BGT Winner Tokio Myers Wants To Use His Money To Help Disadvantaged Kids
Generous Britain’s Got Talent winner Tokio Myers wants to use his £250,000 winnings to set up a music school to provide opportunities for young people from tough backgrounds.
The multi-instrumentalist witnessed first-hand the destruction of gang mentality when his head teacher Phillip Lawrence was stabbed to death outside the gates of St George’s Catholic school in north London in 1995.
Tokio was 11 at the time of the attack by gang member Learco Chindamo and was lead to safety inside the building by his music teacher Mr Morgan.
He said: “I would love to be able to set up my own music school one day to mentor and inspire other people.
“If I get a real shot at being successful I would love to do talks at school.
“I want to push the boundaries and break stereotypes about classical music.
“We live in a time when you can no longer judge a book by its cover.
“It’s OK to be different – and I want to be at the forefront of that.
“I want to inspire people.”
The 32-year-old, who toured with the late Amy Winehouse while part of the group Mr Hudson and the Library, romped to victory in Saturday’s BGT final.
Blackpool-born magician Issy Simpson, eight, came second and Malawi-born comedian Daliso Chaponda, 37, finished third as the 11th series of the talent show drew to a close.
After the final was moved from it’s usual Sunday night slot due to the One Love Manchester concert , the lowest-ever ratings for a final were recorded.
An average 8.2million – down on last year’s 8.5million – viewers tuned in between 7.30-10pm, with a peak of 10.2million as the results were revealed.
Tokio, tipped to make a million from a record deal and live performances, said racism and discrimination throughout his life inspired him to work harder to achieve his dream.
He added: “There has always been people throughout my life that have given me bad vibes.
“I can’t deny that there has been discrimination my whole life.
“I walk on to do a gig and people have stopped me from going on, security or the audience.
“But I love a challenge.
“Everyone learns a bit of a lesson.”
As well as the cash prize, Tokio will also perform in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Show in November.
He has also set his sights on working with old pal Ed Sheeran, 26, whose track Bloodstream he performed in his first BGT audition.
Tokio said: “I knew Ed long before everyone knew him as Ed Sheeran .
“I don’t know if he remembers me or not but I would love to collaborate with him.”
On Saturday it was Tokio’s interpretation of the Romeo and Juliet balcony scene from the Baz Luhrmann film blended with Hans Zimmer Interstellar and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man’s Human which helped him win the public vote.
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