First on stage, a confident performance and then a winner’s trophy to take home to Portsmouth.
Jasmine Paige, known to local music fans as Jazzy Paige, delivered a night to remember at Song Academy Young Songwriter 2026 showcase. Opening the evening at The Tabernacle in Notting Hill on Saturday 3 October, she performed her original song, Pretty But Not, before being named the UK and Ireland winner in the 8 to 12 category.
For those who have watched her performing around Portsmouth and the surrounding area, it was a proud moment. A local artist with a growing following had taken her music to a bigger stage and earned recognition for her own songwriting.
Going first brings its own pressure. There is no chance to watch another finalist settle the room or get a feel for the evening before taking your turn. Jazzy had the job of opening the entire showcase, and she delivered with confidence.
The introduction gave a clear sense of why Pretty But Not had caught the judges’ attention. They praised the honesty and vulnerability of its lyrics, along with the way its melody developed. A strong voice can draw people in, but a song that feels personal gives them a reason to keep listening.
Jazzy brought both to the stage.
This was a serious competition, with just under 1,000 entries submitted across its categories from young songwriters around the world. Reaching the final was an achievement in itself. Taking the title meant standing out among a talented group, each with an original song and a different approach to making music.
Alongside Jazzy in her category were The Electronic Eagles with British Weather, Shouvik Ramgir with Crunching Yummy Veggie Love, Horatio Wilmott with Too Cool and Matteo Questa with S.O.S. (Same Old Situation).
There was plenty of character in that line up. The Electronic Eagles brought a cheeky celebration of British weather, while Shouvik used rap to encourage better eating choices. Horatio’s song was praised for its confidence and personality, and Matteo’s writing drew attention for its memorable chorus and clear sense of identity. Jazzy faced strong competition, which makes her success all the more rewarding.
She also had a sizeable piece of home in the audience. More than 20 family members and guests travelled up to support her, sharing an evening that became an important milestone in her musical journey.
The win adds to an already remarkable year, including 15 weeks at number one on Express FM music chart. It also brings opportunities to develop her music further. The prizes announced on the night included a half day recording session with producer Charlie Thomas and a home recording studio package from Focusrite and Novation.
I was there to photograph the evening for Scenic Eye, capturing Jazzy’s performance and the celebration around her. Nights like this are a reminder of why our local music scene deserves attention. The artists we see in familiar venues can go on to achieve something far beyond them.
You can catch Jazzy at venues including The Prince of Wales Havant and The Apsley House , as well as other local stages. Check her Facebook page for upcoming appearances and music news.
There is something very special about this young Portsmouth artist. Her confidence as a performer, the honesty in her songwriting and the support growing around her make her one to watch.
Keep an eye on Jazzy. After a night like this, 2027 could be a big year for our local superstar in the making.
Jazzypaigeofficial Portsmouth's Express FM THE FLASH ON AIR Focusrite YouTube
