TWO Croydon musicians seeking stardom have made it through to the semi finals of a national talent competition.

Justin Agabi-Keyamo describes himself as a cross between Enya and Michael Jackson.

The 31-year-old, whose stage name is Poetic Justin, impressed judges during his audition for Open Mic UK, a competition which rewards the eventual winner with a recording contract and £30,000 to invest in their future career.

While many acts performed cover versions of their favourite songs, Justin. who lives in Croydon High Street, sang his own compositions.

Now he is fine-tuning another song – Don't Waste My Time – for the semi final at the Beck Theatre, in Hayes, Middlesex, on September 19.

He said: "It was the first time I've had to sing in front of people – it's quite scary.

"I didn't want to be one of those people whose friends say they are good but actually I'm making a complete idiot of myself.

"The judges have heard me sing and put me through which has given me confidence that I have potential."

To warm up for the big day Justin performed at Croydon's Black Sheep Bar on Sunday.

In the semi final he will be joined by Deirdre Sagatis, 24.

She wants to use the competition to pay tribute to her mother who died at the age of 62 from breast cancer last February.

"It's still very raw at the minute," she said.

"But I hope that by singing about how I felt when I lost mum and how brave and wonderful she was, it will raise awareness about breast cancer."

The singer and songwriter, from Pagehurst Road, Addiscombe, says her greatest influence is PJ Harvey and that her music is "original poetic rock with a rough edge".

She auditioned for The X Factor last year but says her nerves got the better of her and she hopes to be able to tame them for the competition.

"I do get incredibly nervous, but I need to use that energy for my vocals and putting emotion in my voice," she said.

"I love music and I hope this will help get my music out there."

Deirdre, who has a band called Crucial Blue, will be warming up for the contest with a performance at Scream Studios in South End, South Croydon, on Sunday.