Georgina had scooped the runners-up for the July Catholic performance when she perfectly executed three songs: "Listen," by Beyonce, "A Moment Like This," by Liona Lewis and "The Climb," by Milley Cyrus.
[Entertainment: Music]
Watching an 11-year-old teenager arriving onto the podium probably you would think that she was to deliver a note to the Master of Ceremony. This was the exact scene at The O2 Arena here in London recently, when Georgina Naluyange, 11, walked onto the stage.
Georgina, as she prefers to be addressed, was given a great reception of her life time. She sang Jennifer Hudson’s “And I Am Telling You, I’m Not Going.”
Last November, then 10 years old, Georgina, a daughter to Ronald and Harriet Senyonjo Masembe, at Barbican Centre became the first Ugandan to officially entertain both the London Mayor Boris Johnson and Lord Mayor Alderman Nick Anstee during the annual City’s Citizens’ Assembly. Previously, she had scooped the runners-up for the July Catholic performance when she perfectly executed three songs: “Listen,” by Beyonce, “A Moment Like This,” by Liona Lewis and “The Climb,” by Milley Cyrus.
When she was nominated to lead the teenagers to entertain the London Mayor and Lord Mayor of London, during the 2009 annual London Citizens Assembly for the first time, the organizers never wanted to do it again without Georgina.
Georgina bears such talents that have changed her entire family’s lifestyle.
Her inspiration comes from various performers: Liona Lewis, Nancy Wilson, Julianne Hough, Usher, Renée Fleming, to name a few. The dad who initially was reluctant to see his daughter go into the music business is now one of her biggest fans. “Georgina is just a blessing for the family; she has brought passion to everybody in the house,” he says.
“At first I didn’t take note and I had no interest, from my tiring work straight to the pub then get back home around mid-night. But now I just buy Chivas Regal and get home,” he says, “to listen to Georgina.”
“I’m proud of Georgina, everybody at home gets entertained because she chips in to sing exactly as famous singers,” adds the mother, Harriet Senyonjo Masembe. “We spend evening times together in our living room, watching and listening when Georgina dances and sings for the family.”
“I have been excited as well, and am so happy for everybody who supported me,” said Georgina just after her showcase as people were surging to catch a glimpse of the young budding star.
She was selected to perform at this year’s London Citizens’ Assembly on Monday, July 12, at the famous O2 Arena.
The assembly had students from Hounslow Manor School–there was a youth crime prevention workshop with conflict resolution training and role playing in the VIP lounge protection.
The annual assembly is aimed at sensitizing people who are confused about the word “asylum.” It encouraged people to use the term “sanctuary” when referring to people who are fleeing from persecution rather than calling them “asylum seekers.”
Miwambo writes for The Black Star News from Europe