the capital now operate mandatory licensing charges and can impose potentially large fines, making it financially prohibitive for many musicians.

The Mayor is determined that London maintains its international reputation, the home of live music and to prevent talented buskers being forced off London Streets.

His annual competition, London Underground busking scheme and Gigs, involves many young musicians performing to hundreds of thousands of people throughout the summer at high profile locations, including at St Paul’s Cathedral, Westfield London W12, as well as major rail and Tube stations.

As music tourists contribute almost £600m to London’s economy each year, the Mayor said: “There is no doubt that live music on our streets adds to the city’s vibrancy, but I fear some parts of the capital could become no-go areas for buskers.

“Rather than shackling our musicians with unnecessary bureaucracy, we should treasure the spontaneity they bring to our high streets and town centres.

“I want to work with the boroughs, businesses, the music industry and other organisations to cut through red tape and support the talented musicians that are part of the magic of our city. Come on, let’s form a band and make this work - BackBusking now!’