BBC has named the 3 winners of its New Voices Bradford competition for the 2025 UK City of Culture.
Irene Kaali, 30, Humaira Bham, 25, and Olivia Wright, 25, will be at the heart of the BBC’s coverage of the UK City of Culture, which is being led by BBC Radio Leeds.
They were picked by a judging panel, led by Anita Rani, with the West Yorkshire trio selected after a 4-week talent search.
“The standard was incredibly high. I know lots of people who judge talent shows say this but genuinely it was really difficult. Ultimately, we could only pick three people and we picked the three who had the highest scores and I’m very happy it’s three female winners!” said Rani.
“They had heart, authenticity, warmth. There was something in their eyes and it was their passion for Bradford. They’re all in love with the place. They’re all very different and all have very different stories but that in itself is a reflection of the city.
“People from Bradford have always known how special it is and it’s time for us to show the world but also own our own narrative. Too many people who haven’t been here have an opinion of the place. This is the time for this city that cultured me to have its moment to shine.”
Each finalist was given two minutes to impress the judges who scored them on their ability to communicate their vision, creativity and innovation of audition, passion for the district of Bradford, and understanding of the UK City of Culture 2025.
“My background is in theatre so I’ve done a million auditions in my life and sometimes you go into an audition scenario and you know you’ve got the look or have the talent but with this there was no way to tell,” said Irene Kaali, who is a Zumba instructor from Bradford.
“Ultimately, I’ve always just wanted to spend my life doing something that I can be proud of that goes beyond me, so this is everything I could have dreamed of. I’m just going to try and live in the moment, enjoy it, and be proud of it.
“The reaction [when the winners were announced] from everyone was so symbolic of Bradford. There was never any competition in that room, everyone was for each other, supporting each other so we won together as a team.”
Humaira Bham, who is an Optometrist from Batley, added:
“I feel over the moon. My mum came up to me, she was moved to tears. If I can make my mum that proud it makes me so happy.”
Finally, Olivia Wright, who works as a car sales advisor from Bradford, said:
“It’s overwhelming but it feels right at the same time.
“I applied because I want to be part of the movement that brings about change in Bradford. This city inspires me every day. I was born here, I have grown up here. I want people to love it the same way I do.”
The UK City of Culture year will take place in 2025 and will be a celebration of Bradford’s vibrant cultural scene, delivering more than 1,000 performances working with people from all over the district.
“Thank you to everyone who auditioned for BBC New Voices Bradford, it’s been a joy seeing everyone’s passion for our city and district,” said Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director at Bradford 2025.
“The BBC New Voices scheme is one of the many ways we’re working with the BBC to showcase Bradford and the people who make our city so vibrant. Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 is going to be transformational for the district and is an opportunity for us to celebrate the talent and creativity that exists right here in Bradford.
“I am looking forward to working with the winners to capture the buzz of our city and to showcase our exciting plans for 2025 – watch this space!”
